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
Indian Etched Brass Vanity Box, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This Indian three-tier box was crafted in the early 20th century and originally used as a vanity chest or jewelry box. Etched with an elegant all-over floral motif, the brass box is swathed in a rich red pigment with a metallic sheen and dotted with pops of blue, white, and green on the blossoms. Like an accordion sewing box...
Category
Early 20th Century Indian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Earthenware Hungarian Pottery, circa 1900s
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Earthenware Hungarian Pottery, circa 1900s
Discover the elegance of history with this Antique Terracotta Enamel Vase from Hungary, dating back to the 1900s. Esteemed for its impres...
Category
Early 20th Century Hungarian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Earthenware, Terracotta
Found and Salvaged Steel House Structure on a Reclaimed Steel Plate, Wooden Base
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Jim Rose, known primarily for his steel furniture, was an avid collector and scoured salvage yards for unique and interesting items. Here, a collection of found steel is reworked and...
Category
2010s American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal, Steel
Tramp Art Box, Large Scale and Unusual Form. Circa 1900
Located in Stamford, CT
Large scale tramp art box of unusual form. At 2 feet wide quite impressive in scale and equally impressive in the ambition of the craftsman who created it. The geometry of the psuedo...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Indian Brass Betel Nut Box, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This ornate Indian betel nut box dates back to the early 20th century. Known in India as a paan daan, this box was used in the ritual of chewing betel nut or paan, a practice that da...
Category
Early 20th Century Indian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Copper
Royal Doulton "the Carpet Seller" Moroccan Decorative Porcelain Figurine
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Royal Doulton "the carpet seller," Moroccan figurine of a carpet seller.
Made in England, by Royal Doulton England, the "Carpet Seller,"
Royal Doulto...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Earthenware Hungarian Pottery, circa 1900s
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Earthenware Hungarian Pottery, circa 1900s
This exquisite piece of early 20th century, this antique Hungarian pottery stands as a testament ...
Category
Early 20th Century Hungarian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Earthenware
Vintage Monumental Carved Wood Tiki Sculpture. French Polynesia. Creation Sanobo
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage Monumental Carved Wood Tiki Sculpture. French Polynesia.Tahiti. Wonderfully carved, Strong presence. Carved signed Creation Sanobo,, (see photo). Hand delivery avail to New Y...
Category
1950s Polynesian Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Vintage Asian Bronze Singing Hammered Bowl
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Asian Hammered Bronze Singing Bowl 1950s.
Asian Bronze Vessel Singing Bowl.
A special collectible piece.
Made from bronze, a good heavy weight.
Circa 1950s.
The hand-hammered...
Category
Mid-20th Century Nepalese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Faux Bois Iron Log Sculptures
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of Faux Bois iron log sculptures.
Unusual vintage pair of faux bois iron log planters or sculptures. This unique pair of faux bois sculptures would...
Category
Mid-20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
19th Century Nest of Three Nantucket Lightship Baskets
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th Century Nest of Three Nantucket Lightship Baskets, circa 1880, a graduated set of three round, open baskets having cane weave on rattan staves, a carved swing handle with an elongated ovoid lozenge end connected to tin ears that extend down inside the weave for about a quarter length of a stave, and hardwood bottom plate, likely maple, that is slightly convex and scribed with three concentric rings, The baskets are not signed but are clearly all made by the same hand. The style of the handle with a lozenge end is very similar to that carved by Charles Ray, Capt. Thomas James, William Appleton and circle aboard the South Shoals Lightship, and continued in a more exaggerated manner ashore by A.D. Williams, Ferdinand Sylvaro and especially Mitchy Ray. The handle here has a more slender and elegant profile more akin to the work of Capt. James, suggesting that this nest was likely made by a sailor serving aboard the lightship during James' tenure.
All three baskets remain in very good, strong condition, and enjoy a deep patina nicely darkened with age. Unlike most nests which really seem to be more of an assemblage gathered together after the fact, these three baskets nest together nicely with a uniform gradation in size, a feature exemplified by the perfect graduated profile of their handles.
This nest was in the personal collection of noted Nantucket folk art...
