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
18th Century French or Italian Santo Nativity Figure
Located in Nantucket, MA
18th century French or Italian Santo Nativity Figure, a hand carved and painted fruitwood figure for a Christmas Crèche or Krippe. Excellent and delicate details to the head and hands. The half figure stands on a dowel set into platform base, dressed in original fine linen robe...
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Linen, Fruitwood
Helmet Coal Scuttle Planter
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Helmet Coal Scuttle Planter
This bucket is a very attractive helmet shape, it is painted in black with a beaten Brass riveted hooped handles
The Scuttle is in good antique condition, it is clean inside and would make a very unusual planter
The Bucket is 13” tall including the handle, 11” long...
Category
1950s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Greenlandica, wood sculpture of a male figure. Greenlandic craftsmanship.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Greenlandica, wood sculpture of a male figure.
Greenlandic craftsmanship. Hand-carved.
From the 1960s.
In excellent condition.
Dimensions: H 20.0 cm x W 9.0 cm.
Category
1960s Greenlandic Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Signed 19th Century Swedish Wooden Bowl
Located in New York, NY
Wooden bowl in a painted pine. Made during the early 19th Century by P. Nordkvist. Beautiful condition.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Pop Surrealist Sculpture by Robert Brock, circa 1974
Located in Buffalo, NY
Pop surrealist sculpture by Robert Brock, cirac 1974. Laminate and cast plaster
Brock was born in Tacoma, Ohio and was a graduate of the University of Dayton, Dayton Art Institute...
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Laminate, Plaster, Wood
Turquoise Quad Vase
By LAKE BELL
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 coil built brown stoneware clay ...
Category
2010s American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Stoneware
$1,150
Folk Art Cork Collection
Located in Seattle, WA
Folk Art Cork Manufacturer's Display piece with samples of all sizes and shapes of cork available for sale. Corks are arranged in geometric shapes and mounted on a velvet-covered bo...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Cork, Velvet, Wood
$3,700
Pivoting Carved Wood Gull on Marble Base
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A wonderful carved wood bird in flight mounted on a bronze arm painted black which attaches to a marble base. The person we acquired this sculpture from claimed that it belonged to h...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Savage or folk story figure in bronze.
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
A savage or folk-art figure in bronze on a (recent) bluestone base.
The figure with his long pointed beard is wearing a cape with hood.
In front is a cross. In his hands he holds a ...
Category
Late 18th Century Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone, Bronze
W P A Style Terracotta "Bear" Sculpture, Art Deco, Modern
Located in Buffalo, NY
W P A style terracotta "BEAR" sculpture, Art Deco, Modern, charming stylized depiction. Painted, minor chipping (bottom).
Category
1930s Unknown Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta
Scandinavian 18th Century Folk Art Carved Watch Holder
Located in Copenhagen, K
Very beautiful and original painted Folk Art watch holder, made for the pocket watch when you were not wearing it.
Category
Late 18th Century Danish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
$1,250 Sale Price
43% Off
Hammered Silver Plate Basket
Located in New York, NY
Small vintage hammered silver plate basket with a nursery theme depicting two children and two geese. Charming oval shape with scalloped edges, the handle with a twisted rope pattern, raised on small ball feet. Hallmarked: Meriden silver plate...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Silver
Primitive Architectural Carved Wood Mounted Indian Horse Head
Located in Godshill, 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
Vintage Wooden Letter Opener With Folk Style Art on Handles.
Located in Seattle, WA
Makers Mark Reading “Spindlermuhle” on the Back. Translate From German to a Town in the Czech Republic. Vintage Condition Consistent with Age as Pictured.
Dimensions. 8 W ; 1 1/2 D
Category
1970s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Vintage Novelty Waste Paper Basket the Container Is Made in Wood
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Vintage Novelty Waste Paper Basket
The container is made in wood with pictures of books and shelves on all 4 sides, a fun and a very attractive conversation piece
The container...
Category
1960s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Softwood
Butchers Balance Scales, Advertising Palethorpes’ Sausages
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Butchers Balance Scales, Advertising Palethorpes’ Sausages
Palethorpes’ Sausage Scales with Brass Bell Weights
The scale has a brass weight plate on one...
Category
1920s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Chubac Albert, Large Painted Sculpture, Signed, Dated and Numbered
Located in Nice, Cote d' Azur
Chubac Albert (1925-2008), Sculpture,
Large iron sculpture painted in primary colors,
Signed, dated 1991 and numbered 3/3, France.
Measures : Hei...
Category
1990s French Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
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
Der Frierende' by Franz Zelezny
By Franz Zelezny
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A hand carved statue of an elderly man, 'Der Frierende.'
Category
Early 20th Century German Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
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
18/19th Century Bodhisattva
Located in SE
Bodhisattva, a religious sculpture, probably made in India 1750-1850.
The sculpture has been painted and gilded, but with very little remains.
Bodhisattva, in Buddhism, is one who s...
Category
Late 18th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Mexican Burnished Clay Chicken Kitchen Hen Egg Basket Decoration Hen Black
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
This Mexican ceramic hen is an egg basket, perfect to keep eggs fresh -- a utilitarian kitchen piece by artist Manuel Reyes. Made with clay from Oaxaca and Zacatecas, painted with ox...
Category
2010s Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Earthenware Hungarian Pottery, circa 1900s
Located in Ventura, CA
Earthenware Hungarian Pottery, circa 1900s
Discover the enchanting charm of this antique Hungarian Folk Art pottery, a genuine earthenware treasure th...
Category
Early 20th Century Hungarian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Earthenware
Mexican Burnished Clay Romance Torso Heart Couple Statue Contemporary Oaxaca
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
Lovers Torso, a contemporary rustic Mexican sculpture by Manuel David Reyes. This soft piece is one-of-a-kind, made with clay and natural pigments from ...
