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
American Shellwork Standing Mirror in the Form of a Harp
Located in Downingtown, PA
American shellwork standing mirror in the form of a Harp,
circa 1885
The unusual 19th century American shellwork standing mirror is in the form of a harp....
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Shell
Unusual Hand Carved Clown Motif Umbrella, Paragon, S. Fox & Co
By S. Fox & Co.
Located in Buffalo, NY
Unusual Hand Carved Clown Motif Umbrella, Paragon, S. Fox & Co
Category
1920s English Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Vintage Leather Parrot by Federico Mexico
Located in Miami, FL
Leather parrot from Mexico. Sitting on a brass perch.
Marked Federico Made in Mexico.
Category
1970s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Davis Hall Nantucket South Shoal Lightship Hand Woven Basket, circa 1870s
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful and quite rare and hard to find nantucket lightship basket by Davis Hall, (1828-1906). Hall's baskets are prized by collectors of lightship baskets worldwide. This basket is made with his traditional swing handle and rounded lollipop connecting two ends. Hall cultivated his basket-making skill on the South shoal lightship after the American Civil War...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood, Cane, Rattan
Folk Art Wooden Fireman Sculpture, Early 20th Century
Located in Antwerp, BE
Stunning Folk Art wooden sculpture of a Fireman.
This pre-war statue of a marching fireman or firefighter dates circa 1920-1930.
This fire-eater wears yell...
Category
Early 20th Century European Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Staffordshire Prattware Long Case Clock Model
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Staffordshire pottery Prattware model which features a long case clock with cherubs above the clock face, stood directly on the ground, no base. Flatback, decorated only to the front...
Category
1820s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Earthenware
Carved American Carnival Head, circa 1890s
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Finely featured carved man's head found in the southern United States. Most likely a late 19th century carnival head featured in a ball or ring toss game.
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Mexican Antique Dolores Porras Clay Pottery Folk Art Ant Terracotta Vessel Vase
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
This one of a kind Mexican antique is one of few pieces Dolores had at her home at the time she passed away. Dolores portrays the flora from her garden in Santa María Atzompa, Oaxaca...
Category
1980s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Clay, Pottery, Terracotta
Outsider Art Wood Sculpture with Geometric Appliques
Located in Chicago, IL
Detailed and eye catching outsider art "found" wood sculpture. Constructed from floor moldings and cut paper geometric appliques. Unsigned.
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Vintage Hand Painted Rocking Horse
Located in New York, NY
Vintage hand painted carved horse.
Category
1940s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
18th Century Wooden Apothecary Jar
Located in Copenhagen, K
Wooden pharmaceutical apothecary jar, marked "CARB LIGN PR".
Category
1790s German Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Len Norman, American 20th Century the Prestidigitator Whirligig
Located in Buchanan, MI
Len Norman, American 20th century) the prestidigitator. Assembled and painted whirligig depicting a magician and body sawing act
Measures: 23" x 27" x 12".
Category
20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Larger Than Life Extravagant Folk Art Sculpture
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Outrageous larger than life piece of Folk Art painstakingly composed of found objects such as sea shells, beads, toys, vintage jewelry buttons, and bottle caps (to name a few). There...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Shell
Mexican Antique Dolores Porras Clay Pottery Folk Art Green Terracotta Vessel
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
This one of a kind Mexican antique is one of few pieces Dolores had at her home at the time she passed away. Dolores experimented to create new forms w...
Category
1980s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery, Clay, Terracotta
Rare Early 18th century Irish Carved Folk Art Talbot
Located in Greenwich, CT
Very rare carved and painted wood talbot, a now extinct breed of dog often found in heraldic devices in both England and Ireland, this example in original painted surface and possess...
Category
18th Century and Earlier Irish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Large Pair of Pearlware 'Prudence & Fortitude' Figures
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Pair of wood family Staffordshire pottery pearlware figures with a classical theme which feature Prudence, holding a snake in one hand, an aperture for a mirror in the other hand. Fo...
Category
Early 1800s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Large Figurative African Mangbetu Anthropomorphic Ceramic Vessel or Jar
Located in Studio City, CA
This is a wonderful piece likely made by the Mangetu tribe of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is finely detailed and quite large and hefty. These pieces were originally made...