Category
1870s American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Cane, Maple, Rattan
Vintage French Wicker Laundry Basket with Lid This is an excellent example and
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Vintage French Wicker Laundry Basket with Lid
This is an excellent example and in remarkably good condition, this strong basket is divide...
Category
1920s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wicker
Found and Salvaged Steel House Structure on a Reclaimed Steel Plate, Wooden Base
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Jim Rose, known primarily for his steel furniture, was an avid collector and scoured salvage yards for unique and interesting items. Here, a collection of found steel is reworked whi...
Category
2010s American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal, Steel
Vintage Carved Wood and Poly Chrome Painted Figural Musical Clock Figurine
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This vintage hand carved and hand painted musical clock is unsigned, but presumed to have been made in or near Austria in circa 1950 in a Folk Art style. The carving depicts a male figure leaning against a post mounted Black Forest styled clock. The carving is quite detailed and well executed on all sides and has been hand painted in a realistic style. Both the clock and the music box are currently not working as both have been over-wound and would require servicing. The head of the carving should turn slightly left to right while the music box is playing, but in its current state it is unknown whether the mechanism functions and/or what tune the music box may play. In addition, there is currently no key for the clock, but these normally use a standard small music box...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Vintage Asian Bronze Singing Hammered Footed Bowl 1950s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Asian Hammered Footed Bronze Singing Bowl with inscriptions 1950s.
Asian Bronze Vessel Singing Footed Bowl.
Featuring hammered design of a fish and inscriptions around the ve...
Category
Mid-20th Century Nepalese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze, Brass
Small Antique Swedish Red-painted Horse in Wood, 1900th
Located in Stockholm, SE
A peasant sculpture in the form of a small working, red-painted horse with a bushy mane and tail on a painted pedestal, beautifully carved and painted wood.
On the underside, a text...
Category
Early 1900s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Antique Large Swedish Stone Mortar, circa 1800
By Skultuna
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This large and heavy mortar made in stone are perfect for display and interior. Made in Sweden ca 1800s. This unique piece has its origin in the middle of Sweden and its was made wit...
Category
Early 1800s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone
Vintage Carved Wood Folk Art Lion
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Eye catching whimsical lion sculpture or figure, hand carved, in a naive style, paint decorated and caught in mid roar.
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Hardwood
Group of Six Vintage Folk Art Painted Metal Pelican Sculptures-Priced per Pair
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Flock of pelicans hand crafted in metal in a charming stylized form, painted and ready for a new environment. Priced per pair.
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
18/19th Century Bodhisattva
Located in Stockholm, SE
Bodhisattva, a religious sculpture, probably made in India 1750-1850.
The sculpture has been painted and gilded, but with very little remains.
Bodhisattva, in Buddhism, is one who s...
Category
Late 18th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Barber Shop Trade Sign, Giant Comb and Scissors Larger than life
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Barber Shop Trade Sign, Giant Comb and Scissors
Larger than life and very noticeable “Barber Shop” trade sign, made in steel
Both Pieces of the set can be hung individually by susp...
Category
1960s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Steel
20th Century Native American Painted Totem Pole A painted animal totem
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
20th Century Native American Painted Totem Pole
A painted animal totem.
Animal totems are believed to have spiritual significance, watching over Pacific Northwest Indian tribes and...
Category
1960s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Beech, Birdseye Maple
Hand Carved 20th Century Wooden Girl with Doll and Cat Figure by ANRI, Italy
By ANRI
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful hand carved wooden Figure, found at an estate sale in Germany. We believe that this piece is from around 1980s, because it's dated at the base like seen in picture. A nice ...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
X-Large Vintage French Olive Wood Bowl, Early 20th Century
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Very large vintage handmade Mediterranean decorative centerpiece bowl made from olive wood. Traditional organic style carved from one solid piece of wood by local artisan in France i...
