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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
18th/19th Century Swedish Wabi-Sabi Hand-Carved Birch Bowl with Maker’s Mark
Located in Stockholm, SE
A rare and evocative Swedish hand-carved wooden bowl, dating from the late 18th to early 19th century. Crafted from birch, this rustic vessel embodies the timeless beauty of the wabi...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Birch

Beaded Ndebele Fertility Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king). As beads become gradually more accessible throughout the 19th century, they began to displace the organic materials used in traditional art and attire. This colorful example of African beadwork is a fertility doll...
Category

20th Century South African Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Cotton, Wood

Greenlandica, wooden sculpture of a hunter in profile. Hand-carved. Mid-20th C.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Greenlandica, wooden sculpture of a hunter in profile. Hand-carved. Mid-20th century. In very good condition. Dimensions: H 12.5 cm x D 8.0 cm x W 7.0 cm.
Category

Mid-20th Century Greenlandic Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Large Burl Bowl, Sweden, 1960's
Located in Stockholm, SE
Large Burl Bowl. Made in Sweden and dated 1964. Hand carved from one piece of birch burl. A great centerpeice for any table.
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Burl

Christmas Antique English Iron Clock Dial Face - Rare Holy Family Dial - Working
Located in Belper, Derbyshire
A Rare and lovely antique iron clock dial dating from around 1850. It features a charming painting of the Holy Family, Jesus, Mary and Joseph to the arch. Beautifully painted in the ...
Category

19th Century British Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Iron

Mid-19th Century Swedish Hand-Carved Wooden Spade
Located in Stockholm, SE
A rare and evocative mid-19th century Swedish hand-carved wooden spade, beautifully aged and deeply rooted in rural Scandinavian heritage. Once a humble agricultural tool, this piece...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Oak

Carved Elephant, one piece Marble Sculpture
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Carved Elephant, one piece Marble Sculpture This extremely heavy piece is carved in one piece from a green marble rock, the “Tusks are made in wood”, the carving is very cleverly d...
Category

19th Century Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

19th Century Indian Carved Wood Object
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
A beautiful Indian wood carving depicting a rider on horseback and a kneeling elephant. Probably second half of the 19th century. Highly decorative object with wonderful original pa...
Category

19th Century Asian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Greenlandica, Sarak, Greenlandic woman in profile, sculpture in soapstone.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Greenlandica, Sarak, Greenlandic woman in profile, sculpture in soapstone. 1970/80s. In excellent condition. Signed. Dimensions: H 14.0 cm x L 12.0 cm x W 6.0 cm. Soapstone - also kn...
Category

1970s Greenlandic Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Soapstone

Fine Early 19th Century Swedish Folk Art Turned Bowl
Located in Bozeman, MT
Fantastic early 19th century Swedish / Scandinavian finely turned wooden folk art bowl in it's original finish, signed B E D 1817. Sweden.
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Large Vintage Hand Hewn Organic Teak Bowl
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Large vintage teak wood bowl hand hewn, mid-20th century.Unique organic sizable folk craft bowl round shape with handles.This beautifully organic bowl is fashioned from a large piece...
Category

Mid-20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Grønlandica, Sarak, Greenlandic hunter in profile, sculpture in soapstone.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Grønlandica, Sarak, Greenlandic hunter in profile, sculpture in soapstone. 1970/80s. In excellent condition. Signed. Dimensions: H 10.5 cm x W 8.0 cm.
Category

1970s Greenlandic Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Soapstone

Folk Art Sculpture of the Head of a Seal, South America, 1930´s
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Folk Art sculpture of the head of a seal. South America 1930´s. The head is mounted over a brass base, as a way to exhibit it. The head has several crack as you can see on the pictur...
Category

Mid-20th Century Argentine Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Porte Dogon Terre/Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Traditional Dogon architecture throughout a Dogon village consists of a series of unique and exceptional mud buildings which the Artist, Victor Anicet, featured in an organic sculptural manner in his Porte Dogon...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Caribbean Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Hand-Painted Folk Art Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Modern folk meets old-school charm. This hand-painted farmhouse-style box features a slanted, hinged lid, a lower drawer, and all the sweet details—hearts, tulips, scallops—that nod ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

