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
Large Split Oak American Spale Gathering Basket
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage or antique oversized basket in a traditional spale shape features a bent wood ring rim with handles on each side. The basket is formed of a split oak with graphic weave patte...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood, Oak, Beads
Vintage Carved Wood Articulated Clown Figure
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Chunky hand carving with simple facial detailing a pointed hat. Found in the southern US. Presented on a custom museum stand.
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Vintage Large American Hand Woven Gathering Buttocks Basket
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage or antique oversized gathering basket features traditional rib or buttocks shape with the bent wood ring rim and handle. The plaited splints are carefully interwoven to carry...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wicker, Oak
Late 20th Century Nude Figure Sculpture, Unsigned
Located in Charleston, SC
Nude sculpture figure of woman kneeling. Late 20th century.
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Clay
Folk Art Stone Candle Holder, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Folk Art Stone Candle Holder, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989.
Additional information:
Materials: Stone
Color: Beige
Period: 1980s
Item Type: Vintage, Antique or Pre-...
Category
20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone
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
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
Antique Hand Painted Dutch Theme Enamelware Metal Trivet Collectible 1920s
Located in North Hollywood, 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
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
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
Wauja/ Turuza. Monkey Sculpture, 2021, Brazilian exotic wood
Located in PARIS, FR
La sculpture intitulée "Wauja/Turuza. Singe, 2021" est une œuvre d'art réalisée par l'artiste indigène Turuza, appartenant à l'ethnie Wauja du Haut-Xingu, au Brésil. Fabriquée à part...
Category
2010s Brazilian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Hardwood
Figurine, Skovserkone with Fish Made of Soapstone, Approximately 1960s/1970s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
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
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
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
Large Antique Swedish Folk Art Trough Bowl / 19th Century Rustic Decorative Dish
Located in Stockholm, SE
An antique wooden trough from 19th-century Sweden, hand-carved and uniquely authentic, featuring an ownership mark on the base. This piece carries many signs of its age, with an incr...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood, Pine
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
Early 20th Century Folk Art "American Eagle" Silhouette Decorative Box
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Folk art decorative box with eagle motif in attractive red paint (ca. 1910-1920, USA). The hinged top opens to reveal a divided storage compartment, per...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood, Paint
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
1930's American Handwoven Tall Market Basket
Located in Red Lion, PA
This charming 1930s American handwoven tall market basket is a beautiful example of early 20th-century craftsmanship. Woven from natural splint materials and framed with firm bentwoo...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Bentwood
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
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
Bonbon Chouval "Tissage"/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 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
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
A Cute Labrador Puppy, Door Stop A charming piece for all dog lovers
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
A Cute Labrador Puppy, Door Stop
A charming piece for all dog lovers, he or she is made in cast iron and in a resting position just right to keep the door in place even on windy day...
Category
1960s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Antique Bronze of a Mythical Lion Beast
Located in North Hollywood, CA
An antique unusual cast bronze of a Mythical lion beast.
Bursting with character, the lion standing foursquare with his long tail curled back on itself.
Cast bronze.
Tribal Afric...
Category
Early 20th Century African Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Antique French Folk Art Keepsake Box
Located in Charleston, SC
This beautiful hand decorated keepsake box has a beautiful green velvet on the outside. The top shows a metal cross with shell decorations. The inside is Lined with a silk green on t...
Category
Early 20th Century French Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Midcentury African Hand Carved Wood Sculpture of Maria with Child
By Par Makengo
Located in Antwerp, BE
Midcentury African wood sculpture wonderfully hand carved depiction of the Virgin Mary with Child, with great detailing and beautiful face sig...
Category
Mid-20th Century Congolese 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
Charming Victorian Hand Carved Pine Stationary Box
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
A charming Victorian hand carved pine stationary box
The Box is good quality and in very good condition for its age, the hand carved sloping doors on...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
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 pict...
