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.
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pine
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Bronze, Copper
1880s American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Iron
20th Century Central African Folk Art Decorative Objects
Leather, Glass, Paint, Paper
Early 1900s French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Marble, Spelter
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Metal, Steel, Cut Steel
Early 20th Century French Folk Art Decorative Objects
Metal
1860s Italian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Marble
2010s Italian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Gold Leaf
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
1880s American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Copper, Iron
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pine, Paint
Late 20th Century Thai Folk Art Decorative Objects
Ceramic
Early 19th Century English Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pottery
Early 2000s Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Terracotta, Clay, Pottery
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pine
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
Mid-20th Century Japanese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Bronze
Early 20th Century Indian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Silver, Brass, Copper
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Ceramic, Earthenware, Paint
19th Century French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Metal
1970s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Brass
20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Bentwood
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Clay, Pottery
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Ceramic, Pottery
Mid-20th Century Indian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
2010s Italian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Gold Leaf
Mid-20th Century European Folk Art Decorative Objects
Brass, Copper
1920s Belgian Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Oak
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Steel, Iron
Early 1900s Mexican Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
Mid-20th Century Austrian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Metal
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
2010s Italian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Gold Leaf
1970s Central Asian Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Hardwood, Paint
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pottery
Mid-20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Decorative Objects
Bone, Fruitwood
21st Century and Contemporary American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Shell, Wood
1960s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Beech, Birdseye Maple
2010s Italian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Gold Leaf
2010s American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Stoneware
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Fir
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
Mid-20th Century French Folk Art Decorative Objects
Steel
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pine
18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
19th Century British Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Iron
2010s Italian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Gold Leaf
21st Century and Contemporary American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
Early 20th Century Indian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Brass, Copper, Tin
1990s American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
20th Century Russian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Lacquer
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Iron, Wrought Iron
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood, Bentwood, Pine
20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Bronze
1990s American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood