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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
Moorish Heads Vases "Catania Bronze", Handmade in Italy, 2019, Unique Design
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
This collection is a work of art that make a statement in modern décor and in the modern cultural art world. It can be used as a vase containing flowers, or as a beautiful centerpiec...
Category

2010s Italian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Leaf

Vintage ANRI Folk Art Hand Carved & Painted Sculpture "The Lumberjack" by Duquet
By ANRI
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This vintage folk art hand carved and polychrome painted sculpture is signed with the maker's label of the ANRI group of cavers from Italy and done in circa 1960. This carving was bought from a private estate with another one of one entitled "Old Habitant", which has the identical script on the front and back, but posted separately. These carvings were done by the master carvers of the ANRI factory who worked from a model, usually unique to them, but this one shows it is an example of a work done by the Master Quebec wood...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Softwood

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

19th Century Indonesian Red and Black Lacquered Document Box with Brass Handles
Located in Middleburg, VA
This 19th century red and black lacquered Indonesian document box is a beautiful way to keep your important papers tucked away. Made of richly patinated teak with intricate red and b...
Category

19th Century Indonesian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Teak

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

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

Late 20th Century South African Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Cotton, Wood

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

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

Scandinavian Tine, or Svepask, Painted Bentwood Oval-Shape Box
Located in Houston, TX
Scandinavian tine, or svepask, painted bentwood oval-shape box circa late 19th century, probably from the Sogn og Fjordane region. Box is created from thin layers of steam-bent wood ...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

19th Century Original Folk Art Painted Chest of Drawers
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th Century original Folk Art painted chest of drawers. A Very attractive painted pine chest of drawers, it is decorated with flowers on the top and sides, the drawer fronts and ...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Paint

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

Greenlandica, soapstone sculpture. Bowl shaped like a mythical creature
Located in København, Copenhagen
Greenlandica, soapstone sculpture. Bowl shaped like a mythical creature. Greenland. Approximately from the 1960s. In excellent condition with a minor chip on the base. Dimensions: L ...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Soapstone

Achille D'Orsi Sculpture Pescatorello, Early 1900s
By Achille D'Orsi
Located in bari, IT
Bronze sculpture on black marble base depicting a young boy holding some pots. Engraved signature of the artist. Manufactured in Italy, early 20th century.
Category

Early 1900s Italian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

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

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

Large Irregular-Shaped Swedish Root wood Bowl
Located in Houston, TX
Large irregular-shaped Swedish root wood bowl dating to the mid-19th century. Hand-carved from root wood. Retains remnants of old red paint and marker's mark. Note: Regional differe...
Category

1850s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Paint

3 19th century Hand Made Treen Items, Pounce, Plumb Bob, Bodkin
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
3 19th century Hand Made Treen Items, Pounce, Plumb Bob, Bodkin An interesting sewing item with a bodkin, needle case and thread winder in one, a Sycamo...
Category

19th Century Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Sycamore

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

Butchers Balance Scales, Advertising Palethorpes’ Sausages
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Butchers Balance Scales, Advertising Palethorpes’ Sausages Palethorpes’ Sausage Scales with Brass Bell Weights The scale has a brass weight plate on one...
Category

1920s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

Royal Doulton "The Gaffer" British Porcelain Figurine
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Royal Doulton "The Gaffer". Made in England, by Royal Doulton England, "The Gaffer". Royal Doulton, H.N. 2053, finely painted porcelain figure of "The Gaffer", collectable, high gl...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

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

Hammered Silver Plate Basket
Located in New York, NY
Small vintage hammered silver plate basket with a nursery theme depicting two children and two geese. Charming oval shape with scalloped edges, the handle with a twisted rope pattern, raised on small ball feet. Hallmarked: Meriden silver plate...
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver

Antique Hand Painted Four Drawer Jewelry Casket or Decorative Box
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique four drawer wooden jewelry or decorative box is unmarked, but believed to date to the early 20th century. The top and sides of the box are ornately painted with borders ...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Softwood

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...
Category

Mid-20th Century South African Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Fabric, Cotton, Wood

Primitive Animal Face Jug Clay pottery Folk art Head pitcher Sculpture.
Located in Seattle, WA
This Piece is possibly Mayan Aztec in origin and depicts the face of an animal in 3D as well as floral motifs on the jug itself. This Piece has nice patina and character. Vintage Con...
Category

1970s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Clay

Greenlandica, old hunter with a seal on his back, sculpture in soapstone.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Greenlandica, an old hunter with a seal on his back. Sculpture in soapstone. Mid-20th century. In good condition with two small chips. Dimensions: H 15.0 cm x W 3.5 cm.
Category

Mid-20th Century Greenlandic Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Soapstone

Swedish Folk Art, Sizeable Serving Bowl or Tray, Solid Light Wood, c. 1900
Located in High Point, NC
A solid wood, sizeable farmers tray or serving bowl designed and produced in Sweden, circa 1900.
Category

Early 1900s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

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

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. This piece has received a beautiful warm patina over the years. 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

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

A Charming Horse Shoe and Stirrup Stationary or Letter Rack This is a very attr
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Charming Horse Shoe and Stirrup Stationary or Letter Rack This is a very attractive and useful piece, the rack is made in brass, it has a stirrup at the centre of 2 horseshoes set...
Category

1920s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

American artist. Unique ceramic sculpture of Native American.
Located in København, Copenhagen
American artist. Unique ceramic sculpture of an Native American. Indistinctly signed. Dated 1933. In excellent condition with minimal signs of use. Dimensions: Height 16.0 cm x Width...
Category

1930s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

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

Greenlandica, wooden sculpture of a male figure. Greenlandic craftsmanship.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Greenlandica, wooden sculpture of a male figure. Greenlandic craftsmanship. Hand-carved. Signed ZA and dated '66 (1966). In excellent condition. Dimensions: H 21.0 cm x D 10.0 cm.
Category

1960s Greenlandic Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Figurine, Skovserkone with Fish Made of Soapstone, Approximately 1960s/1970s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Figurine Skovserkone with fish made of soapstone. Approximately: 1960s/1970s In good condition. Dimensions: L 6.5 x D 3.0 x H 9.0 cm.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Soapstone

Greenlandica, collection of seven various bone tools
Located in København, Copenhagen
Greenlandica, a collection of various bone tools, comprising seven pieces in total. Originating from Greenland. Dating back to approximately the 1970s. The largest piece measures:...
Category

1970s Greenlandic Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Other

Dama a la Noche 1985 ceramic by Gadu
By Gadu
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A very unusual ceramic or terracotta with hollow eyes that bears a copper plaque on the base that reads "Dama en la Noche" Gadu. I believe the translation is lady in/of the night. It...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

Sherill 2004 Modern Earthenware Handcrafted Blue Drip Glazed Bowl, Pottery USA
Located in Miami, FL
Contemporary earthenware handcrafted dove gray and blue with drip glaze bowl. Signed by Artist at the base. Pottery Art in superb craftsmanship. A-636...
Category

Early 2000s American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Earthenware

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, wood sculpture of a male figure. Greenlandic craftsmanship.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Greenlandica, wood sculpture of a male figure. Greenlandic craftsmanship. Hand-carved. From the 1960s. In excellent condition. Dimensions: H 20.0 cm x W 9.0 cm.
Category

1960s Greenlandic Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Vintage ANRI Folk Art Hand Carved and Painted Sculpture "Old Habitant" by Duquet
By ANRI
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This vintage Folk Art hand carved and polychrome painted sculpture is missing the paper label from its base, but being attributed to the ANRI group of carvers from Italy and done in circa 1960. This carving was bought from a private estate with another one of a Lumberjack, which has the identical script on the front and back and does have the ANRI label. These carvings were done by the master carvers of the ANRI factory who worked from a model, usually unique to them, but this one shows it is an example of a work done by the Master Quebec wood...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Softwood

Midcentury Pair of Italian Terracotta Lions
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of midcentury Italian lions, male and female crafted in terracotta with a white glaze and painted details looking quite friendly.
Category

20th Century Italian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

Swedish Craft, Bowl, Wood, Sweden, 17th century
Located in High Point, NC
A wood bowl produced in Sweden, c. 17th century.
Category

17th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Small Heavy Hand Forged Iron Bucket This is a lovely small bucket
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Small Heavy Hand Forged Iron Bucket This is a lovely small bucket, this charming piece has a rounded shape and a hanging ring in the handle The cauldron is in good well aged con...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

Pair of Large Vintage Carved Wooden Panthers
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Stunning Pair of Life Size Vintage Carved Hardwood Panthers in a seated pose. Each cat is intricately carved with expressive faces and glass eyes. These are Southeastern Asia in orig...
Category

Mid-20th Century Asian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Hardwood

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

Vintage Novelty Waste Paper Basket the Container Is Made in Wood
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Vintage Novelty Waste Paper Basket The container is made in wood with pictures of books and shelves on all 4 sides, a fun and a very attractive conversation piece The container...
Category

1960s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Softwood

Decorative Re Painted 19th Century Wine Box, Trug
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Decorative re painted 19th century wine box, trug. A delightful piece painted over, advertising Roy Hugo Butcher. The Carrier is made in pine and painted ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine

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

18/19th Century Bodhisattva
Located in 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

Mid-Century Quebec Folk Art Carved & Polychrome Pahined Robed Clergyman & Child
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This hand-carved wooden sculpture is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from Quebic Canada and date to approximately 1950 and done in the period Folk Art style. The sculpture ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Canadian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine

Original vintage ceramic vase Germany 1970s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage ceramic vase minimalist pottery handmade in Germany circa 1970s. Wonderful neutral color palette featuring predominately off white with a gold geometric pattern. Original vin...
Category

1970s German Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Concrete Soldier Statue circa 1900 Chicago Area Garden
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Exceptional 6 ft. tall American Folk Art concrete soldier statue with original paint surface and inset glass 'gem.' Fantastic workmanship. Originally pa...
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Concrete

Australian Aboriginal Carved Ancestor Figure with Ochre Paint
Located in Atlanta, GA
Hand-carved wood ancestor figure with surface pictorial carving showing kangaroo hunting and decorated with black and red paint and white and yellow ocher pigment. The figure slightly leans forward as made. The piece was carved by aboriginal artist...
Category

Early 2000s Australian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Pair of Carved Pine Toreadors with Red Capes
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Spanish style carved pine life size toreadors with red capes (19th Cent)
Category

19th Century Spanish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine, Wood

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

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

Outsider Art Fluorescent Papier-Mâché Bust Sculpture by Stephen Slomko
By Stephen Slomko
Located in Brooklyn, NY
For your consideration is this rare, one-of-a-kind bust by self-taught American outsider artist, Stephen Slomko (1929-2013). Slomko lived and worked in Farmingdale, New Jersey and up...
Category

1990s American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Polystyrene, Paper, Paint

Oringinal Wood Carved Relief of a Man Fishing
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Wonderful vintage relief image of man fishing while sleeping against a tree. Hand carved early 20th century.
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Old Weathered Statue of a Putti Playing Tambourine
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Old Weathered Statue of a Putti Playing Tambourine The musical nymph is set on a square base This is a pleasantly weathered piece in good detail to be ...
Category

1920s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Concrete

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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