Category
Early 20th Century French Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood, Olive
Antique Genuine Folk Art Swedish Unusual Blue Handmade Wood Plate or Trough
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique Swedish wooden plate or trough made in northern Sweden around 1820 to 1840. The trough has original blue paint. The blue paint is unusual...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Collection of Six Sponge Ware Mush Cups and Saucers
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These amazing extra large 19thc mush cups & saucers sponge ware are in mint condition and great colors.They are so unusual and very rare to find in a collection of six !
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
Vintage Hand Thrown Pottery Terra Cotta Vase, Signed
Located in Charleston, SC
This stunning studio pottery terracotta vase has beautiful applied leaves and stems. The inside of the vase has a lovely blue high glaze, making for a really nice contrast.
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta, Paint
Antique Real Skull of a Crow or Magpie, Germany ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Real Skull of a Crow or Magpie, Germany ca. 1900s
An antique taxidermied skull of the crow (Corvidae) mounted on an ebonized wooden turned bas...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Bone, Wood
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
American Folk Art Door Stop in the Form of a Sitting Cat, Early 20th Century
Located in Downingtown, PA
American Folk Art Door Stop in the form of a Sitting Cat,
Early 20th Century
This charming doorstop, crafted in the early 20th century, embodies the spirit of American Folk Art. De...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Sterling Silver Rooster Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This sterling silver heavy hollow body rooster figure is signed 925 on the base and is in fine condition.
Beautifully made and proportioned well. Great patina.
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Sterling Silver
Hand Carved 20th Century Wooden Musician Figure by ANRI, Italy
By ANRI
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful hand carved wooden Figure, found at an estate sale in Germany. We believe that this piece is from around 1990s, because it's dated at the base like seen in picture. A nice ...
Category
1990s Italian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Vintage Hand Painted Folk Art Decorative Wood Box, Trunk or Stool in Pink
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A decorative folk art hand-painted wood box with a hinged lid. A fabulous little box perfect for toy storage or small miscellaneous items. The top of the piece is hand-painted with t...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood, Paint
Vintage Round Scalloped Capiz Photo Frame - India
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A round vintage scalloped capiz photo frame. This piece will be a great addition to a bedside table, bookshelf, or side table. The frame is created from pearlized capiz which is arra...
Category
20th Century Indian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Shell
Handcrafted Antique Tinned Copper Metal Betel Box, India
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Beautiful handcrafted antique tinned copper decorative octagonal betel box with with lid, handle and brass latch.
The metal is delicately and int...
Category
Early 20th Century Indian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Tin, Copper, Brass
19th Century Swedish Root Wood Bowl
Located in Mjöhult, SE
Sculptural early 19th century Swedish root wood bowl with a natural organic form. ca 1800 Sweden.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Soapstone Hand-Carved Bust of Brahma with Four Faces
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This bust is a beautiful representation of lord Brahma.
Brahma is a part of the holy trinity of Hinduism along with Vishnu the Preserver and Shiva the destroyer.
He is depicted in Hi...
Category
20th Century Thai Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Soapstone
Round Primitive Ceramic Decorative Trinket Studio Pottery Dish with Lid in Brown
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A round studio pottery trinket dish in brown. This piece will be perfect for a nightstand, coffee table, or bar. It is round and glazed in a deep brown. The lid on the top features a...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Antique Mid-19th Century Tramp Art Picture Frame Carved Oak
Located in Munich, DE
This large tramp art frame is handcrafted from carved oaksegments. It is in good condition with some minor losses to the edges. It has been photo...
Category
Mid-19th Century German Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Oak
Tibetan Sheep Footstool w/ Natural Sheep Horns
Located in Norwalk, CT
The most charming sheep stool/sculpture we have ever seen. Wonderful quality featuring dense Tibetan wool coat, natural sheep horns and natural leather ears. Sheered lambswool covere...
Category
1990s Unknown Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wool
Large Vintage Majolica Pottery Teapot Purple Grape Bunches
Located in Charleston, SC
Majolica Teapot has crazed ceramic background, berry / grapes with vines. The design surrounds the spout. Vines continue around the handle. Hand-paint...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
Mortar in red marble
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
Hand carved mortar in red marble, France, ca. 1800
Category
1790s French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Griotte Marble
Mid-Century American Folk Art Wood Articulated Man Figure
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a Folk Art wooden articulated man, circa the 1950s. This nearly 5-foot tall, handcrafted piece, epitomizing Mid-century American craftsmanship, is made ...
