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 Lidded Basket Handmade Bamboo & Handwoven Rattan Nautical Seashell 1980
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Coastal Folk Art lidded round basket handmade Bamboo and handwoven Rattan in blonde and white Plastik Seashell decoration.
Nautical Bohemian ...
Category
1980s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Bamboo, Rattan, Cane, Plastic, Wood
Moroccan Berber Tuareg Metal Tribal Flask Overlay
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Great decorative Moroccan Berber Tuareg metal brass powder flask. African decorative brass with front richly decorated with Moorish embossed brass ocverlay. Moroccan tribal powder fl...
Category
20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
19th Century Austrian Carved Pine Folk Art Farmer and His Oxen Model
Located in London, GB
19th century carved pine folk art farmer and his oxen model
We are proud to offer a unique example of a late 19th century hand carved pine folk art model of a farmer and his oxen. R...
Category
Early 1900s Austrian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Vintage Boho Terra Cotta Pig Bowl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This endearing figural bowl is a distinctive piece of vintage Folk Art, likely originating from Chile (marked 'HCU Chile' on the base), showcasing a rustic, charming interpretation o...
Category
Late 20th Century Chilean Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Clay, Terracotta
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
Vintage Large Brass Duck "Decoy" Decorative Sculpture
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Large Brass Duck "Decoy" Decorative Sculpture.
Handcrafted decorative vintage collectible brass duck shape sculpture.
Beautiful handcrafted large ca...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Copper
Swedish Craft, Bowl, Pine, Sweden, c. 1900
Located in High Point, NC
A pine bowl produced in Sweden, c. 1900.
Category
Early 1900s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
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
Hand-Carved Stone Candelabra, Three-Branched Design, Morocco 1970s
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Hand-Carved Stone Candelabra, Three-Branched Design, Morocco 1970s
Moroccan candleholder carved from stone and adorned with very thin geometric patterns on both sides.
Artisanal wo...
Category
Mid-20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone, Limestone, Soapstone
Chinese Checkered 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
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
19th Century Carved Walnut Effeminacy Male Figure
Located in London, GB
19th century carved walnut effeminacy male figure
We are proud to offer a unique and highly decorative 19th century hand carved walnut figure of an effeminacy male form. Unusual in its figurative posture and detail. This includes the figure standing in a side on pose with flirtatious gesture, a loosely draped over shoulder silk sheet, female form breasts and overly masculine facial details. This item is heavily patinated due to its age. This figure may have at some point in its lifetime have been part for a larger wall carving...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Walnut
Antique Wood Bust Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
An antique wood figurative head bust sculpture, circa late-19th century to early-20th century. Piece is hand-carved and decorated (polychromed.) Piece may have been from a game, orna...
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Antique Folk Art Northern Swedish Handmade Flour Box
Located in Kramfors, SE
Folk Art flour box from northern Sweden. The box was made by hand during the mid-1800s from pine and was used to store flour. Boxes like this would be standi...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Large Antique Swedish Folk Art Wooden Bowl
Located in Kramfors, SE
Unusually large wooden bowl in untouched original condition. The bowl is made from birch root and because of that organically shaped. Original hinges in handwrought iron. The red pai...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Birch
Chinese Folk Painted Peony Tray
Located in Chicago, IL
This large wooden serving tray is crafted with a hand-painted panel salvaged from a vintage Chinese cabinet. Selected for its charming folk art decoration, the found panel is painted...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Gerald DiGiusto Caryatids 1977 Sculpture
Located in Hudson, NY
This sculpture grouping titled "Caryatids" was created in 1977 by listed American artist Gerald DiGiusto. The inspiration for Gerald DiGiusto to create these incredible pieces was f...
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal, Steel, Cut Steel
$225,000 / set
Vintage Boho Hand Carved Fish
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exquisite wooden sculpture features a mythological or highly stylized sea creature, possibly a dolphin or fish, rendered with remarkable detail and movement. Hand-carved from na...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
19th Century Folk Art Cast Iron Green Painted Candlestick
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Single French Cast Iron Candlestick In The Original Green Painted Patina, 19th Century
Category
19th Century French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
$180 Sale Price
20% Off
Black Forest Hand-Carved Wooden Terrier Box
Located in Northport, MI
This is a joyful novelty- a Black Forest hand-carved Terrier box. A beautifully executed piece with exceptional detail, right down to the tail. This terrier’s hind legs are attached ...
Category
1920s German Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Greenlandica, Five Figures, Polar Bear, Seal and Three Inuits, Mid-20th Century
Located in København, Copenhagen
Greenlandica, five figures. Polar bear, seal and three Inuits.