18th Century Folk Art Wood and Wrought Iron Candleholder
Located in Copenhagen, K
Adjustable wrought iron and wood candle holder with wood base and snipe nail.
Category

Early 18th Century Danish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

Vintage Boho Diecast Wrought Iron Rider on Horseback
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Capture the spirit of adventure and classic equestrian charm with this Vintage Boho Diecast Rider On Horseback. Crafted from durable wrought iron and hand-painted in subtle hues of b...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wrought Iron

Asian Bronze Pair of Hanuman Kneeling Buddhist Figure Candleholders
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Part human-part monkey, Hanuman is a central character in the Hindu epic Ramayana. He is generally depicted as a man with the face of a monkey and a long tail. Often described as t...
Category

1950s Indian Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Hand Made Folk Art Pottery Sculpture of a Mans Head
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wonderful sculpture of a mans head... reminiscent of an Italian icon, the piece is unique and a wonderful stand alone decorative piece or can be used as a paper weight or bookend. ...
Category

20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pottery

Bonbon Chouval "Bleu Voodoo"/Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Bonbon Chouval  (Horse Biscuit in Creole) was originally a traditional pastry from the island of Martinique. Carelessly shaped as a horse, the biscuits were sold on the village m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Caribbean Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Javanese Solid Teak Storage Box with Engravings Mid-20th Century
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This teak storage box comes for the Island of Java, Indonesia. Dating to the Mid-20th Century it was crafted from a single block of teak. It features ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Indonesian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Teak

Folk Art Treenware Vase or Urn of Inlay Wood
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wonderfully hand-crafted greenware vase or urn - the inlay and marquetry is wonderfully intricate and detailed. With a little glass insert, a small tumbler...
Category

20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Petite Indian Swivel Box
Located in Chicago, IL
This petite keepsake box with a swivel lid is crafted in the tradition of Indian bidri-ware, with a dark metal body decorated with simple silver inlay. Composed of a zinc and copper ...
Category

20th Century Indian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Silver

Brass Kondh Sculpture of a Tribal Warrior Riding a Beast
By Konda Tribe
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wonderful decorative and heavy cast brass of a warrior horse or beast rider. The horse and warrior are very modern tribal elongated form. The tribal ho...
Category

Early 20th Century Indian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Direct Wood Carving of a Nude Woman
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A uniquely stylized direct wood carving of a nude woman. Unfortunately I cannot find any signature. Well executed.
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Direct Wood Carving of a Nude Woman
Direct Wood Carving of a Nude Woman
$1,920 Sale Price
60% Off
Japanese Midcentury Earthenware Art Pottery Vase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Interesting, midcentury, Japanese, matte tan, earthenware, art pottery vase features a tapered body, intricately carved and incised in a leaf pattern with Japanese markings on it's u...
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Asian Black and Red Round Box Lacquer Offering Vessel Urn
Located in North Hollywood, CA
South Asian Burmese black and red lacquer box, offering vessel urn with compartment for storage. This round lacquer ware box from Burma is made from bamboo and lacquer. In Burma (now...
Category

Late 20th Century Burmese Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Bamboo

Folk Art Dual Dog Pipe Holder
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Hand-carved wooden pipe holder with twelve slots for pipes (circa 1930s, USA). Crude design (figures themselves are ambiguously two dogs meeting at the jaws). Nice patina/age present...
Category

1930s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Bonbon Chouval Terre/Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Bonbon Chouval  (Horse Biscuit in Creole) was originally a traditional pastry from the island of Martinique. Carelessly shaped as a horse, the biscuits were sold on the village m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Caribbean Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Handmade Pottery Musician Single Candle Holder
Located in Seattle, WA
This unique candle holder Art is believed to be Peruvian folk art but not confirmed. It features a Musician with horn instrument and holder for a candle in his hat. This piece has ni...
Category

