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Folk Art Decorative Objects

FOLK ART STYLE

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.

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Style: Folk Art
Oversized Blue and White Mexican Talavera Glazed Ceramic Bowl
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Authentic oversized very fine blue and white Mexican Talavera de la Reina glazed ceramic bowl. Huge blue and white Mexican Talavera pottery handcrafte...
Category

Late 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Antique Swedish Long Case Clock, Genuine Handmade with Original Blue Paint
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique Swedish longcase clock from around 1820 to 1840. The clock was made by hand in Hälsingland in Northern Sweden. The frame is solid pine w...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine

Puerto Rican Hand Crafted Wood Rooster Sculpture
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Puerto Rican Hand Crafted Wood Rooster Sculpture by Emilio Rosado. It depicts a hand carved and hand painted white, red, yellow and plum color standing proud and tall roost...
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Antique Hand Carved Wood Elephant
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Hand carved wood in a form of an elephant. No tusk
Category

Early 20th Century East Asian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Rare Pair of Fireman's Axe Parade Torches
Located in York County, PA
Rare pair of fireman’s axe parade torches, 1860-1880: Pair of fireman’s axe parade torches with traditional wooden axe handles and the heads made o...
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Vintage Boho Shell Encrusted Cockatoo on Stand
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A breathtaking masterpiece of patience and coastal artistry, this monumental hanging shell cockatoo is a true showstopper. Meticulously hand-crafted from thousands of individual seas...
Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Tonala Folk Art Bird Mexican Hand Painted Colorful Pottery 1960s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Tonala Folk Art Pottery Plate Hand Painted Flying Bird, Mexico, circa 1960's. Vintage Mexican Tonala hand painted pottery bird Folk Art. Flora de la Cruz ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Woven Tribal Basket Vase in Brown and Black
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A small woven basket shaped like a vase. Woven with natural fibers in geometric patterns, this small decorative piece of folk art would be beautiful...
Category

20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wicker

Moroccan Decorative Cat Sculpture Handbuilt and Handpainted by Potter Houda
Located in Marseille, FR
- Hand built decorative cat sculpture - made of clay collected from the potter's surroundings. - decorative motifs painted with a goat hair brush made b...
Category

2010s Moroccan Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Clay, Earthenware

Puerto Rican Santos De Palos/Wood Carved Sculpture of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Located in Guaynabo, PR
A renown tradition in Puerto Rico is the making of Santos de Palos by Masters Carvers since the 19th century. They hand carved and hand painted the saints inspired in their personal ...
Category

19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

1950s Asian Handcrafted Wood Burmese String Opera Marionette Wall Decor
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Exquisite Vintage 1950s Handcrafted Wooden Marionette with Burmese String, Reflecting Asian Opera Artistry. This splendid Burmese-Thai marionette is a testament to masterful hand carving and intricate hand painting. Adorned with ornate fabrics in red and gold colors heavily embellished with beads, sequins, colored glass, embroidery, and gemstones, this marionette is a true work of art. Whether you choose to display it on your wall, use it as a mobile to bring color to a child's room, or incorporate it into your authentic boho and ethnic decor, it will captivate your senses. A fine representation of handcrafted village folk puppets from Asia, this marionette stands out for its unique quality. What sets marionettes apart from regular puppets is their manipulation through strings controlled from above, offering an unparalleled range of movement. Operating these strings demands a high level of skill, making marionettes a cherished form of puppetry. In Asia, marionette troupes were often sponsored and patronized by royalty, and while their performances were undoubtedly captivating and entertaining, they also served a significant cultural role. This marionette is not only a collector's delight but also a stunning piece of art. It portrays Minthar, the prince, in all his vintage glory...
Category

Mid-20th Century Thai Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Fabric, Wood

19th Century Original Blue Painted Swedish Mora Grandfather Clock
Located in Round Top, TX
Antique Swedish Mora Grandfather clock with original blue painted finish. The monogram indicates this clock was likely a wedding or dowry present. Pine longcase with original folk a...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine, Paint

Antique Real Skull of a Rabbit, Germany ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Real Skull of a Rabbit, Germany ca. 1900s An antique taxidermied skull of the rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) mounted on an ebonized wooden tur...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Bone, Wood

Raku Ceramic Vessel Vase by Bob Green
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Bob Green Southern Folk Art Burnished Raku Vessel This stunning burnished raku ceramic vessel by Bob Green, a celebrated Southern folk artist, showcases the captivating unpredictabil...
Category

