Folk Art Decorative Objects
Folk art is a genre of art that shares the creator’s traditions, offering not just an artistic display but an opportunity to learn about a culture. Antique, new and vintage folk art typically reflects a heritage or location. It can include utilitarian objects and handmade art as diverse as weather vanes, duck decoys, portraiture and paintings, carnival art and quilts.
Quilts are a quintessential part of American folk art but their roots are international, with quilting dating back to Ancient Egypt. The practice spread to Europe and was especially prominent in the Middle Ages, with one of the oldest surviving examples being the Tristan quilt made in Sicily in the 14th century. They were made as bedcovers and clothing, including as a layer for knights to wear beneath their armor. Native American folk art includes functional objects reflecting their heritage, such as baskets, textiles and wooden pieces.
Elsewhere, the vast range of work associated with Mexican folk art includes masks made by Mexican craftspeople for traditional celebrations and ceremonial dances. Mexican masks are part of the country’s folk-art traditions that go back thousands of years and play a role in festivals and theater.
Works in the folk art tradition are valuable because of the skills involved, like weaving, hand-carving wood and even stonework. Many folk artists are self-taught, while some train as apprentices within their community. By using available materials and taking a personal approach to their creations, artists ensure each piece is unique and conveys a story.
During the Great Depression, artistic materials in America were hard to come by, so artisans used discarded wood from cigar boxes and shipping crates to make highly stylized, notched pieces — most often picture frames and boxes — that are today sought after by collectors. This folk art style is called tramp art and was popular from roughly 1870 until the 1940s.
Folk art brings vibrant culture and traditions into your home. Browse an extensive collection of antique, new and vintage folk art on 1stDibs.
20th Century Japanese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Reed, Bamboo
Mid-20th Century German Folk Art Decorative Objects
Iron
Early 19th Century Dutch Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Delft
Early 20th Century Swiss Folk Art Decorative Objects
Metal, Iron
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wicker, Oak
Mid-20th Century Kenyan Folk Art Decorative Objects
Ebony
Mid-20th Century English Folk Art Decorative Objects
Porcelain
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
Early 20th Century European Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Ceramic, Pottery
Mid-18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Iron
Late 19th Century European Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pottery
Mid-20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Metal
Late 20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Ceramic, Pottery
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Sterling Silver
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Bentwood
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pine
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
18th Century Mexican Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood, Paint
1880s American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Copper, Iron
Late 20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Stone
20th Century Russian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Lacquer
20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Ceramic, Pottery
1950s English Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wire
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Cement
19th Century French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Straw
Early 2000s American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Ceramic, Pottery
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Birch, Pine
1930s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
1950s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Hardwood
20th Century Brazilian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Crystal
Early 20th Century German Folk Art Decorative Objects
Stoneware
2010s Brazilian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Hardwood, Shell, Paint
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
1910s French Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Brass
Mid-20th Century European Folk Art Decorative Objects
Brass, Copper
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Birch
Late 20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Soapstone
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Canvas
Late 20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
1920s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Concrete
1830s Chinese Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
Early 20th Century Unknown Folk Art Decorative Objects
Softwood
Mid-20th Century Chinese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Paper
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Textile, Wood
Early 1900s Malian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Hardwood
1920s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Glass
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
1990s American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
Mid-20th Century Japanese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
1890s American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood, Giltwood, Paint
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
Early 20th Century Burmese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Teak
1910s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pine
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
Mid-20th Century Turkish Folk Art Decorative Objects
Bronze
1770s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Stoneware
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Birch, Pine
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Metal
1940s Indonesian Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood