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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
1960’s Folk Art Flag Waving on Stand
Located in Charleston, SC
FOLK ART CARVED AND PAINTED WOODEN PATRIOTIC FLAG, single-sided form retaining an old painted surface over gesso. 20th century. Acquired from a folk art collector, where many pieces...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Paint

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

Chinese Folk Painted Tray with Railway Scene
Located in Chicago, IL
This lacquered serving tray is crafted with a hand-painted panel salvaged from a vintage Chinese cabinet. Selected for its charming folk art decoration, the found panel is painted wi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine

Oskar Raoul Papier Mache Chaplin Little Tramp Sculpture Signed by Artist 1970
Located in Monrovia, CA
OSKAR RAOUL Papier Mache / Paper Mache Sculpture Of A Clown Or Tramp Resembles The Likeness Of Charlie Chaplin, The Little Tramp. OSKAR RAOUL Is A Well Known Mexican Papier Mache Clown...
Category

Late 20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Paper

19th Century Swedish Green Painted Box Dated 1815
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A Swedish original green painted and carved bentwood box from the Gustavian Folk Art period. These small 19th Century Scandinavian collectibles were usually hand crafted and sometime...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Paint

Vintage Studio Pitcher
Located in Asheville, NC
Vintage studio pitcher. Circa 1970s. 12”H X 7”Diameter
Category

1970s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Clay

American Folk Art Hand-Carved Wooden Spindly Snake Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Hand-carved wooden spindly stick in the form of snake (ca. late 19th Century, USA). Sinuous body with hand carved scale and facial details with metal nails as eyes. Impressive, long ...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Vintage Boho Carved Cypress Knot Wood Vase
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Celebrate the untamed beauty of nature with this extraordinary vintage cypress knot vase. Masterfully sculpted from a single piece of burl wood, this piece showcases a dramatic and b...
Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Burl

Vintage Folk Art Estremoz Clay World Heritage Figurine Portugal by Jose Moreira
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Wonderful and detailed figure by this famous World Heritage maker. Heavily patinated, with flaking to original painted surfaces. Not cleaned, presented in as found condition.
Category

1950s Portuguese Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pottery

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

Antique Wooden Bocce Ball Collection Mounted
Located in Stamford, CT
A collection of 5 antique wooden Bocce balls all mounted on custom made steel stands. Dense heavy wood. Beautiful untouched surfaces. Very organic and primitive looking. The Balls th...
Category

Early 1900s Italian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Hardwood

Rare 20th Century Wood Carving of standing Child with a Book Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare Vintage wood carving of Standing child with holding a book. Sculpture, Hand carved and Handcrafted with Hand Painted Natural Patina, the Sculpture is in good condition
Category

1920s Unknown Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Paint, Hardwood

Vintage Novelty Ceramic Trompe-L’oeil Waste Paper Basket
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Vintage Novelty Ceramic Trompe-L’oeil Waste Paper Basket The container is made with ceramic leather book spines, a fun Trompe-L’oeil and a very attr...
Category

Mid-20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather

Heavy Terra Cotta Folk Art Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Heavy terra cotta Folk Art sculpture, made by a worker from the Modesto brick factory, with unused clay from the day.
Category

1960s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

Antônio Julião. Wood Sculpture
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Exceptional sculpture made by artist Antônio Julião, one of the great exponents of Brazilian popular art. This piece of museological importance was made in the 1970's and is one of the richest sculptures made by said artist, where he generously sculptured several tropical animals...
Category

1970s Brazilian Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

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, ma...
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta, Paint

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

Ted DeGrazia Los Ninos Hand Thrown South Western Pottery Ceramic Candle Holder
By Ted Degrazia
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage candle holder, made by renown Ted De Grazia south western artist from Tucson AZ. Vintage Hand-thrown DeGrazia " Los Ninos" Sandstone Votive Candle Co...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Latin American Santos de Palos Wood Carved St Raphael Sculpture
Located in Guaynabo, PR
A renown tradition in Latin America the making of Santos de Palos by masters carvers since the 19th century. They hand carved and painted the saints inspired in their personal religi...
Category

20th Century Unknown Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

19th Century Nantucket Lightship Half Bushel Basket
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th Century Nantucket Lightship "Peck" or Half Bushel Basket, attributed to Captain Henry F. Coffin (Nantucket: 1813 - 1889), a very large peck measure b...
Category

1870s American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Rattan, 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

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

Royal Copenhagen Hand Painted Porcelain Young Girl Peasant Feeding a Calf
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Royal Copenhagen glazed hand painted porcelain figurine of a Danish young girl peasant feeding a calf from a big bucket. Below the base, it is found the Royal Copenhagen ha...
Category

20th Century Danish Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Bronze Fire Hydrant Wrench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage fire hydrant wrench, a solid bronze piece which can still be used as a wrench, however, due to the wonderful sheen and weight makes...
Category

20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Mexican Enamelware
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this vintage Mexican enamelware, circa 1940.
Category

1940s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Enamel

Greenlandica, Jakob Keke. Sculpture in soapstone.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Greenlandica, Jakob Keke, Kungmiut, East Greenland. Sculpture in soapstone. Approximately from the 1970s. In excellent condition. Label. Dimensions: L 14.5 cm x H 7.5 cm x W 5.5 cm.
Category

1970s Greenlandic Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Soapstone

Greenlandica, Figurine of a Polar Bear Carved in Soapstone, Approx. 1960-1970s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Greenlandica, figurine of a polar bear carved in soapstone. Approx. 1960-1970s. In good condition, signs of use. Dimensions: W 13.0 x H 9.0 cm.
Category

1960s Greenlandic Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Soapstone

Swedish Blue Allmoge Painted Wooden Folk Art Bowl, Mid-20th Century
Located in Frederiksberg C, DK
Swedish Folk Art Painted Wooden Bowl in the Allmoge Tradition, Mid-20th Century Charming Swedish folk art bowl in hand-painted wood, made in the allmoge tradition, likely dating fro...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Greenlandica, three pieces of soapstone and a black pouch with a keyring.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Greenlandica, three pieces of soapstone and a black pouch with a keyring. Features a ptarmigan, seal, and hunter. Artists : Nem Paamiut, Josef Josefsen. Signed 76 (ptarmigan) and 20...
Category

20th Century Greenlandic Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Soapstone

Chinese Orange Chrysanthemum Folk Tray, c. 1940s
Located in Chicago, IL
This provincial Chinese tray charms with vibrant orange lacquer and hand-brushed paintings of autumn flowers. Dated to the mid-20th century, the small folk tray is crafted of pine to...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine

Wet-Cut Mosaic Wall Decoration
Located in Rockaway, NJ
One of a kind original piece of earthenware ceramic featuring several custom and proprietary glaze chemistries, including luster glazing.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Earthenware, Wood

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

Large Coco de Mer, Seychelles
Located in NICE, FR
Sculptural and sensual, this quite large Coco de Mer embodies organic beauty and natural voluptuousness. Native to the Seychelles, this legendary fruit — also known as Lodoicea maldi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Antique Tramp Art Diamond 2 Tier Hinged Wood Jewelry Presentation Box
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Tramp Art Diamond 2 Tier Hinged Wood Jewelry Presentation Box. Item features stunning work and carving, hinged lid with interior mirror, moha...
Category

Early 20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Large Antique Carved Wood Female Bambara Chi Wara Antelope Figure
Located in Nantucket, MA
Chi wara is a ritual headdress used by the Bambara people in Mali. Portrayed as both male or female figures Chi ware is associated with agriculture. This fema...
Category

Early 1900s Malian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Hardwood

Pair of Hand Carved Wooden African Folk Art Figure Lamps and Custom Woven Shades
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Folk Art lamps - Hand carved African Figures on a black base - A decorative brass rod extend to the top with two custom made Lamp Shades...
Category

20th Century Central African Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

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 Late 19th Century Normandy Marriage Chest
Located in Pease pottage, West Sussex
Normandy Marriage Chest France Early 19th Century. Painted Pine This painted pine Coffre de Mariage was traditionally given to a bride in Normandy to hold her precious items. Decorat...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine

Folk Art Hand Carved Black Cat Trinket Dish
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Wooden ebonized cat with dish sculpture mounted to a mahogany plinth. Dish can accommodate keys or smaller objects. Patina / light wear present (paint loss to the tips of ears / edges of green dish...
Category

1940s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Mahogany, Wood

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

Equine Decoupage Decorated Dairy Farm Milk Jug
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Whimsical decoupage decorated New England dairy farm lidded milk jug or bottle. Features an equine motif with images and labels of horses over a lacquered g...
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Antique Hand Painted Dutch Theme Enamelware Metal Trivet Collectible 1920s
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Antique early 20th century Hand Painted Dutch Theme Enamelware Metal circa 1920's. Hand-painted decorative antique Dutch scene metalware hand made In North Europe, Netherlands, or G...
Category

Early 20th Century Dutch Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Vintage Boho Mexican Hand Painted Bowl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Celebrate the rich artistic heritage of Mexico with this magnificent and monumental hand-painted bowl. Exploding with color and life, this large-scale ceramic piece showcases the int...
Category

Late 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta, Paint

Pair of Inuit Children on a Sledge Made of Soapstone
Located in København, Copenhagen
A pair of Inuit children on a sledge made of soapstone. Approximately: 1970/1980s. In good condition, signs of use. Sticker. Dimensions: L 8.0 x D 4.0 x H 8.5 cm.
Category

1970s Canadian 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

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

Green Luster Lava Bowl
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
With a nod to the spontaneity and privileged imperfection that is the human condition, all of my pieces imbue an energy of function and whimsy. This decorative speckled stoneware co...
Category

2010s American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

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

Vintage Boho Charming Textured Owl Studio Pottery
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This charming ceramic owl brings a playful, sculptural presence to any space. Its wide, hollow eyes and softly speckled surface give it a curious expression, while the hand-carved wi...
Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pottery

Bonbon Chouval "Mini Me 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

Bonbon Chouval "Jean"/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

"Retablo No. 4 (Blackbird)" by Patrick Fitzgerald
Located in Chicago, IL
The intricate retablos of contemporary artist Patrick Fitzgerald are his means of paying homage to the musicians that inspired him throughout his life. Derived from Mexican votive...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Other

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

Asian Burmese Carved Wood Temple Offering Lidded Box
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Burmese bamboo temple offering lidded box, basket. This kind of wooden basket is used to transport and display offerings to Buddhist temples, in Asia....
Category

Early 20th Century South Asian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Bamboo

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

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

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

Hand-Carved Ironwood Pheasant Sculpture – Vintage Southwestern Art
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This exquisite hand-carved ironwood pheasant sculpture showcases masterful craftsmanship with detailed feather etchings and a graceful pose. The rich, dark hues of the ironwood enhan...
Category

Mid-20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

Royal Doulton "The Gaffer" British Porcelain Figurine
Located in Moreno Valley, 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 Carved Wood Female Sculpture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Embrace the free-spirited elegance of this vintage Boho Chic carved wood female sculpture. This captivating piece features a gracefully rendered figure, hand-carved with a keen eye f...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

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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