Early 2000s American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

20th Century Handwoven Soft African Bolga Shopping Basket With Leather Handle
Located in Red Lion, PA
20th Century Handwoven African Bolga Basket with Leather Handle This beautifully handwoven 20th-century Bolga basket is a soft-formed, organic piece made in the Bolgatanga region of...
Category

20th Century African Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather, Straw, Raffia

Antique Brass Jam Pan. English 19th Century
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great rustic accessory for the country kitchen Country house condition. Original patina to brass and rusty iron handle Free UK shipping
Category

1870s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Iron

Asian Gilt Bronze Teppanom Kneeling Thai Sacred Angels
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Two Asian gilt bronze Teppanom kneeling Thai sacred angels. Bronze gilded temple guardians in a sitting position. These temple guardians were made in Th...
Category

Mid-20th Century Thai Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

German Painted & Carved Wood Carousel Horse w/ Saddle Seat on Stand 19th Century
Located in Charleston, SC
German hand carved wood and decorative painted carousel horse with carved flowing mane, carved hairy tail, upholstered muslin saddle seat, flanking original glass eyes, and mounted o...
Category

19th Century German Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wrought Iron

19th Century Swedish Folk Art Woven basket genuine rustic
Located in Boden, SE
A fantastic 19th Century Swedish Folk Art root Basket made of woven twigs & birch bark. It comes from an old farmhouse in Luleå Norrbotten Northern Sweden. The basket is not jus...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Twig, Birch

Japanese Signed Wabi-Sabi Pottery Glazed Chawan Tea Bowl Style of Bernard Leach
Located in Studio City, CA
A gorgeous tenmoku drip glazed Japanese Chawan tea bowl that features a mix of shifting colors, glazes and textures. The piece radiates in the light and is very reminiscent of work ...
Category

20th Century Japanese Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Earthenware, Pottery

Victorian Antique Smoker’s Cane Walking Stick with Money & Matches Box
Located in Shippensburg, PA
VICTORIAN SMOKING CANE WITH A ROTATING MONEY BOX AND MATCH COMPARTMENT Unmarked, probably English; late 19th/early 20th century 35" H x 2 1/8" W An interesting smoker's cane, the ...
Category

20th Century British Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Nickel

19th Century French Folk Art Storage Basket
Located in Allerum, SE
Unusually large 19th century French folk art storage basket. coiled construction with straw and bark. Ca 1890 France.
Category

19th Century French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Straw

American Folk Art Carved and Painted Wooden Cat Sculpture, Flower Power
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage whimsical and playful American Folk Art hand carved wood sculpture depicts a stretching cat with a lifted expressive face. The cat has a beautiful flower power style hand-pa...
Category

20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

1940s Day Basket Co. Handwoven White Oak Long Market Basket with Stamped Handle
Located in Red Lion, PA
1940s Day Basket Co. Handwoven White Oak Long Market Basket with Stamped Handle This charming 1940s handwoven market basket by the Day Basket Company of Maryland is a beautiful and ...
Category

1940s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Oak

Vintage Blue and White Delft Porcelain Spoon Rack
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Stunning Vintage Delfts Blauw blue and white porcelain spoon rack in very good condition. Beautiful Dutch Delft hanging wall rack with blue and white han...
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

American Copper Spread Winged Eagle Weathervane with Sphere and Arrow, C. 1880
Located in Charleston, SC
American molded copper spread winged eagle weathervane with circular sphere, arrow, and mounted on cast iron squared base. Weathervane has a fine natural verdigris patina in the orig...
Category

1880s American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper, Iron

Charming Northern Swedish Handmade Folk Art Wooden Figurines
Located in Kramfors, SE
Charming hand-carved wooden figurines in folk art from northern Sweden. The set of 6 figurines are made by hand in solid Swedish pine and painted by My...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine

Antique Black Forest Brienz Hand Carved Trinket Box, Folk Art 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Found in Germany at an estate sale, this hand carved trinket box or catchall is perfect for the collector. Nice antique collectible to display in yo...
Category

1890s German Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Nantucket Cocktail Purse by Jose Formoso Reyes, circa 1950
By Jose Formoso Reyes
Located in Nantucket, MA
Nantucket Cocktail Purse by Jose Formoso Reyes, circa 1950, a very early Nantucket diminutive oval woven purse made during the first few years Reyes was m...
Category

