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
Mid-Century American Folk Art Wood Articulated Man Figure
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a Folk Art wooden articulated man, circa the 1950s. This nearly 5-foot tall, handcrafted piece, epitomizing Mid-century American craftsmanship, is made ...
Category
1950s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Hardwood
Folk Art Animal Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful art glass animal sculpture, Folk Art design, circa mid-20th century. Sculpture is hand-blown art glass of farm animals, from base to top, a horse, dog, cat, and rooster. ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Blown Glass, Art Glass
Ken Edwards Signed Tonala Mexico Art Pottery Ewer Bud Vase with Bird
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage ceramic bud vase in shape of ewer was hand made by Ken Edwards in traditions of Tonala pottery. It is decorated with bird and abstrac...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
19th Century Swedish Allmoge Folk Art Bentwood Chest
Located in Pearland, TX
An incredible Swedish hand-painted chest, having hand-forged iron straps and fittings. Original key included.
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Bentwood
19th Century Swedish antique rustic Folk Art Wooden box with original color
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish folk art wooden box from Piteå, Norbotten Northern Sweden
The wooden box has untouched original color.
The box is stable in construction.
Nice storage inside.
Ha...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Mid 18th century hand painted traditional Swedish pine chest
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 18th century hand painted traditional Swedish chest/box circa 1750.
Stunning traditional Swedish box hand painted in the original paintwork. Decorated on all sides with swags ...
Category
Mid-18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Swedish Antique Toy Rocking Horse, All Original, Origin: Sweden, circa 1870
Located in New York, NY
Swedish antique toy rocking horse, origin: Sweden, circa 1870 - 1900.
Beautiful, untouched, original condition including the paint, ...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Vintage Hand Carved Wooden Owl Sculpture Portugal
Located in Sakskøbing, DK
A vintage folk art owl sculpture, hand-carved from wood and colorful hand-painted. Made in Portugal with quality craftsmanship. A solid, well-made piece with character.
Object: scul...
Category
1980s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood, Paint
Hand Carved and Hand Painted Wooden Sculpture of a Hunter with Dog
Located in Barntrup, DE
A masterfully carved and hand painted wooden sculpture of a hunter with his dog and gun. This adorable sculpture, beautifully crafted in detail, will decorate any room or make a grea...
Category
1970s German Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
After Jean Louis Grégoire Spelter Figure "Boy Playing Pipe"
Located in Los Angeles, CA
After Jean Louis Grégoire (France, 1840-1890) A Charming French 19th-20th Century Patinated Spelter Figure of "The Animal Charmer", depicting a sta...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Spelter
$4,685 Sale Price
27% Off
Carved Ebony "Star" Vide Poche, France 1950's
Located in New York, NY
Delicately carved solid Ebony vide poche on a pedestal base decorated with points around the edge.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ebony
German Folk Art Grey and Cobalt Blue Stoneware Jar
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
A very decorative German folk art grey stoneware jar with cobalt-blue painting from the 1st half of the 20th century.
Traditional Westerwald stoneware is a type of ceramic ware that was produced in the lower Westerwald and the Kannenbäckerland in the early modern period. Since the 17th century, it has been one of the dominant types of German stoneware. The technique for producing grey stoneware with cobalt blue painting proved...
Category
Early 20th Century German Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Stoneware
Barbed Wire Collection / Display Mounted on a Texas Shaped Plaque
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Barbed Wire Collection / Display Mounted on a Texas Shaped Plaque.
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Steel
Trio of Metal Horses on Wood Bases
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of three metal horses mounted on wood bases. These charming horses came out of the same collection.
Sizes:
1) 13.5"H X 11"W X 3.5"D
2) 14.5"H X 10.5"W X 3.5"D
3) 12.5"H X 8.5"W ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
$495 Sale Price / set
70% Off
Early Swedish 19th Century Wooden Folk Art Box with Originally Paint
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A Swedish original painted Folk Art box. From the beginning of the 19th century, most likely used to keep writing supplies and office materials.
