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
Vintage Handmade Pottery Musician Single Candle Holder
Located in Seattle, WA
This unique candle holder Art is believed to be Peruvian folk art but not confirmed. It features a Musician with horn instrument and holder for a candle in his hat. This piece has ni...
Category
1970s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Large Bamana Marionette Figure of Charming Police Man, African Figure
Located in Buffalo, NY
Large Bamana marionette figure of a charming police man. African figure retains original paint, amazing patina, also retains original fabric wrap. (outfit).
Category
20th Century African Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Fabric, Wood
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
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
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
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
19th Century Swedish Table Top Box
Located in Bozeman, MT
Charming 19th century table top box in it's original finish, ca 1850 Sweden.
Category
19th Century European Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
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
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
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
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
Late 20th Century Vintage Boho Hand Painted Metal Cache Pot
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Infuse your space with artistic flair using this vintage boho hand-painted metal cache pot. Crafted with intricate detail and vibrant colors, this piece exudes a captivating charm re...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
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
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
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
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
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
19th Century Swedish Folk Art Bowl
Located in Bozeman, MT
Swedish Wabi-Sabi ;) 19th century Swedish folk art turned bowl.
Very well made, light, thin walls and with fantastic patination, dated 1868.
Category
19th Century European Antique 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
Large Ceramic Sculpture, Albert Thiry, Vallauris c. 1990
By Albert Thiry
Located in St Ouen, FR
Very large female figure executed in grogged clay and decorated with slips.
Albert Thiry and his wife Pyot founded their workshop in Vallauris in 1961.
Their creation is distinguish...
Category
1990s French Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
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
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
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
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
19th Century Swedish Folk Art Root Wood Bowl
Located in Bozeman, MT
Rather large 19th century Swedish folk art root wood bowl, signed ANDERS LNS, LAS and dated 1819.
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
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
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
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
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
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
Mexican Burnished Clay Chicken Kitchen Vessel Hen Egg Basket Decoration Flowers
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 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
$520 Sale Price
20% Off
Mexican Burnished Clay Hand Oaxaca Sculpture Mixtec Ceramic with Red Face
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
This Mexican red ceramic clay hand sculpture is a piece by artist Manuel Reyes. Made with clay from Oaxaca and Zacatecas, painted with oxides from the reg...
Category
2010s Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Mexican Burnished Clay Mother and Child Oaxacan Sculpture Mixtec Ceramic
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
Maricela Gómez López, a hardworking mother and artist portrays her life through her work. Living and growing up in Santo Domingo Yanhuitlán, a small town in central Mexico, the role ...
Category
2010s Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
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
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
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
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
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
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
19th Century Monumental English Harvest Basket
Located in Buchanan, MI
19th century monumental English harvest basket, great at the foot of a bed or amazing coffee table.
Category
19th Century English Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Rattan
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
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
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
Set Of Three Indian Folk Art Figures
Located in Asheville, NC
Set of three Indian figures vividly painted. They appear to be kneeling in prayer two have their hair in buns and the third wears a crown. It is likely that the third blue figure is ...
Category
20th Century Indian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
$1,800 / set
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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