Category
2010s Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Decorative Re Painted 19th Century Wine Box, Trug
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Decorative re painted 19th century wine box, trug.
A delightful piece painted over, advertising Roy Hugo Butcher.
The Carrier is made in pine and painted ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Vintage 15 Milk, Wine, Bottle Carrier
Located in Napa, CA
Vintage 15 slot metal milk/wine bottle carrier from Belgium with a twine handle. Vintage condition.
Category
Early 20th Century Belgian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Figurine, Skovserkone with Fish Made of Soapstone, Approximately 1960s/1970s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Figurine Skovserkone with fish made of soapstone.
Approximately: 1960s/1970s
In good condition.
Dimensions: L 6.5 x D 3.0 x H 9.0 cm.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Soapstone
Maritime Architectural Element
Located in Stamford, CT
A maritime architectural element of painted and carved wood representing Neptune.
Category
19th Century English Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
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
$2,196 / item
Burl Bowl from USA
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A well scaled bowl carved from a single piece of burled maple.
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Maple
$16,000
Len Norman, American 20th Century the Prestidigitator Whirligig
Located in Buchanan, MI
Len Norman, American 20th century) the prestidigitator. Assembled and painted whirligig depicting a magician and body sawing act
Measures: 23" x 27" x 12".
Category
20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
1920s Belgian Decorative Ceramic Bowl
Located in High Point, NC
Delicate and whimsical, this vintage decorative ceramic bowl offers a woodland fantasy. Made in Belgium in the 1920s, the piece is shaped like a basket: but a basket composed of leav...
Category
20th Century Belgian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
French Zinc Horse Head, circa 1930
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
French zinc horse head, circa 1930
Category
Early 20th Century European Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Zinc
Khaki Size 6 Log Bowl by Loyal Loot Hand Made from Reclaimed Wood
Located in calgary, CA
Perfect as a feature objet d'art on your table or shelves, a catch-all for jewellery and special items, or displayed as a group for a striking centrepiece.
Each Log Bowl is unique and makes the perfect one of a kind gift.
Log Bowls combine the beauty of a tree in its natural state with a high-gloss, vibrant finish. Each bowl is handmade using locally reclaimed trees of all varieties (fallen or cut down due to infrastructure or inclement weather). The trees are hand selected, gathered, turned and finished by Loyal Loot...
Category
Early 2000s Canadian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood, Willow
$136 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Hand Carved Goan Indian Elephant
Located in Dallas, TX
Hand painted and carved wooden Indian elephant from Goa.
Intricate detailing.
Category
19th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
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
Ceramic Glazed Square Plate with Hand Painted Designs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ceramic plate features a square shape with turned up corners. The plate is glazed in a soft cream and beige coloring with speckling throughout. The piece is finished with two hand pa...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Folk Art Magnificent Oxidized Rustic Iron Man Sculpture
Located in Miami, FL
Magnificent iron man sculpture. Consists of saw blades as arms, a crumpled bucket as head with a tractor seat as its main body. Two skinny square iron legs keep it all upright and ar...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Alphaious Campbell Wood Carved Profile of a Man
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Alphaious Campbell carved wood wall hanging, c.1987. The painted folk art piece showcases various profiles of a bearded man.
Dimensions
9" width x 32.5" height
Condition
Excellent...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
P. Gomez, "The Cow" Sculpture in Two Parts
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
P. Gomez, "The cow" sculpture in two parts. Sheet metal and various material.
Category
1990s French Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
1880s Rustic Copper Cauldron – Handcrafted Swedish Pot with Handles
Located in Stockholm, SE
Cauldron, anonymous,
Sweden. 1880s.
Copper cauldron.
Dimensions:
H: 22 cm
D: 59 cm
Category
1880s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Copper
White Candelabra with Bird Figurine
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Enrich your decor with our exquisite vintage white ceramic candelabra, a showcase of intricate design and remarkable craftsmanship. This piece features a branch-like structure, adorn...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Handcrafted Ceramic Vase, "Stray Dogs" by "Elamorylabelleza" , Spain, 2022
Located in Madrid, ES
This handmade vase was designed and made by the collaboration of Spanish designers Carlos Jiménez, better known as `“Del Amor y la Belleza”´´, and Ranma.
The vase is made of ceramic ...
Category
2010s Spanish Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Clay, Paint
One-of -a-Kind Rooster Sculpture - France, Circa 1960s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Impressive and characterful unique cockerel sculpture made of very heavy iron pieces.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Folk Art Decorative Objects
Early 18th Century Wooden Folk Art Ink Sander
Located in Copenhagen, K
Very lovely wooden ink sander with small carvings all around it.
Category
Early 18th Century Danish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Twisted Iron Folk Art Candleholder, France, circa 1920s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Unusual Folk Art candleholder made of twisted iron, painted silver. Triangular base, adorned with a cross.
Category
Early 20th Century French Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Large Art Populaire bowl, France, ca. 1880
Located in Rotterdam, ZH
Large Monoxyle dough bowl, Auvergne - France 19th century. Very nice piece of 'art populair' an object made by craftsmen to be used to assist in their work.
This particular bowl was ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
One Pair of Charming Wooden Shoe Moulds Mounted as Bookends Great Character.
Located in Buchanan, MI
One pair of charming wooden shoe moulds mounted as bookends, comes with four leather bound books. Feel free to call with further questions. Would look great in a private library
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Steel
Christian School Candle House
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
This charming heavy iron candle house was made as a table centerpiece for a Private Prep School. It was designed to look like the school icon, the to...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
$245 / item
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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