Skip to main content

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.

to
143
1,269
82
27
51
402
816
109
209
298
177
23
11
25
30
23
26
35
45
26
16
26,231
14,041
9,151
5,687
3,943
3,043
2,320
1,728
1,331
1,143
1,122
1,021
945
930
658
656
595
733
338
270
158
143
831
481
590
416
324
263
231
Height
to
Width
to
1,378
1,339
1,350
25
17
13
9
7
Style: Folk Art
Antique Folk Art Carved Gesso over Wood and Hand Painted Native Man Statue
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Presumed to date from the late 19th century, this life-sized Folk Art carved and hand painted study depicts a Native man dressed in traditional attire and holding a staff. The artist is unknown and this sculpture is unsigned and done in a very realistic style. The carving, likely done in Cyprus wood...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Softwood, Paint

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

19th Century Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine

Life Size Wicker Palm Tree Sculpture from the FS Flores Collection
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Life size sculpture of a palm tree with a coconut crafted in wicker or reed wrapped over a metal frame with impressive stylized presence. From the FS Flores Collection...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wicker

"Harpoonist", 1930s Folk Art - Art Deco Relief Sculpture in Gray Marble
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A remarkable example of folk art sculpture influenced by the stylization of 1930s Art Deco, this bas relief sculpture depicts a man aiming a long harpoon toward his prey below, his body lit up by a nimbus of energy carved from the gray marble. The piece is signed "Knute" on the reverse, and is dated 1936, at Temple University in Philadelphia. The medium is the kind of gray King of Prussia marble...
Category

1930s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Asian Bronze Pair of Hanuman Kneeling Buddhist Figure Candleholders
Located in Moreno Valley, 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

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

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

Mid-20th Century North American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Paint

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

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

21st Century and Contemporary Caribbean Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

White Horse Vase Ceramic (Yellowstone Wild Life) White Stoneware, glossy glaze
By Jesse Fales
Located in Cody, WY
JESSE FALES, White Horse Vase, white stoneware and glaze, 2024. This handcrafted vase or candleholder pot channels the simplicity, strength, and purity of the white horse. Handmade i...
Category

2010s American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

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

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

Early 1900s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

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

Earthenware Hungarian Pottery, circa 1900s
Located in Ventura, CA
Earthenware Hungarian Pottery, circa 1900s This exquisite piece of early 20th century, this antique Hungarian pottery stands as a testament ...
Category

Early 20th Century Hungarian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Earthenware

Swedish Hand-Krafted Turned 19th Century Wooden Folk Art Wooden Bowl in Pine
Located in Örebro, SE
This is a beautiful Swedish hand-carfted 19th century wooden bowl in Wabi Sabi style. It comes made in pine with lovely patina reflecting its...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine

Very Early Nantucket Lightship Basket, circa 1860
Located in Nantucket, MA
Very Early Nantucket lightship basket, circa 1860, an oval open basket with wide splint staves, split wood rim, cane weave, solid birch bottom plate, and sha...
Category

1860s American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Cane, Wood

Japanese Midcentury Earthenware Art Pottery Vase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Interesting, midcentury, Japanese, matte tan, earthenware, art pottery vase features a tapered body, intricately carved and incised in a leaf pattern with Japanese markings on it's u...
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

candleholder from the Erzgebirge by Emil A. Schalling
Located in Kiel, SH
Typical angel clock candleholder by Emil A. Schalling from Erzgebirge, germany. The candleholder is in a used condition with some signs of age and use. The "Erzgebirge" is well known...
Category

1980s European Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

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

Early 20th Century Kenyan Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather, Wood

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

Vintage Boho Shanghai Weave Reclining Panda
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Bring a touch of whimsical charm and global flair to your space with this delightful vintage reclining panda figure. Expertly handcrafted using intricate weaving techniques (often as...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan

"Protector One" Folk Art Crow Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
Richly textured with whimsical appeal, this late 20th century wooden crow is a delightful example of naive American sculpture. Poised mid-caw, the crow's wings are outstretched, read...
Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

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

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

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

Swedish Folk Art 19th-Century Bentwood Box - Svepask
Located in Kvidinge, SE
An old original Bentwood Box from the late 19th century A beautiful piece full of history in oval shape with amazing patina and style with traces of age and use "Svepask" was used ...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Bentwood, Pine

Earthenware Hungarian Pottery, circa 1900s
Located in Ventura, CA
Earthenware Hungarian Pottery, circa 1900s Step back in time and embrace the enchanting rustic elegance of the early 20th century, a treasure from th...
Category

Early 20th Century Hungarian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Earthenware, Terracotta