Category
20th Century Congolese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta
"Man with Cup" by Allan Winkler
Located in Chicago, IL
Although this whimsical sculpture by Allan Winkler has the look of outsider art, this ceramic work stems from the art school-trained artist’s interest in...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
American Midcentury Folk Art Benedict Tatti Squirrel Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
American midcentury Folk Art sculpture of a squirrel by Benedict Tatti. The piece is carved in wood and depicts a sitting squirrel holding on to a nut. In great vintage condition.
D...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Whimsical Wood Sculpture by Noted NJ Artist Fred Schumm
By Fred Schumm
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A wonderful wood sculpture by the noted NJ artist Fred Scumm. It is inscribed near the base with no date. Likely from the late 1980s or early 1990s. Colorfu...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Piggy Bank for Charity
Located in Copenhagen, K
Lovely piggy bank with inscription aiming to collect money for the society for children’s footwear. This union was established in 1889 and was still active ...
Category
1910s Danish Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
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
Staffordshire Prattware Long Case Clock Model
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Staffordshire Pottery Prattware model which features a long case clock with floral decoration to the front, stood directly on the ground, no base. Flatback, decorated only to the fro...
Category
1820s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
Vintage English Terra-Cotta Pot Man Sculpture for Home, Garden Cty Staffordshire
Located in Chicago, IL
Outstanding vintage English terra-cotta flower pot man. This guy is the perfect folk art host for most anywhere, here at the store we have him in the foyer welcoming guests...
Category
20th Century English Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta
Small Sailor Whirligig, circa 1930-1940
Located in Nantucket, MA
Figural standing sailor whirligig, carved from Pine wearing a white hat with metal brim,
a blue sailor’s middy with scarf, striped red and white unde...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Folk Art Heavy Carved Log Bench Rhinoceros Sculpture
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Folk Art heavy carved log wood bench in form of sculpture.
Category
20th Century Unknown Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Teak
Sculptural Tramp Art Double Sided Frame and Candleholder
Located in Mt Kisco, NY
A magnificent and elaborate hand-carved wood sculptural frame. It is mirror image double sided. The base reads "1945" & "SOUVENIR" on both sides. The ...
Category
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
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
Exceptional Exotic Carousel Zebra by Karl Muller
Located in Greenwich, CT
A late 19th century-early 20th century carousel zebra by eminent creater Karl Muller in carved, painted wood. Ex-coll. Muller/Thummel studio in Molbitz, Ge...
Category
1890s German Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Hand-Carved and Painted 19th Century Cigar Store Figure
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand-Carved and Painted 19th Century Cigar Store Figure.
The man is hand carved from one piece of wood. He is probably late 19th century and over pa...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
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 15 Milk, Wine, Bottle Carrier
Located in Napa, CA
Vintage 15 slot metal milk/wine bottle carrier from Belgium with a twine handle. Vintage condition.
Category
Early 20th Century Belgian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Pair of Black Forest Figural Carved Wall Hooks, 19th Century
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Black forest carved wood coat hooks, late 19th century with genuine chamois horns.
Measurements:
13 x 3.9 x 3.9 in / 32 x 10 x 10 cm
11.8 x 3.3 x 3 i...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Signed 19th Century Swedish Wooden Bowl
Located in New York, NY
Wooden bowl in a painted pine. Made during the early 19th Century by P. Nordkvist. Beautiful condition.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Early 18th Century Wooden Folk Art Ink Sander
Located in Copenhagen, K
Very lovely wooden ink sander with small carvings all around it.
Category
Early 18th Century Danish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Moroccan Antique Brass Sugar Hammer
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Set of two Moroccan brass Berber tribal sugar hammer.
Moroccan Collectible Brass Berber Sugar Hammer,Brass Berber Tribal Sugar Hammer.
Authentic old Tuare...
Category
Early 20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
American Papier-Mache Camel Figure
Located in New York, NY
American life size camel figure standing on a platform base with hollow construction (attr: Luke Saunders Carnival Show, Michigan, Circa 1930)
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood, Paint
Carved Wood Folk Art Airplane, circa 1940s
Located in Santa Monica, CA
This carved wood Folk Art airplane has an amazing original paint surface and functional propeller and wheels.