Category
1950s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Hardwood
Large Early 20th.Century Pine Horse
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Large Early 20th.Century Pine Horse
This is a substantial animal, he has previously been stripped back to mostly bare wood, which does help to show what sound condition he is in
He...
Category
1910s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Savage or folk story figure in bronze.
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
A savage or folk-art figure in bronze on a (recent) bluestone base.
The figure with his long pointed beard is wearing a cape with hood.
In front is a cross. In his hands he holds a ...
Category
Late 18th Century Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone, Bronze
1970's Vintage Pottery Flower Vase
Located in San Carlos, CA
For sale, we present a captivating Vintage Hand-Thrown Studio Pottery Flower Vase, a true testament to craftsmanship and enduring beauty. Adorned in soothing shades of beige and brow...
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
Bronze Toy Horse
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cast bronze toy horse on four wheels. Reminiscent of early 19th century Indian toys, these pieces were often left as offering in temples for children to find. The gift of the horse t...
Category
Mid-20th Century Indian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Large Ceramic Sculpture, Albert Thiry, Vallauris c. 1990
By Albert Thiry
Located in St Ouen, FR
Very large female figure executed in grogged clay and decorated with slips.
Albert Thiry and his wife Pyot founded their workshop in Vallauris in 1961.
Their creation is distinguish...
Category
1990s French Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Helmet Coal Scuttle Planter
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Helmet Coal Scuttle Planter
This bucket is a very attractive helmet shape, it is painted in black with a beaten Brass riveted hooped handles
The Scuttle is in good antique condition, it is clean inside and would make a very unusual planter
The Bucket is 13” tall including the handle, 11” long...
Category
1950s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Early 19th Century Swedish Folk Art Candle Holder
Located in Mjöhult, SE
Unusual early 19th century Swedish Folk Art candle holder in pine and iron. Ca 1820 Sweden.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Antique 1920's Folk Art Picture Frame Beach Souvenirs Photos Shells Sand Card
Located in Munich, DE
This highly unusual picture frame was handcrafted in 1920 ca, probably as a souvenir of a nice sea side summer holiday.. It is made out of cardboard and sand and decorated with a var...
Category
1920s French Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Paper, Shell
Jim Rose - Construct No. 05, Salvaged Steel and Aluminum Industrial Objects
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Jim Rose, known primarily for his steel furniture, was an avid collector and scoured salvage yards for unique, interesting items. Here he has welded together various metal pieces to...
Category
2010s American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal, Steel
Collection of 8 Glass And Metal German Tankards
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A collection of 8 pieces of tankards in glass with metal lids from the end of the 19th Century and beginning of the 20th Century. Probably these have been used for beer drinking. Fou...
Category
1890s German Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Nantucket Cocktail Purse by Jose Formoso Reyes, circa 1950
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
Nantucket Round Purse by Jose Formoso Reyes, circa 1950
Located in Nantucket, MA
Nantucket Round Purse by Jose Formoso Reyes, circa 1950, a very early Nantucket diminutive round woven purse from during the first few years Reyes wa...
Category
1950s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Cane, Rattan, Pine
Early 20th Century Vintage Artists Paint Box and Pallet, Denmark
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Danish Vintage Artists Paint Box and Pallet, Early 20th Century
Well loved Danish artists traveling wooden box with everything needed to paint on location. This charming box, acqui...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Pennsylvania Sponge Decorated Box On Later Stand
Located in Essex, MA
Square form with hinged lid with original brass bail handle. Faux bois decoration. The matt black painted wood base with square section legs and H form stretchers.
Category
1840s American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Early 20th Century Chinese Betrothal or Wedding Basket with Peony and Bird motif
Located in Grythyttan, SE
This early 20th-century bentwood bamboo/rattan/wicker Chinese wedding basket with polychrome paint is marvelously beautiful. The basket It has very beautiful and intricate weaving de...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Bamboo, Wicker
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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