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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
19th Century Swedish Folk Art Wooden Funnel
Located in Bozeman, MT
Antique early 19th century folk art wooden funnel carved out of one piece of wood. Ca 1800 Sweden.
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine

Fine 19th Century Swedish Folk Art Turned Bowl
Located in Bozeman, MT
Fine early 19th century Swedish Folk Art turned bowl in Its original colour with leaf motifs and a great patina to the surface. Ca 1820 Sweden.
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

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

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

Mexican Burnished Clay Woman with Child Oaxacan Sculpture Mixtec Ceramic
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
This Mexican ceramic clay hand sculpture is a piece by artist Maricela Gómez López. Made with clay from Oaxaca and Zacatecas, painted with oxides from the region. Done with the hand-...
Category

2010s Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Clay

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

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

Burmese Yun Lacquer Container, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
In many southeast Asian cultures, offering guests a betel quid to chew was the fundamental symbol of hospitality. A blend of leaves, nuts, seasonings, and sometimes tobacco, betel was kept in finely worked and decorated boxes. This round container was originally the lid to a Burmese betel box...
Category

Early 20th Century Burmese Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Bamboo

Set of Five Tall Folk-Art Candleholders, France, circa 1950s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Unique set of five handmade Folk Art iron candleholders, raised on wavy triangular bases, with tall stems adorned with leaves along their lengths, and topped with large, flat candleh...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

Handcrafted Creative Critters Animal Figurine Jewelry Box Tropical Wood, Pair
Located in Miami, FL
A pair of handcrafted animal figures, sculpture, keepsake or jewelry box. Made out of the finest fruitwood and tropical beechwood planks laminate i...
Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Beech, Hardwood, Fruitwood

Arts and Crafts Leather Model of an Elephant Junior Bull
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Arts and Crafts Leather Model of an Elephant This is a rare and beautiful find from the early part of the 20th Century, it was made for Liberty and is known as “Junior Bull” This ...
Category

1930s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather

American Carnival Wagon or Band Organ Carved Female Head
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Late 19th century American carnival wagon or band organ female head carving. Very detailed wood carving with great old white painted surface. Presented on a...
Category

19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

"Man with Cup" by Allan Winkler
Located in Chicago, IL
Although this whimsical sculpture by Allan Winkler has the look of outsider art, this ceramic work stems from the art school-trained artist’s interest in...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

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

Special Tramp Art Box of Drawers
Located in Mt Kisco, NY
An especially sweet four-drawer hand-carved "tramp art" box. The top is decorated with a symbolic heart and arrow, a common design element in Tramp Art. The drawers are embellished with porcelain knobs. Carved ladies boots...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

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

Set of Three Beaded Ndebele Fertility Dolls
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...
Category

20th Century South African Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Cotton, Wood

Nude glass male dancer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A great looking glass sculpture of a male nude dancer with incredible detail. Please see the work in the hands and feet.
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

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

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, Twine

Small terracotta vase, 19th century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Small terracotta vase, 19th century Small blue and white glazed terracotta vase, 19th century, folk art. H: 14 cm, W: 14 cm, D: 10 cm
Category

19th Century European Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

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 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

Life Size Pair Of Dogs
Located in West Palm Beach, US
These charming dog sculptures make a bold statement with their unique patina. Hand-sculpted with concrete and reinforced with rebar, these pieces showcase intricate details like the ...
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Concrete

Life Size Pair Of Dogs
Life Size Pair Of Dogs
$6,800 Sale Price
20% Off
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

Jon Michael Route Original Bronze Titled Two Georgia Songbirds
Located in Oakwood, GA
Original By Artist Jon Michael Route Titled "Two Georgia Songbirds" Hot Patina and Laquer Finish Copper, Pewter, & Brass Signature on lower right Comes with easy to mount hardware. F...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Copper, Pewter

Venus Pumice Stone Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pumice stone sculpture of a seated woman's figure, 'Venus'  Dimensions 6" width x 5.5" depth x 8.5" height. Condition Good vintage condition.
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone

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

Earthenware Hungarian Pottery, circa 1900s
Located in Ventura, CA
Earthenware Hungarian Pottery, circa 1900s This exquisite piece of European pottery, originating from Hungary, stands as a testament to the artistic ...
Category

Early 20th Century Hungarian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Earthenware

Hand Carved wooden Folk Art traditional Cookie Board. Set of 2
Located in Seattle, WA
This pair of traditional Cookies boards are hand carved with nice patina and character and feature holes on the back for hanging. Vintage Condition as pictured. Listing is for descri...
Category

1970s 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

Boho Hand-Carved Wooden Owl Sculpture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Bring a touch of woodland wisdom to your space with this charming hand-carved wooden owl sculpture. Crafted from solid wood with rich natural grain, this piece features bold, stylize...
Category

Late 20th Century American 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

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

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

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

19th Century Swedish Birch Root Bowl
Located in Kramfors, SE
Birch root bowl in an organic shape and marked underneath with a house mark from the first owner. Untouched original condition with original paint. The wood...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Birch

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

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

Artist’s Model, Bust of a Young Woman on a Slate Block
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Artist’s Model, Bust of a Young Woman on a Slate Block This is a very attractive hand made piece dating from the middle of the 20th Century, it was discovered in an Art Studio durin...
Category

1960s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Clay

Mexican Burnished Clay Chicken Kitchen Hen Egg Basket Decoration Hen Brown
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
This Mexican ceramic hen is an egg basket/container, perfect to keep eggs fresh -- a utilitarian kitchen piece by artist Manuel Reyes. Made with clay from Oaxaca and Zacatecas, painted with oxides from the region. Done with the hand-modeled technique and cooked in traditional wood-fired oven. Reyes has been constantly innovating with his hen collection, making this one of his most iconic works. Ceramic artist, sculptor and painter, Manuel Reyes (Mexico City, 1972) atended the Escuela Nacional de Artes Plásticas in Xochimilco, México. He was later mentored by Royer Von Guten, Joy Laville...
Category

2010s Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Clay

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monumental Figurative Wire Iron Sculpture, Female Figure Titled "DOMINATRIX
Located in Buffalo, NY
Monumental figurative wire iron sculpture, female figure titled "DOMINATRIX, amazing skilled artist, great sense of the human female form. Hand delivery avail to New York City or any...
Category

1970s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

Pair of Scottish Ram in Polychrome Wood, 19 Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Superb pair of rams in polychrome carved wood from Scotland-19th century Very elegant and unique pair of rams which are almost carved at life size which come from a Manor in Scotl...
Category

19th Century Scottish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Hardwood

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

Folk Art Boot and Shoe Cleaning Box with Foot Shaped Shoe Rest
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Folk Art Boot and Shoe Cleaning Box with Foot Shaped Shoe Rest A handy and attractive little piece, the handle of the polish box doubles up as a rest to put the foot on to polish t...
Category

1960s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine

Unusual Swedish Provincial 19th Century Tall Case Clock
Located in Allerum, SE
Rare and unusually large Provincial Swedish 19th century tall case clock in it's original finish. Dated 1867, Sweden.
Category

19th Century European Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine

Folk Art "Standing Man" Carved Tree Branch Sculpture After Giocometti
By Giocometti
Located in Buffalo, NY
Charming little tree branch Folk Art sculpture hand-carved in the manner of Giocometti.
Category

1930s Unknown Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Ferocious Bronze Tiger Statue
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Ferocious bronze tiger statue A handsome piece made in spelter with a bronzed finish to the animal standing on his rocky plinth 3 dimensional and look...
Category

Late 20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Spelter

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

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

18th Century Wooden Apothecary Jar
Located in Copenhagen, K
Wooden pharmaceutical apothecary jar, marked "CARB LIGN PR".
Category

1790s German Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

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

Large Zebra Design Floor Vase, Umbrella Stand
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large Zebra Design Floor Vase, Umbrella Stand This beautiful looking piece is round in shape, and painted, the painted decoration of a Zebra runs all the way around, it is 24” tall ...
Category

1970s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

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

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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