Category
Mid-20th Century Argentine Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Hand-Carved Wooden Folk Art Figures
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Kenneth Anthony Krogmeir carvings. Mr. Krogmeir was a dairy farmer from Fort Madison, Iowa. He also owned a small sawmill that he operated for personal use and for milling wood for n...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
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
Vintage Boho Horse and Rider
Located in west palm beach, FL
Celebrate movement, strength, and storytelling with this captivating Vintage Boho Horse and Rider Sculpture. Cast in a rich, dark bronze-like metal with fine detail, the sculpture po...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
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
Janice Weisler Vintage Earthenware Handcrafted Lidded Bowl Hues of Brown America
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage earthenware handcrafted lidded bowl in hues of brown for Preservatives, Sugar, Candy Bowl, made in America.
Stamped at the base, Janice Wei...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Earthenware
Antique French Storage Box with Hand-Painted Clown Motif
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Ca. late 19th century French oak storage box with hand-painted 'clown' decoration to the top and a floral motif to the bottom component. Attractive color...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Oak, Paint
Nantucket Basket with Stencil Decorated Top, by Harry Hilbert, 1995
Located in Nantucket, MA
Nantucket Basket by Harry Hilbert, 1995, a Nantucket purse having a solid mahogany hinged top with colonial or federal style stenciled decoration on ebonized reserve, fine brass hinges minutely inlaid, and tropic wood cross-band inlay around perimeter; double carved wooden swing handles attached with bone mounts; nickel clasp; two tone woven cane wrap on oak staves; signed and dated by wood-burnt stamp on the mahogany bottom. This is a beautiful basket made with astounding craftsmanship by one of the finest artists in the field.
The basket remains in superb, barely used condition. I found one scuff above the stenciled reserve.
Harry Hilbert (1917 – 2010) was an acclaimed Nantucket Basket maker known for his fine inlay and superb craftsmanship. He originally made his baskets as personal gifts, but later sold them through Wayne Pratt...
Category
1990s American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Cane, Wood
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
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
Jill Johnston Hand-Turned Maple Vessel
By Jill Johnston
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A beautiful hand-turned maple vessel signed on the base Jill Johnston N245 3-99 and maple. It has a ring of inlaid decoration.
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Maple
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
Round Hand Carved Swedish Rootwood Bowl
Located in Houston, TX
Round hand carved Swedish root wood bowl, dating to 19th century. Retains remnants of early paint, markings and beautiful burled root grain.
Note: Regional differences in humidity a...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
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
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
Painted Black Lacquer Round Tray
Located in Chicago, IL
This round tray is crafted of a woven bamboo substrate coated in many layers of black lacquer to strengthen the form and create an even finish. The weaving ...
Category
Early 20th Century Southeast Asian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Bamboo
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
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
Mexican Ceramic Jug Vase Fishes 1994 Dolores Porras Folk Art Decorative Vessel
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
Dolores Porras Enríquez is widely known throughout Mexico and the world for being the creator of a technique rooted in the land of Oaxaca: pottery in natural color, glazed and decora...
Category
1990s Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Enamel
19th Century Dutch Carved Monumental Wood Eagle Figure Seated on a Pedestal
Located in Queens, NY
Continental 19th century Dutch life-sized carved wooden eagle figure with open mouth on square pedestal.
Category
19th Century Dutch Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Pair of Black Smith Art Sculptures of a Bicyclist and a Hunter, circa 1900s
Located in New York, NY
Fabulous pair of hand-forged iron sculptures from a black smith, circa 1900s of man on a bicycle with a cigar and a hunter with his dog, bird and gun. T...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
3 19th century Hand Made Treen Items, Pounce, Plumb Bob, Bodkin
Located in Chillerton, 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
Swedish Butter Box with Zig-Zag Design
Located in Houston, TX
Swedish butter box with zig-zag design carved imprint. Light colored faded wooden finish.
Note: Due to regional changes in humidity and climate during shipping, antique wood may shr...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique 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
Three Virginia Metalcrafters Brass Leaves, One Angel Wing and Two Holly Leaves
Located in Doraville, GA
Three vintage solid brass leaves, manufactured in Waynesboro, Virginia by Virginia MetalCrafters. The leaves were designed by Oskar Hansen, are hand made, hand finished and of the hi...
Category
1960s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Primitive Architectural Carved Wood Mounted Indian Horse Head
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Primitive architectural carved wood mounted Indian horse head
A beautiful piece of folk architecture from the Indian continent, the horse head was usu...
Category
Late 18th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
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
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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