1970s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

David Segel 1970s 3-D Wooden Double Kiot Folk Art Sculpture
Located in Monrovia, CA
David Segel 3-D wooden folk art / Gothic sculpture, signed, titled and numbered ''RIBALD #1 David Segel, well known Artist of Venice, Ca and throughout Paris, France has hand-scul...
Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Doctor's Pomander Cane
Located in New York, NY
Carved wood doctor's cane with silver pomander handle for diffusing scents. Cane intricately carved with twisting snake and leaves.
Category

19th Century Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

17th Century French Stone Bust
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
An extremely rare 17th Century French life size headless bust of a robed male mounted on a steel base. This bust has had a small amount of restoration, ...
Category

17th Century French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone

Late 19th Century German Pug Dog, Heavy Terracotta with Brown Carmel Color Glaze
Located in San Francisco, CA
Late 19th century German pug dog. Heavy terracotta with brown carmel color glaze. Seated, with the head turned, in active pose. Good confirmation and details of the face, ears, coil...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

18th Century Pencil Box with King Christian VII Monogramme
Located in Copenhagen, K
Beautifully carved wooden box with the carving inscription of King Christian VII, and anno 1780.
Category

Late 18th Century Danish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Fred Schumm Lifesize Whimsical Painted Wood Sculpture of a Nude
By Fred Schumm
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A great whimsical colorfully painted lifesize wood sculpture of a nude. The base has been re-painted black. It is signed on the leg Schumm, 1995. The artist's statement from a 2007 article follows; Fred Schumm does not view life through rose-colored glasses. He doesn't have to. Schumm, Rowan University's artist-in-residence, is a former U.S. Marine who lived through some of the most horrific battles of World War II. He served at Peleliu -- two months of carnage on a tiny Pacific atoll where 12,000 perished - and then four long months on the bloodied isle of Okinawa. Since then, Schumm, 82, has mostly tried to see life's beauty. It's sort of like how sunlight, warm but ordinary to the naked eye, is refracted into myriad, impossibly beautiful combinations of color when viewed through a kaleidoscope. And, like sunlight, he finds art everywhere. "Inspiration is all around but mostly I'm inspired by the ancients," Schumm said recently. "I love Prehistoric African carvings, the works of ancient Greeks, Japanese and Chinese. I especially love Eskimo work." The celebrated sculptor loves Eskimo work so much he once hitchhiked from his home state of Colorado to Alaska just to see native carvings. "I wanted to see the TOTEM poles," he said. "The Alaskan Indians were fantastic artists." Schumm, artist-in-residence since 2003, works with various hardwoods, stone, even metals. A studio in which he works at Westby Hall has pieces in various stages of completion, from an eight-foot-tall, stainless steel sculpture he calls "Aviary" to a solid, six-foot log of black locust...
Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Set of Antique Carved and Painted Wood Candle or 'Cricket' Sticks with Brass
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This set of four carved and painted 'cricket stick' styled candlesticks are unsigned but presumed to have been made in Eastern Europe in circa 1930 in a folk art style. The sticks ar...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Vintage Earthenware Handcrafted Brown & Red Drip Glaze Bud Weed Vase Pottery
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage earthenware handcrafted brown and red studio piece with drip glaze bud or weed Studio Piece vase, decanter, vessel. Pottery Art in superb c...
Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Earthenware

Swedish Designer, Candelabra, Wood, Sweden, 1900
Located in High Point, NC
A brown and yellow-painted organic candelabra designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1900. fits 0.70”-0.75” diameter candles
Category

Early 1900s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Vintage Boho Shanghai Weave Standing Panda
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Capture hearts with this endearing vintage standing panda figure, a wonderful example of traditional woven handicraft. Meticulously crafted using detailed weaving techniques (often s...
Category

1970s Chinese Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan

Antique Tramp Art Box / Jewelry Box Carved Brass 1893 Chip Carved War Decoration
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Gorgeous Tramp Art box / Jewelry box marked 1893 and decorated with brass. The box contains multiple guns & pike helmets and a lions head holding a brass ring to open the chest. ...
Category

1890s American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Modernist Painted Steel and Black Marker Graffitied Sculpture, Metzen/Merisola
Located in Buffalo, NY
Modernist Abstract painted steel and black marker Graffitied sculpture, by John Metzen/ Michael Merisola, Welded and painted steel, Great color proportion ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel

Swedish Craft, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1900
Located in High Point, NC
A yellow-glazed earthenware vase designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1900.
Category

Early 1900s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Earthenware

Swedish Craft, Dish, Wood, Sweden, 19th Century
Located in High Point, NC
A wood serving dish produced in Sweden, 19th century. “A” on bottom side
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

18th Century French or Italian Santo Nativity Figure
Located in Nantucket, MA
18th century French or Italian Santo Nativity figure, a hand carved and painted fruitwood figure for a Christmas Creche or Krippe. Excellent and delicate details to the head and hands. The half figure stands on a dowel set into platform base, dressed in original fine linen robe...
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Linen, Fruitwood

Vintage Boho Hand Built Ceramic Undersea Totem
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Embrace vibrant, handcrafted charm with this unique vintage ceramic totem sculpture. Skillfully hand built, this imaginative piece features a fascinating, densely layered composition...
Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Large Bamana Marionette Figure of Charming Police Man, African Figure
Located in Buffalo, NY
Large Bamana marionette figure of a charming police man. African figure retains original paint, amazing patina, also retains original fabric wrap. (outfit).
Category

20th Century African Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Vintage Leather Carousel Horse Signed By Teresa Corning
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Leather Carousel Horse Signed By Teresa Corning This Antique Carousel Horse is made of leather and the pole is made of metal. The sculpture is fa...
Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Large Vintage Hand Carved Wooden Ouroboros Snake Bowl
Located in Oxnard, CA
Here is a very cool and unique carved wooden bowl with a double Ouroboros motif. It is a large and substantial piece, crafted out of solid Walnut or possibly Rosewood. A great piece ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Walnut

"Ven Dan Vouel" /Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A Unique Representation of the history and travels through the Caribbeans, by the Martinican artist Victor Anicet. Each sculpture is unique and symbolic and brings a unique and con...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Caribbean Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Round Walnut Box Profusely Carved with Roses A truly magnificent piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Round Walnut Box Profusely Carved with Roses A truly magnificent piece, you cannot help but admire the skill that was involved to create this one It would have first been hand turne...
Category

1950s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Walnut

Patriotic Flag Whirligig
Located in Lancaster, PA
Celebrate American craftsmanship with this charming c. 1940 patriotic whirligig. Crafted from wood and metal, this delightful piece features two men and an American flag, capturing a...
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Paint

Swedish Woven Fruit Basket
Located in Houston, TX
Swedish woven fruit basket with traces of old paint. This charming basket's flap secures with leather strap and buckle. Note: Regional differences ...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Birch, Paint

Vintage Boho Hand Carved Boot
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Discover a truly unique piece of signed folk art with this captivating vintage hand-carved wooden boot, skillfully crafted and dated 1980 by the artisan "Dawson French." Expertly scu...
Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Decorated Victorian Pine Blanket Box with Stud-work Design
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Decorated Victorian Pine Blanket Box with Stud-work Design This is a very attractive pine box, it has been decorated with a tulip design in brass stud work The pine has darkened w...
Category

19th Century Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine

African Tribal Folk Art Basket
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Antique African wooden storage crate, hand-carved African Tribal motifs on wood and leather woven bottom. Interested Folk Art Tribal African handcrafted cr...
Category

Early 20th Century Kenyan Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather, Wood

Beaded Ndebele Initiation Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king...
Category

Mid-20th Century South African Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Fabric, Cotton, Wood

Beaded Ndebele Ceremonial Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king). As beads become gradually more accessible throughout the 19th century, they began to displace the organic materials used in traditional art and attire. This colorful example of African beadwork is a ceremonial doll...
Category

Mid-20th Century South African Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Cotton, Wood

Vintage Boho Shanghai Weave Ram Basket
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Add a delightful touch of handcrafted charm and function with this vintage woven ram basket. Skillfully constructed using traditional weaving techniques, this piece features an endea...
Category

1970s Chinese Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan

Vintage Embossed Metal Trinket Box With Festive Village Scene
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A richly detailed vintage trinket box cast in metal with a gold-tone finish, showcasing an intricate relief of village life wrapping around the sides and continuing across the lid. T...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

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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