Folk Art Decorative Objects
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.
19th Century European Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Brass
Early 20th Century Danish Folk Art Decorative Objects
Marble, Chrome
21st Century and Contemporary English Folk Art Decorative Objects
Limestone
Early 20th Century Swedish Folk Art Decorative Objects
Oak, Pine, Paint
Late 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Ceramic
2010s American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Steel
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Metal
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pine
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood, Glass, Shell
20th Century German Folk Art Decorative Objects
Glass, Wood
2010s Moroccan Folk Art Decorative Objects
Clay, Earthenware
2010s Moroccan Folk Art Decorative Objects
Clay, Earthenware
2010s Moroccan Folk Art Decorative Objects
Clay, Earthenware
1960s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Copper
1930s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Leather
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood, Paint
Early 1900s French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Steel
Mid-19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Ebony, Fruitwood, Mahogany
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Hemp
1860s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pine
20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pottery
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pine, Paint
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pine, Paint
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pine, Paint
1990s Greek Folk Art Decorative Objects
Terracotta
Mid-19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Fruitwood, Walnut
1970s Greenlandic Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Other
Mid-20th Century Japanese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Nepalese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Multi-gemstone, Brass
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Reclaimed Wood
19th Century Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Ceramic, Earthenware, Pottery
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Birch
2010s American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Steel
1920s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Glass
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
1990s Swedish Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pine, Paint
Early 20th Century German Folk Art Decorative Objects
Metal
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
Mid-19th Century French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Iron
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Silk, Paper
1920s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Iron
19th Century British Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Brass, Iron
2010s American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Steel
Mid-20th Century South African Folk Art Decorative Objects
Fabric, Cotton, Wood
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
1950s English Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Ceramic
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Composition
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Iron
1970s Kenyan Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Marble
Mid-20th Century South African Folk Art Decorative Objects
Fabric, Cotton, Wood
Late 20th Century Vietnamese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Bamboo
2010s American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Steel
Mid-20th Century South African Folk Art Decorative Objects
Fabric, Cotton, Wood
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
2010s American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Steel
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pine
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Twig, Birch