1950s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Cane, Rattan, Pine

Antique Armenian Pottery Vase circa 1920s, Jerusalem
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Rare tall and slender early 20th century cylinder shaped Armenian ceramic vase with floral, organic and graphic decorations handpainted in green, blue, red, gray colors on sand colored pottery base under clear glaze. Manufactured by Armenian pottery...
Category

Early 20th Century Israeli Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware

Oversized Handmade Japanese Ikebana Floor Basket
Located in Malibu, CA
Vintage Japanese Ikebana Floor Basket. The basket features a unique design with a woven background & high-quality bamboo with freestyle form embellishing the underneath basket. Suita...
Category

20th Century Japanese Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Bamboo, Reed

Large Split Oak American Spale Gathering Basket
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage or antique oversized basket in a traditional spale shape features a bent wood ring rim with handles on each side. The basket is formed of a split oak with graphic weave patte...
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Beads, Oak

Japanese Flat Ikebana Basket, Bamboo, Suruga Sensuji Style
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage bamboo Ikebana basket features an elongated, flattened form with prominent rounded handle. The basket is woven of thin round bamboo strips that are secured with transparent ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Rattan, Wicker, Bamboo

1960s Large Hand-carved Iron Wood American Bald Eagle Art Sculpture
Located in North Hollywood, CA
A large hand-carved iron wood eagle perched on a tree stump and surveying the surroundings ready to fly. Hand carved wood vintage extremely detailed bald eagle perched upon rockery with glass eyes. Hand carved Ironwood Southwestern seri...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Chinese Checkered Papier-Mâché Box
Located in Chicago, IL
Formed around a simple wooden frame, this papier-mâché storage box is a charming example of Chinese folk art. Crafted with old newspapers and dyed rice paper, the box would have been...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Paper

Swedish Craft, Bowl, Wood, Sweden, 19th Century
Located in High Point, NC
A wood bowl produced in Sweden, 19th century.
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

American Gilt Carved Wood and Poly Chromed Roman Guard Figurehead, Circa 1890
Located in Charleston, SC
American gilt carved wood and poly chromed nautical figurehead of Roman guard in military attire. Late 19th century.
Category

1890s American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Giltwood, Paint

Folk Art Hand Painted XL Colorful Gourd
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Folk Art Hand Painted XL Colorful Gourd 18 h x 16 diameter Original vintage unrestored Refer to images listed
Category

Late 20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

South Indian Life Sized Carved Polychrome Peacock Sculpture Statue
Located in Dayton, OH
20th century South Indian carved and painted peacock statue. Hand carved on a plinth base. Features bright colors of yellow, green, red and orange. A la...
Category

20th Century Indian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Hardwood, Paint

Antique Native American Sweet Grass Basket with Lid in Pink and Green
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A six-sided woven sweet grass decorative basket in brown, with bright green and pink decorative design. This basket is created from tightly woven sweet grass. Sweet Grass holds deep ...
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Natural Fiber

Carved Ebony "Star" Vide Poche, France 1950's
Located in New York, NY
Delicately carved solid Ebony vide poche on a pedestal base decorated with points around the edge.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ebony

WWI Trench Art Vases, French, 1917- Set of 2
Located in Ross, CA
WWI Trench art vases etched with the French Rooster, bows, and the year 1917. Trench art was art commonly made by soldiers with shell casings to pass the time in the trenches of WW...
Category

1910s French Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Antique Swedish Wide Wooden Bowl with Original Paint and Authentic Patina
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique Swedish wooden bowl in good vintage condition with authentic patina and traces after use. The bowl has a round shape and is made from a single piece of wood that’s been hollo...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

18th century Norwegian carved kasa ale cup
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Good quality Norwegian horse head ale bowl known as a kasa/kuksa. Dated on the base 1773, with makers marks. Hand carved decoration, with original polychrome paint. Evidence of ol...
Category

Late 18th Century Norwegian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine, Paint

Guerrero Pottery Bull Bank
Located in Fairfield, CA
A vintage Mexican folk art pottery bank. Hand made in Guerrero, Mexico. The bank is in the shape of bull with a rider, featuring beautiful hand painted te...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pottery

Moroccan Terracotta Candle Holder Handbuilt and Handpainted by the Potter Houda
Located in Marseille, FR
- Handbuilt freckles terracotta candle holder - made of clay collected from the potter's surroundings. - made in the Moroccan Rif mountains by Houda Approximate measurements: 1....
Category