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
$760 Sale Price
20% Off
Moorish Heads Vases Collection "Palermo White", Set of 2, Handmade in Italy
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
$2,058 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Welded Owl Metal Sculpture, France 1970s
Located in ROUEN, FR
Welded Owl Metal Sculpture, France 1970s.
Handcrafted sculpture, composed of various metal pieces welded together.
A nice piece of folk art with a lovely patina !
Note : On the ri...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal, Iron, Sheet Metal
Mid 18th century Swedish pine chest decorated with labyrinth
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 18th century Swedish pine chest decorated with labyrinth circa 1730.
Rare and beautiful Swedish pine chest. Traces of original paint to the outside with decorative metal strap...
Category
Mid-18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
18th Century Wooden Cross, Guanajuato, Mexico
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Wooden cross
Guanajuato, Mexico
Wood, paint
22 x 13 inches, (56 cm x 33 cm)
18th century
A wonderful old wooden cross with a painted crucified Christ figure, an angel, possibly Mary Magdelene...
Category
18th Century Mexican Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Paint, Wood
Victorian Antique Smoker’s Cane Walking Stick with Money & Matches Box
Located in Shippensburg, PA
VICTORIAN SMOKING CANE WITH A ROTATING MONEY BOX AND MATCH COMPARTMENT
Unmarked, probably English; late 19th/early 20th century
35" H x 2 1/8" W
An interesting smoker's cane, the ...
Category
20th Century British Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Nickel
Scandinavian hand painted 19th century pine strong box
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Scandinavian hand painted 19th century pine strong box circa 1840.
Good example of traditional rustic Swedish woodwork. Painted in a russet red paint with hand painted cream drags....
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Moorish Heads Vases Collection "Licata", Set of 3 Pieces, Handmade in Italy
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
$4,912 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Japanese Antique Ancient Sueki Sue Ware Wabi-Sabi Pottery Vase Vessel Urn
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful, unique, and handcrafted piece of ancient Japanese Sueki Sue ware pottery dating back to the 500-600s (6th-7th century). Sueki/ Sue pottery was a ...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Japanese Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery, Stoneware
Quirky American Folk Art Human Form Chair
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Have a seat! One of a kind human form chair. Wonderfully carved muscles, toes, clenched fists for support. Looks like the chair is ready to go crawling ac...
Category
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
WWI Trench Art Vases, French, 1917- Set of 2
Located in Ross, CA
WWI Trench art vases etched with the French Rooster, bows, and the year 1917. Trench art was art commonly made by soldiers with shell casings to pass the time in the trenches of WW...
Category
1910s French Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Wood Carved Chinese Restaurant Entry Arch, circa 1940s
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Impressive and grand arch that graced the entry of a Chinese restaurant in the 1940s American Midwest. Impressively carved and double-sided solid wo...
Category
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Signed Studio Pottery Glazed Wabi-Sabi Art Vase Maybe Japanese Asian Bizen Ware
Located in Studio City, CA
A gorgeously and sumptuously glazed studio pottery vase with irregular bumps and protrusions on the surface area, multi-colored earth-toned glazes, and a flared rim. Quite an unusua...
Category
20th Century Japanese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery, Stoneware
Large Modern Owl Sculpture on Hanging Perch by Sergio Bustamante
Located in Pasadena, CA
Perched on a thin crossbar, this owl sculpture made by Sergio Bustamande stares at the viewer with painted eyes, their spiraling, hypnotic contours. The green and gold of its gaze su...
Category
1970s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal, Brass, Copper
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
$1,318 Sale Price
30% Off
Carved Wood Falcon Sculpture 1960s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Handmade carved wood Falcon sculpture 1960s.
Vintage Seri Ironwood Animal Hand-Carved Sculpture of a American Eagle or Falcon.
Vintage Hand carved walnut wooden beautiful design decorative bird falcon sculpture.
Carved wood figure of an Eagle sculpture from the 1960s. Eagle figure perched on a wooden trunk would be a great eye-catcher in any room or interior.
Excellent condition.
Natural dark brown color.
Dimensions: 9.5" H x 4.5".
Vintage hand carved Ironwood Southwestern seri sculpture of an eagle or falcon.
Ironwood hand carved falcon sculpture.