Moroccan Terracotta Candle Holder Handbuilt and Handpainted by the Potter Houda
Located in Marseille, FR
- Handbuilt freckles terracotta candle holder - made of clay collected from the potter's surroundings. - made in the Moroccan Rif mountains by Houda Approximate measurements: 1....
Category

2010s Moroccan Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Clay, Earthenware

A Treen Sphere Enclosing Needle and Thread Spool
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Treen Sphere Enclosing Needle and Thread Spool A wonderful piece when unscrewed to open it reveals inside a needle case at the centre and a double thread spool which slips over it...
Category

19th Century Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Olive

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

Vintage Boho Original Studio Pottery Face Vase
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Add whimsy and artisan charm to your collection with this Vintage Boho Original Studio Pottery Face Vase. Boldly sculpted and hand-glazed in rich green with earthy golden highlights,...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Clay, Pottery

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

Tatyana Nazarenko Life-Sized Painted Wooden Props of a Russian Family
By Tatyana Nazarenko
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Russian artist signed, titled and dated on back, 1996. Painted on 5//8"plywood. Each has a pair of slotted wedges for standing. Dimensions:Woman and child: 63.25" high by 27" wide S...
Category

1990s Russian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Plywood, Paint

Vintage Folk Art Tramp Art Box With Mirror Detail
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage folk art Tramp art box featuring hand-carved geometric layers from reclaimed cigar box wood. The front displays a circular mirror framed in intricate relief work. The interio...
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Mirror, Wood

19th Century Swedish Folk Art Root Wood Bowl
Located in Bozeman, MT
Delightful 19th century Swedish folk art root wood bowl, signed JH AKRA LTS and dated 1885.
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

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

Mid-20th Century Swedish Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Burl

Early 20th Century Scandinavian Hand Carved and Painted Figural Nutcracker
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Scandinavian Folk Art nutcracker with man in cap decoration, circa 1920-1930s. Fine expressive facial and lovely hand painted details. Very nice, vintage condition with light wear co...
Category

Early 20th Century Scandinavian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

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

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

19th Century Cast Iron Bacchus Doorstop
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th Century Cast Iron Bacchus Doorstop Antique Bacchus Cast-Iron Doorstop he is Bearded and has a Great Cornucopia Top this is a rare piece dating f...
Category

19th Century Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

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

19th Century Asian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Swedish Hand-Carved 19th Century Wooden Folk Art Wabi Sabi Bowl in Pine
Located in Örebro, SE
This is a beautiful Swedish hand-carfted, carved 19th century wooden bowl in Wabi Sabi style. It comes made in an oblong piece of pine, perhaps a thin trunk but more likely a thick ...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine

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

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Earthenware

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

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

Vintage Modernist Sculpture of Oriental Figure, Circa 1960's, Signed "L.SHORE"
Located in Beirut, LB
This compelling vintage modernist sculpture, circa 1960's, is a beautiful and expressive work of art. The piece portrays a stylized figure of an Oriental man seated in a contemplativ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Early 20th century section hand carved fairground octopus illuminated figure
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century section hand carved fairground octopus illuminated figure Due to the construction and metal hanging hooks on this hand carved fairground figure, we believe it wou...
Category

1920s Unknown Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine

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

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

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

19c Folk Art Country Swedish Adze Carved Rosewood Tripod Table Bowl Decorative
Located in Sherborne, Dorset
Bought from an Antiques shop in Sweden, this charming, richly patinated tripod bowl table is hewn from a solid log of Rosewood - weighing in at 7kg, it's an incredibly extravagant us...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Rosewood, Oak

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

Contemporary Artisan Oolitic Limestone Bowl
Located in Houston, TX
Contemporary artisan oolitic limestone bowl or basin from England.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Limestone

18th Century Swedish Wooden Bowl
Located in Kvidinge, SE
18th Century wooden bowl with nice patina. You can see the use of time Fantastic bowl full of Swedish history
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

18th Century Swedish Wooden Bowl
18th Century Swedish Wooden Bowl
$1,337 Sale Price
30% Off
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

Found and Salvaged Industrial Objects, Metal Sculpture on Base
Located in Chicago, IL
Known for his steel furniture, Jim Rose was an avid collector and scoured salvage yards for unique, interesting items. Here he has paired various repurposed finds together to create...
Category

2010s American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel, Metal

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

Unusual Antique Hand Carved African Fertility Primate / Baboon, Gorilla
Located in Buffalo, NY
Unusual Antique Hand Carved African Fertility Primate / Baboon, Gorilla,, Extremely well executed,, all hand carved,, remnants of original hair, bone eyes and teeth detail.
Category

1910s Cameroonian Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Bone, Wood

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

Mid-20th Century South African Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Cotton, Wood

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.

Recently Viewed

View All