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
Found and Salvaged Steel House Structure on a Reclaimed Steel Base
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Jim Rose, known primarily for his steel furniture, was an avid collector and scoured salvage yards for unique and interesting items. Here, a collection of spare parts come together ...
Category
2010s American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal, Steel
Genuine Unusual Antique Northern Swedish Faux Paint Long Case Clock
Located in Kramfors, SE
Genuine long case clock from Sweden made during the first years of the 19th century, around 1810. The clock is unusual and genuine, from the village ...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Exceptional and Unusually Large 19th Century Swedish Folk Art Turned Bowl
Located in Bozeman, MT
Exceptional and unusually large 19th century Swedish / Scandinavian finely turned wooden folk art bowl in Its original finish, signed HE S. circa 1830, Sweden.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
19th Century Large Store Tea Tin Hand Painted Parnall & Sons Bristol, England
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous and large store tea tin by Parnall & Sons who were the people to see for outfitting your store and much more as the company grew from 1830. Hand painted showing a girl servi...
Category
Mid-19th Century British Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Swedish Craft, Bowl, Wood, Sweden, 17th century
Located in High Point, NC
A wood bowl produced in Sweden, c. 17th century.
Category
17th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Large Round Green and Brown Woven Basket, Mexico
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A large round woven natural fiber basket in green. Handmade in Mexico by local artisans, this beauty will be fantastic hanging on a wall in a grouping of other baskets, or on a table...
Category
20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Natural Fiber
$200 Sale Price
20% Off
Swedish Craft, Wooden Bowl, Sweden, 17th Century
Located in High Point, NC
A wooden bowl designed and produced in Sweden in 1668.
“1668” inscription on bottom
Category
17th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Folk Art Geometric Inlaid Wood Small Hinged Box
Located in West Chester, PA
Hand made geometric inlaid wooden hinged xox with red enameled interior.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Antique Large Swedish Stone Mortar, circa 1800
By Skultuna
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This large and heavy mortar made in stone are perfect for display and interior. Made in Sweden ca 1800s. This unique piece has its origin in the middle of Sweden and its was made wit...
Category
Early 1800s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone
19th Century Swedish antique rustic Folk Art Wooden tray bowl original color
Located in Boden, SE
An large antique and unique organic wooden bowl / wooden tray. With highly appealing patina, with traces of use. This one in a unique blue painted color thats been patinated during i...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Petite French Wire Basket Footed Primitive Farmhouse
Located in San Diego, CA
Small antique French basket hand made .
Category
20th Century French Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wire
Early 20th Century Chinese Betrothal or Wedding Basket with Peony and Bird motif
Located in Grythyttan, SE
This early 20th-century bentwood bamboo/rattan/wicker Chinese wedding basket with polychrome paint is marvelously beautiful. The basket It has very beautiful and intricate weaving de...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Bamboo, Wicker
Pair of Tonala Mexico Modernist Horse Figurines, Planters or Ashtrays
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
A pair of modernist horse figurines were hand made in Tonala, Mexico, in modernist style with short legs, long bodies, and expressive heads, and are hand painted in typical Tonala s...
Category
20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Large Vintage Tribal Handwoven Ethnic Round Asian Basket
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Large Asian rattan handcrafted decorative bowl on bamboo stand.
Large vintage tribal handwoven bamboo ethnic round basket.
Deep bowl shape, woven with seagrass technique and decorate...
Category
Late 20th Century Asian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Seagrass, Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
19th Century Swedish Folk Art Vessel
Located in Allerum, SE
19th century Swedish Folk Art dug out tree trunk vessel. Ca 1850 Sweden.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Vintage Sculpture of an American Eagle Carved in Seri Ironwood
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Sculpture of an American Eagle Carved in Seri Ironwood.
Vintage hand carved Ironwood Southwestern seri sculpture of an Eagle.
Dimensions: 5.5" x 3.5". circa 1970.
Ironwood hand carved eagle or falcon...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
24" Tall Antique Swedish Large Wooden Horse Carved Hand-Painted 19th Century
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Tall antique Swedish horse in carved wood with original patinated paint in off-white color with blue dots.
Made circa end of the 19th century.
Th...
Category
1890s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Leather, Wood
Swedish Designer, Bowl, Wood, Iron, 1782
Located in High Point, NC
A wood bowl with metal repair produced in Sweden, 1782.
Category
1780s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Moroccan Vintage Green Olive Jar
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Moroccan vintage, 1960's green olive jar, or planter.
Handcrafted by the Berber people in Tamgroute Morocco.
Great glazed earthenware with different hu...
Category
Mid-20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Earthenware
$2,500 / item
1 of 2 Swedish Vintage Folk Art Handpainted Wooden Candelabra, 1960s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Large folkoristic wooden hand-crafted candelabra with seven arms attached on thin, slightly adjustable metal rods. Handpainted in Nordic folklore style with burgundy, rose, green and...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Antique Rajasthani Footed Chest Box India 1900's
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Antique Rajasthani Shekhawati Merchant's Footed Chest Box India 1900's.
Early 20th Century Indian carved wood storage cash footed box used by merchants in ...
Category
Early 20th Century Indian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
19th Century antique rustic Swedish tray bowl with original paint
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedishantique wooden tray/ Serving bowl with untouched original paint from Luleå Norrbotten, Northern Sweden.
A farmers handcrafted tray or serving bowl or centerpiece...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Swedish Craft, Bowl, Wood, Sweden, 19th Century
Located in High Point, NC
A wooden bowl produced in Sweden, 19th Century.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Boston Terrier Heavy Cast Iron Doorstop
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sweet faced Boston Terrier cast iron doorstop. This doorstop is very heavy with great patina. The Boston Terrier hasa very soft look due to the wear.
Category
20th Century North American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
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
Swedish Woven Fruit Basket
Located in Houston, TX
Swedish woven fruit basket: this charming woven construction basket closes with flap secured by leather strap.
Note: Regional differences in humidi...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Birch, Paint
Swedish Folk Art, Large Unique Early 19th Century Farmers Bowl Painted Wood
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
An antique and unique organic wooden bowl. With highly appealing patina, faded painting on the bowl makes this a unique and desirable piece. Produced in...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Antique Hand Sculpted Stone Head Sculpture on Formfit Hand Carved Wooden Base
Located in Miami, FL
Antique hand-sculpted stone head sculpture presented on a hand carved wooden stand.
Head measures: Length 5 inches x 4 inches depth x 8 inches hig...
Category
1940s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone
Round Primitive Ceramic Decorative Trinket Studio Pottery Dish with Lid in Brown
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A round studio pottery trinket dish in brown. This piece will be perfect for a nightstand, coffee table, or bar. It is round and glazed in a deep brown. The lid on the top features a...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
$128 Sale Price
20% Off
Swedish Marriage Box
Located in Greenwich, CT
A Swedish dowry box presented to the bride by her parents on the occasion of her marriage, decorated with homemade pigments in traditional folk-art patterns in faded grey blues and s...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
$3,400
Mexican Burnished Clay Hand Oaxaca Sculpture Mixtec Ceramic Organic Pre-Hispanic
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
Mexican Ceramic Clay Hand Sculpture by Manuel Reyes Handmade Folk Art from Oaxaca
This Mexican ceramic hand sculpture is a one-of-a-kind piece handcrafted by renowned ceramic artis...
Category
2010s Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Mid 19th Century Swedish Folk Art small Travel box /chest with original paint
Located in Boden, SE
Mid 19th Century Swedish Folk Art Travel box from Skellefteå Västerbotten, Northern Sweden.
Beautiful untouched original paint.
Dated 1858
Decorated with handwrought iron around the ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Collection of 8 Glass And Metal German Tankards
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A collection of 8 pieces of tankards in glass with metal lids from the end of the 19th Century and beginning of the 20th Century. Probably these have been used for beer drinking. Fou...
Category
1890s German Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Set of Three Swedish Folk Art Organic Bowls, circa 1970s
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
These three bowls made in Sweden with precision handcraft gives a nice edition to any living room with intention to give an organic simple, but jet complex look. The signs of the woo...
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine, Beech, Fir
Pair Handmade Painted Acrobatic Papier Mache Clowns Mexico Attr Jeanne Valentine
By Jeanne Valentine
Located in Topeka, KS
Fabulous handmade & hand painted vintage acrobatic Papier Mache clowns from Mexico attributed to Jeanne Valentine a pair. Beautiful condition, keeping...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Paste, Paint, Paper
19th Century Swedish Folk Art Root Wood Bowl
Located in Bozeman, MT
Nice organically shaped early 19th century Swedish folk art root wood bowl, signed HE A. Ca 1820 Sweden.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
English Brown Wicker Dog Kennel Basket
Located in Houston, TX
English brown wicker dog kennel or pet carrier (circa 1900-1910), rare large-scale and in good condition. Forged iron door and latch loop. Door openi...
Category
Early 1900s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
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
19th Century Swedish Wooden bowl dated 1868
Located in Boden, SE
18th century Swedish Antique Rustic wooden bowl with nice patina from Dalarna Northern Sweden.
The bowl has an oval shape.
The surfaces are naturall...
Category
1860s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Moorish Heads Vases Collection "Catania", Set of 2 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
$2,173 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Italian Tole Potted Tulips Table Ornament
Located in Riverdale, NY
Italian cold painted tole potted tulip table decoration. A white footed pot holds a symmetrical cluster of shaded pink, blue and yellow metal closed tulips....
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Pair of Antique Handmade Water Bottles
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1940, we offer this pair of antique handmade water bottles.