2010s Moroccan Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Clay, Earthenware

Swedish Craft, Bowl, Wood, Sweden, 19th Century
Located in High Point, NC
A red-painted wood bowl produced in Sweden, 19th Century
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Early 20th Century Scandinavian Faded Wooden Milliners Head, 1900's
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Beautiful faded wooden gent milliners hea from the early 1900's. The faded lines and the non-treated wood give this head his beautiful character. Absolutely top of the line decorati...
Category

Early 1900s Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

19th Century Folk Art Wood Black Painted Box
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Folk Art Wood Black Painted Box, Mid to late 19th Century. Charming handcrafted black painted box with unbeatable patina. The interior features off white paint and there is a bras...
Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Stoneware Jars with Cobalt Blue Floral Motif from Westerwald, Germany, Set of 3
Located in Grythyttan, SE
Crafted in the traditional style of gray pottery adorned with cobalt blue floral motif, these salt-glazed stoneware jars hails from the Westerwald...
Category

1970s German Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

Giant Advertising Presentation Glass Chalice for Bells Scotch Whisky
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Giant Advertising Presentation Glass Chalice for Bells Scotch Whisky This is an oversized Glass, made for Pub or Bar display advertising. The glas...
Category

1920s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Vintage Lidded Basket Handmade Bamboo & Handwoven Rattan Nautical Seashell 1980
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Coastal Folk Art lidded round basket handmade Bamboo and handwoven Rattan in blonde and white Plastik Seashell decoration. Nautical Bohemian ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan, Cane, Plastic, Wood

Greenlandica, Figure of a Walrus Made of Soapstone, Approximately 1960/1970s.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Greenlandica, figure of a walrus made of soapstone. Approximately 1960/1970s. In good condition, signs of use. Dimensions: L 12.5 x D 4.0 x H 8.0 cm.
Category

1960s Greenlandic Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Soapstone

Sugarcane Harvesters From Puerto Rico Watercolor Painting by Epifanio Irizarry
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Sugarcane Harvesters Scene Painting in Puerto Rico by Epifanio Irizarry. It depicts a watercolor painting of three sugarcane workers in a canaveral or cane landscape. One i...
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Canvas

Fully Articulated Artist's Model Of Horse, Signed
Located in Bradenton, FL
Antique hand-carved artist's model of a horse, fully articulated at every level including wooden ears. Has a horsehair tail. Fixed on a brass stem and raised on a wooden base. Artist signed on base as Philippe Leo.
Category

Early 20th Century French Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Large Antique Cast Iron Seated Frog Door Stop
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Large Antique cast iron seated frog door stop. USA, Circa 1920s. A rare and unusual model, of large size, depicts a seated green frog on a r...
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

1960s Sculpture of an American Eagle Hand Carved in Seri Ironwood
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Carved Wood American Eagle Sculpture 1960s. Vintage Sculpture of an American Eagle Carved in Seri Ironwood. Handmade large carved wood eagle ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Small Antique Brass Jam Pan. English 19th Century
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great rustic accessory for the country kitchen Country house condition. Original patina to brass and rusty iron handle The measurement given is with the handle up Free UK shipping
Category

1870s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Iron

German Folk Art Grey and Cobalt Blue Stoneware Jar
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
A very decorative German folk art grey stoneware jar with cobalt-blue painting from the 1st half of the 20th century. Traditional Westerwald stoneware is a type of ceramic ware that was produced in the lower Westerwald and the Kannenbäckerland in the early modern period. Since the 17th century, it has been one of the dominant types of German stoneware. The technique for producing grey stoneware with cobalt blue painting proved...
Category

Early 20th Century German Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

Moroccan Decorative Horse Sculpture Handbuilt and Handpainted by Potter Houda
Located in Marseille, FR
- Hand built decorative horse sculpture - made of clay collected from the potter's surroundings. - decorative motifs painted with a goat hair brush made by the potter to apply natu...
Category

2010s Moroccan Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Clay, Earthenware

Folk Art decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique folk art decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage decorative objects created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, folk art, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art decorative objects made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original decorative objects, popular names associated with this style include Mosche Bianche, Jim Rose, Berber Tribes of Morocco, and Tonala Pottery. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for decorative objects differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $38 and tops out at $225,000 while the average work can sell for $1,105.

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