Category
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Sheet Metal
American Folk Art Limestone Carving Snake, Shield and Stump
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Detailed American Folk Art limestone carving of a rattle snake wrapped around a tree stump and shield or coat of arms, circa 1870. Found in Tennessee. A very nice heavy and solid piece.
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Limestone
18th Century Carved Wooden Angel
Located in Houston, TX
Carved wooden angel from Private Chapel in Provence. Wonderful detail in Angel's hair and draped dress. Figure is mounted on an iron stand.
Category
18th Century French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Wooden Tramp Art Sculpture
Located in Dallas, TX
Wonderful Wooden Decorative Tramp/Outsider Art Sculpture,
In the form of an architectural tower,
made of 100's of interlocking pieces of hand-carved wood,
withou...
In the form of an architectural tower,
made of 100's of interlocking pieces of hand-carved wood,
withou...
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Monumental Carousel Rooster Figure
Located in New York, NY
Carousel style (19/20th Cent) carved walnut monumental rooster figure on iron stand with brass pole
Category
19th Century Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron, Brass
Carved and Painted Primitive Deer
Located in Nantucket, MA
American carved and painted deer, carved from two pieces of pine
with leather ears and tail and natural antlers.
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine, Antler
Special Tramp Art Box of Drawers
Located in Mt Kisco, NY
An especially sweet four-drawer hand-carved "tramp art" box. The top is decorated with a symbolic heart and arrow, a common design element in Tramp Art. The drawers are embellished with porcelain knobs. Carved ladies boots...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Folk Art Copper Finial Set
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Designer: Unknown.
Manufacturer: Unknown.
Period or Model: Early 1920s.
Specs: Copper.
Condition:
This Folk Art copper finial set are in used ...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Copper
Chinese Carved Wooden Figure of Bearded Immortal Holding a Staff
Located in Asheville, NC
This statue of "Man Who Never Dies" otherwise known as an immortal, his attribute is to hold staff in one hand and the sacred peach in other. It is composed of rose colored Chinese w...
Category
20th Century Chinese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Late 19th Century Painted Articulated Figure with Overalls
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Late 19th century articulated figure with a nicely detailed carved face, navy overalls and red-painted shirt, tie, and shoe.
Category
19th Century Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wire
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
P. Gomez, "The Cow" Sculpture in Two Parts
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
P. Gomez, "The cow" sculpture in two parts. Sheet metal and various material.
Category
1990s French Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
19th Century African Bronze Sculpture From Vienna Tobacco Museum
Located in Copenhagen, K
Rare bronze sculpture of native African smoking a large pipe
Provenance: Vienna Tobbacco Museum. This scultpure is pictured in the Kinsky Vienna auction catalog as # 467 or 468.
Category
19th Century Belizean Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Set of Five Tall Folk-Art Candleholders, France, circa 1950s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Unique set of five handmade Folk Art iron candleholders, raised on wavy triangular bases, with tall stems adorned with leaves along their lengths, and topped with large, flat candleh...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Twisted Iron Folk Art Candleholder, France, circa 1920s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Unusual Folk Art candleholder made of twisted iron, painted silver. Triangular base, adorned with a cross.
Category
Early 20th Century French Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Swordfish Weathervane, 20th Century
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large-scale wooden weathervane from Chappaquiddick Massachusetts. Some old paint remaining. Almost eight feet long!
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
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
Scottish Brass and Nickel Silver Horse Hobble, Bide A Blink, Circa 1830
Located in Hollywood, SC
Scottish brass and nickel silver horse hobble with an eagle heads horse shoe handle and resting on the faithful servant creature Bide a Blink. Signature...
Category
1830s Scottish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Iron, Nickel
Late 19th Century Fiske Foundry Cast Iron Dog
Located in Santa Monica, CA
J.W. Fiske foundry attributed cast iron Whippet dog. Incredible white paint surface with many different layers of white paint.
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Scandinavian 18th Century Folk Art Carved Watch Holder
Located in Copenhagen, K
Very beautiful and original painted Folk Art watch holder, made for the pocket watch when you were not wearing it.
Category
Late 18th Century Danish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Fiberglass Crocodile in White Paint Surface
Located in New York, NY
Modern "Folk Art" crocodile made of cast fiberglass, in distressed white paint surface. Large scale makes this an impressive decorative item, probably circa 1960s. This item is built...
Category
1960s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
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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