Category
1940s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
19th Century Swedish Root Wood Bowl
Located in Allerum, SE
19th century Swedish Folk Art root wood bowl, signed IES. Ca 1830s Sweden
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
The Virgin Mary Bust, 'Virgin Mary House' Replica Compressed Marble Powder No:2
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
This sculpture depicts the Virgin Mary, who is known as the mother of Jesus in Christian mythology. Weighing 1.5 kg, this sculpture is produced from pressed marble powder and made us...
Category
2010s Turkish Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Statuary Marble
Brass Sculpture of Tree with Bird's Nest by C. Jeré
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Dorchester, MA
This whimsical brass tree was handcrafted in the 1970s by the artisans at C. Jeré. It features a slender trunk with bark details, delicate articulated leaves, and a bird's nest that ...
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Set of 5 Large Moss Green Glass Chemist or Pharmacy Jars
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A set of 5 large moss green glass chemist or pharmacy jars
These are wonderful attractive jars from the mid 19th Century, they have been hand blown and labeled Worm Powders, Teet...
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Cut Glass
Very Large Wall Basket, Straw and Leather, African Folk Art 1970
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Large African wall-hanging basket, Circa 1970.
This large decorative basket comes from Africa, purchased by one of my clients during a trip to Ethiopia in the 70s. It is made of han...
Category
Mid-20th Century Ethiopian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Leather, Straw
Antique English Carved Folk Art Dog Head Cane over Ebonized Black Shaft
Located in Shippensburg, PA
CARVED FOLK-ART DOG HEAD CANE OVER EBONIZED SHAFT
Probably English, circa late 19th century
37 1/4: H x 2 7/8" W
A very attractive late 19th century Victorian walking cane, it fea...
Category
19th Century European Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Vintage Round Scalloped Capiz Photo Frame - India
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A round vintage scalloped capiz photo frame. This piece will be a great addition to a bedside table, bookshelf, or side table. The frame is created from pearlized capiz which is arra...
Category
20th Century Indian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Shell
$200 Sale Price
20% Off
19Thc Original Blue Painted Mini Butter Bowl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19Thc Original blue painted butter bowl with amazing patina. This bowl is in fine condition and is a rare small size.
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Vintage 1970's Hand Painted Pair Of Folk Art Pottery - Signed by Artist
Located in San Carlos, CA
For Sale: Stunning 1970's Vintage Folk Art Pottery Vases
Add a touch of vintage charm to your home with this gorgeous pair of 1970's folk art pottery vases. Both vases showcase a di...
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
$112 Sale Price
53% Off
Large Folk Art Sea Shell Encrusted Tissue or Kleenex Box Cover
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A large folk art sea shell encrusted tissue box. This shell-covered box is the perfect way to add coastal design to a space. It is rectangular in sh...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Shell, Fabric, Wood
$440 Sale Price
20% Off
Early 20th Century Folk Art Primitive XL Straw Basket
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Early 20th Century Folk Art Primitive Straw Basket. Made in France. Dating back to the early 1900's. Woven wicker, braided natural straw XL coiled basket with cover lid. Originally d...
Category
Early 20th Century French Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Straw
$1,181 Sale Price
20% Off
19th Century hand painted tine decorative box
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century hand painted tine decorative box circa 1860.
Good quality Swedish tine box, used for storing valuables or foods for secure storage. This example in it's original blue ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine, Paint
19th Century Original Grey Painted Large Candle Box from New England
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic 19th century original grey painted handmade large scale candle box from New England .This wonderful slide top box has such great personality and great construction. It is e...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Large Antique Southeast Asian Thai Carved Polychrome Rabbit Folk Art Sculpture
Located in Forney, TX
A large whimsical hand carved and painted antique Southeast Asian wooden hare sculpture with incised detailing, polychrome decoration and beautifully aged patina.
Hand-crafted in th...
Category
Early 20th Century Asian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood, Paint
$3,112 Sale Price
29% Off
Soapstone Hand-Carved Bust of Brahma with Four Faces
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This bust is a beautiful representation of lord Brahma.
Brahma is a part of the holy trinity of Hinduism along with Vishnu the Preserver and Shiva the destroyer.
He is depicted in Hi...
Category
20th Century Thai Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Soapstone
Vintage Mackenzie-Childs Style Cottage Single Light Candlestick
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Handmade Hand Painted Candle Holder Candlestick Ceramic.
Vintage Mackenzie-Childs Style Rose Cottage single light candlestick, candle holder.
Dimensions: 2.75" tall. 4.25" diameter a...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Antique Hand-Carved Folk Art Picture or Mirror Frame with Beaver & Leaves
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique hand-carved frame is unsigned, but originated from Canada and dates to approximately 1880 and done in the period Folk Art style. The frame is composed of solid walnut an...
Category
Late 19th Century Canadian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Walnut
Near Pair of Japanese Jizai Kagi Wood Koi Folk Art Sculptures
Located in Atlanta, GA
A near pair of wood koi fish from Japan circa 1860-90s of late Meiji Period. Hand-carved from solid wood, these sculptures are known as Jizai Kagi in Japane...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
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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