Hand crafted in amazing detail from one of earth's hardest natural ironwood.
This is an authentic art piece crafted in the Sonoran Desert from native Olneya ironwood.
Found almost exclusively in the desert of Arizona, this tree is truly one of nature's wonders.
North American Southwestern desert ironwood gets its name from its amazing hardness and heavy weight (similar to petrified wood).
Though this wood is very difficult to work, it is meticulously carved and etched to reveal incredible detail, in very nice polished heavy dark wood, no dents with a smooth finish over all excellent condition with beautiful visible wood grains.
circa 1970.
From Wikipedia: "Mexican ironwood carvings...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Early English Cast Iron Pointer Setter Dog Door Stop
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
English 1930's cast iron door stop of a pointer setter dog with original paint. This sculpture has fantastic patina with great age and wear. Wonderful addition to an existing collect...
Category
Early 20th Century English Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Vintage Hand Painted Rocking Horse
Located in New York, NY
Vintage hand painted carved horse.
Category
1940s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Decorative Hand-carved Wooden Plate with Pyrography, Germany 1960s
Located in Grythyttan, SE
This stylish folk art hand-carved wooden plate features intricate pyrographic elements—a traditional wood-burning technique used to create decorative patterns. The design centers aro...
Category
1960s German Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Beech
Large Antique Renaissance Style Carved Wood Picture Frame. English, 19th Century
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful carved wood frame in renaissance style
I particularly like the Greek key ornament
Carved tropical hardwood
Chipped to one of the corners
The measurement given below is ...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Taserud candelabra, in wood and wrought iron, Swedish Folk
Located in Stockholm, SE
A traditional Taserud candelabra by Koppfeldt Arvika. In stained, hand cut wood and wrought iron candle holders.
A history of the Taserudsstaken:
The Taserudsstake is a strong sym...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Mexican Nativity Set Folk Art Ceramic Christmas Decoration Pottery Sculptures
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
Folkloric ceramic nativity set decorated in Tonalá, Jalisco, México. Beautifully hand painted. Handmade in clay. Includes 14 figures.
The figures are first handmade in clay and burned in a wood burned oven at low temperature, then painted with acrylic paint and decorated manually. Mexican folk art...
Category
2010s Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Small Antique Brass Jam Pan. English 19th Century
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great rustic accessory for the country kitchen
Country house condition. Original patina to brass and rusty iron handle
The measurement given is with the handle up
Free UK shipping
Category
1870s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Iron
Nantucket Basket by A.D. Williams (1867 - 1927), circa 1890
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique Nantucket Basket by A.D. Williams (Nantucket: 1867 - 1927), circa 1890, an oval open Nantucket basket with cane weave on oak staves, w...
Category
1890s American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Cane, Oak
Signed Ukrainian Bent and Pierced Oval Birch Box
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A very well crafted Oval Birch Box with an interesting and stylish pierced and colored surface treatment, thick bent wood handle and woven top edge. At one end, the bent panel has th...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Birch
Small 19th Century original painted sarcophagus box
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Small 19th century original painted sarcophagus box circa 1870.
Beautiful decorative box with original paint. Sarcophagus shaped lidded box in original paint with traces of origin...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine, Paint
American Folk Art Carved Painted Wood Cat Sculpture
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage whimsical and playful American Folk Art carved wood sculpture features a hand carved and hand-painted seated cat with large expressive eyes and surprised look on its face. Th...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Chinese Blossom Papier-Mâché Box
Located in Chicago, IL
Formed around a simple wooden frame, this papier-mâché storage box is a charming example of Chinese folk art. Crafted with old newspapers and dyed rice paper, the box would have been...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Paper
Antique Swedish Large Wooden storage box 1802 Handmade Folk Craft
Located in Forest, BE
Swedish antique pine and birch wooden storage box. The lady’s got them to store there small goods at the wedding. Fine quality of bentwood. It is a true piece from the early 19 centu...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Birch, Pine
Antique Swedish Hand-Made Folk Art Pine Flour Box
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique hand-made flour box from Sweden made in folk art during the second half of the 19th century, around 1860 to 1870. These boxes were either hung on the...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Primitive 19th Century Wrought Iron Candle Holder
Located in Bozeman, MT
Primitive and rather large 19th century wrought iron tripod candle holder with a fixed socket and a sprung Jaw holder for use of the last stump of the candlelight. Ca 1820 Northern E...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron, Wrought Iron
Collection of vintage Swedish handwoven straw Christmas ornaments.
Located in Boden, SE
Collection of vintage Swedish handwoven straw Christmas ornaments.
The tradition of using straw for Christmas decorations has deep roots in Swedish culture, dating back to ancient ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Straw
Stephen Huneck Carved Wooden Dog Footstool
By Steven Huneck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stephen Huneck hand carved wooden dog footstool. Perfect as a foot stool, ottoman or playful sculpture.
Dimensions
7" width x 20" depth x 15" height.
Condition
Good vintage condition.
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Vintage American Hand Carved Wooden Decoy Duck Bookends (Pair)
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautifully sculpted and incredibly nostalgic pair of wooden decoy duck bookends. These realistic looking, duck bookends have a timeless and classic look. Made in the 1980's, these r...
Category
1980s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Antique Original Clock Cabinet from Sweden, Hand-Crafted Untouched Veneered Elm
Located in Kramfors, SE
Swedish antique clock cabinet made during the early to mid 1800s, circa 1820 to 1840. The cabinet is veneered and waxed elm. The lower cabinet is...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Elm
Vintage Boho Shell Encrusted Parrot
Located in west palm beach, FL
Bring a touch of whimsical coastal charm to your space with this stunning vintage shell-encrusted parrot! Meticulously crafted with an array of real shells in beautiful pinks, orange...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Shell, Wood
$636 Sale Price
20% Off
Rare Large Mochaware Bowl with Cable Decoration England Circa 1830
Located in Katonah, NY
We are pleased to offer this exceptionally large and rare mid-19th century English mochaware bowl. Each piece of mochaware is unique. Made in England ci...
Category
1830s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Creamware
Large Elephant Stone sculpture hand made and signed under the foot, Circa 1920
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a large stone sculpture of an elephant, made from a cast or composite stone all hand painted and signed. We date this piece to the early 20th Century , Circa 1920.
This piec...
Category
Early 20th Century British Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Cast Stone
Decorative Hand-Carved African Statue from Kenya
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Decorative ebony well hand-carved African statue of a young women.
Handmade in Kenya, Africa.
Category
Mid-20th Century Kenyan Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ebony
Mezcal Demijohn From Southern Oaxaca, Circa 1930´s
Located in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
Orange-tinted mezcal demijohn from southern Oaxaca, Circa 1930´s.
Category
1930s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Blown Glass
Early 19th Century painted pine blanket box
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 19th century painted pine blanket box circa 1828.
Fine example of the traditional method of storage in sweden, utilising the plentiful pine and hand decorating.
Rectangular b...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine, Paint
Large Sculpture Made of Handwoven Palm Leaves with Two Spheres
Located in West Hollywood, CA
These large hand-woven palm sculptures are made from natural palm and provide rustic, organic modern, contemporary design for any home decor. Their unique w...
Category
2010s Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Palmwood
Late 19th Century Tramp Art Box
Located in Bradenton, FL
Vintage late 19th century Tramp Art Box inset with mirror and fabric. "Tramp Art" objects began in the 1870s, driven by the abundance of wooden cigar boxes and their availability to ...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Textile, Wood
Sterling Silver Rooster Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This sterling silver heavy hollow body rooster figure is signed 925 on the base and is in fine condition.
Beautifully made and proportioned well. Great patina.
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Sterling Silver
Tramp Art Box, Large Scale and Unusual Form. Circa 1900
Located in Stamford, CT
Large scale tramp art box of unusual form. At 2 feet wide quite impressive in scale and equally impressive in the ambition of the craftsman who created it. The geometry of the psuedo...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Large Early 20th.Century Pine Horse
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large Early 20th.Century Pine Horse
This is a substantial animal, he has previously been stripped back to mostly bare wood, which does help to show what sound condition he is in
He...
Category
1910s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
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.