Four figurines in soapstone and a ceramic piggy bank (polar bear).
Mid-20th century.
I...
Category
Mid-20th Century Greenlandic Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Soapstone
$210 Sale Price / set
30% Off
Late 18th Century Large Danish Round Pewter Bowl
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
As found in Denmark, we see this large pewter bowl being used for fruit on a kitchen counter or serving piece in the dining room. Unbeatable wear and patina. Very impressive piece to...
Category
Late 18th Century Danish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pewter
1880s Decorated Salt Glaze Stoneware Jug Stamped 1 MILLER & WOODARD STRASBURG VA
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Nice old decorated salt glaze stoneware jug stamped 1 MILLER & WOODARD STRASBURG VA. There are chips and cracks present, and pictured. "1" gallon capacity mark, cylindrical form with...
Category
1880s American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Stoneware
Large 1970s Hand Carved Wooden Elephant - Side, Occasional Table or Stool
Located in St. Louis, MO
Circa 1970s large vintage elephant sculpture carved from a solid piece of wood, has many uses as a side, end or occasional table, plant stan...
Category
1970s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Found and Salvaged Steel Industrial Objects on Wooden 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, interesting items. Here, a beautifully rusted tobacco box, a steel egg...
Category
2010s American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal, Steel
Oversized Blue and White Mexican Talavera Glazed Ceramic Bowl
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Authentic oversized very fine blue and white Mexican Talavera de la Reina glazed ceramic bowl.
Huge blue and white Mexican Talavera pottery handcrafte...
Category
Late 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Folk Art Hand Painted Trinket Box in the Style of Peter Hunt Circa 1940s
By Peter Hunt
Located in Peabody, MA
Primitive hand decorated trinket box in the style of the noted Provincetown folk artist Peter Hunt, ca. 1940s. Humorous interior label indicates it is "four of four of a kind" and ...
Category
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood, Paint
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
Jim Rose Barn House Structure, Welded Steel Sculpture Made with Salvaged Steel
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
This is a welded steel sculpture made by furniture creator Jim Rose. It is sustainable design created from salvaged and recycled steel panels left over from his larger projects. Thes...
Category
2010s American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Steel
Vintage Mexican Tonala Pottery Hand Painted Bird
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Mexican Tonala hand painted pottery bird Folk Art.
Flora de la Cruz Acapulco Gro Mexico hand painted bird dove ceramic.
Warm earth tone polych...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Pottery
Polychrome Lucky Fish Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand-carved from reclaimed wood, this colorful koi fish is a traditional symbol of harmony, wealth and luck. The rustic fish is carved with a squat, rounded body, the scales and fins...
Category
20th Century Chinese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Large Irregular-Shaped Swedish Root wood Bowl
Located in Houston, TX
Large irregular-shaped Swedish root wood bowl dating to the mid-19th century. Hand-carved from root wood. Retains remnants of old red paint and marker's mark.
Note: Regional differe...
Category
1850s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood, Paint
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
Swedish Craft, Bowl, Wood, Sweden, 19th Century
Located in High Point, NC
A wood bowl produced in Sweden, 19th century.
“E” symbol on bottom side
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Long Folk Art Articulated Flexible Carved and Hand-Painted Snake Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Charming folk art carved articulated snake sculpture crafted to mimic realistic snake motion (ca. 1980s, likely South American).
Hand-painted body and facial details present.
Unusual...
Category
1980s South American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
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
$1,196 Sale Price
20% Off
Vintage Tin Box Cookie Jar Belsnickel Santa Claus Vintage Germany, 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This beautiful decorative Christmas Tin Box with Santa or Belsnickle Picture is a true treasure. It was made in Germany, around 1930s. These are very har...
Category
1930s German Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Tin
18th Century Swedish Folk Art Wooden Drinking Bowl
Located in Allerum, SE
Late 18th century Swedish Folk Art wooden carved drinking bowl / beer goose. Signed 85 and S. 1785 Sweden.
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
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
Mexican Vintage Ken Edwards Tonala Pottery Hand Painted Quail Bird
By Ken Edwards
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Ken Edwards Mexican ceramic quail bird form Tonala Pottery.
Beautiful vintage Mexican hand made and hand painted TONALA Art Pottery.
Deco...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
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 Mid 19th Century Tramp Art Picture Frame Carved Oak
Located in Munich, DE
This large tramp art frame is handcrafted from carved oak segments. It is in good condition with some minor losses to the edges. It has been phot...
Category
Mid-19th Century German Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Oak
Found and Salvaged Steel House Structure, Modern and Minimalist Sculpture
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 found steel is reworked, pr...
Category
2010s American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal, Steel
Moorish Heads Vases Collection "Catania Green", Set of 3, 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
$3,159 Sale Price / set
20% Off
19th Century Small Swedish Folk Art Woven Basket
Located in Kramfors, SE
Northern Swedish small folk art basket made during the mid 1800s. The basket has the original paint. Handmade from tree roots that are braided. Good antique condition consistent with...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Organic Material
Old Florida Antique Bronze and Copper Palm Tree Sculpture
Located in San Francisco, CA
Incredibly detailed one of a kind Palm Tree sculpture. It is made from bronze and copper. Magnificent patina. It stands 34 inches high. The base is 9 inches wide and the trunk of tree measures 2 1/2 inches wide. In over 40 years of buying and collecting we have never seen another one. Most palm tree sculptures don't do justice to the actual palm tree. This captures the sway and curves of tree and the rungs. This came out of a 110 year old house in central Florida that still had no air condition. Could be considered a piece of Florida folk art.
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze, Copper
Antique English Iron Clock Dial Face, Country Garden, Fully Working
Located in Belper, Derbyshire
A lovely antique iron English clock dial circa 1840 in its original enamel, charmingly decorated and English country garden flowers. With ancient craquelure, marks of a long life and...
Category
19th Century British Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Vintage Bronze Gilt Thai Teppanom Temple Guard Dancing Statue Sculpture
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage statue in gilt bronze metal of Thai Teppanom Temple Guard Dancing statue sculpture.
Vintage Handcrafted Gilded Thai Teppanom Temple Guard Dancer...
Category
Mid-20th Century Thai Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Clay Pot Found in Guerrero, Southern Mexico De Guerrero
By G. None
Located in Guadalajra, Jal
The pichancha or Tlalchiquihuite is a clay pot with small holes, which is used to wash the nixtamal. This utensil allows you to strain the nejayote (the lime water in which the corn ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Clay
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
Large Swedish Antique Folk Art Hand Made Pine Flour Box
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique Swedish flour box made by hand in solid pine. The box is from northern Sweden and made around the mid 19th century, 1840 to 1850. The box is in untouched original condition w...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Folk Art Hand-Carved Wooden Box with Grapes and Leaves
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Breathtaking folk art hand-carved wooden box with grapes, vine and leaf detail.
This Dionysian solid wood box is a compliment to any kitchen, great for recipe cards or tea bags. Can also be used for mementos, 420, or a vintage postcard collection.
Category
20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
$680 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique African Moroccan Tribal Carved Wood Flask 19th C.
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Antique North African Moroccan tribal wood flask.
Rare late 19th century powder flask box from the Rif, Northern Morocco with a drum-shaped body hand carved wood with ethnic motifs, brass studded nails, nice geometric carvings and very fine patina.
Collector large carved wooden vessel in the shape of a turtle with a long neck.
Dimensions: 10"L x 3" H x 5.75" diameter.
Designed with practicality in mind, this flask features two robust metal rings on the side, perfect for securely attaching it to a belt or satchel, making it an ideal companion for hunting. The upper, narrower section includes a precisely drilled hole, providing easy access to the powder inside, underscoring the flask's functional yet artistic design.
This wood gunpowder flask...
Category
Late 19th Century Moroccan Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Bronze
19th Century Blue Swedish Folk Art Chest or Box
Located in Kramfors, SE
Blue folk art chest or box from Sweden. The chest is in untouched original condition with the first layer of original paint. Hand wrought hardware in iron with functional lock and key.
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
20th Century Native American Painted Totem Pole A painted animal totem
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
20th Century Native American Painted Totem Pole
A painted animal totem.
Animal totems are believed to have spiritual significance, watching over Pacific Northwest Indian tribes and...
Category
1960s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Beech, Birdseye Maple
Westmoore Pottery Lion, Signed 2005
Located in High Point, NC
Large pottery lion of clear yellow glaze having applied curly clay mane, tail, and whiskers, pencil hole eyes, grinning expression, signed on the bottom "2005 WESTMOORE POTTERY...
Category
Early 2000s American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
Beakhorn Stump Blacksmith Anvil
Located in Hanover, MA
SATURDAY SALE
The first thing I thought upon seeing this was Constantin Brancusi's bird sculptures and the questions about the nature of abstract art it asked.
This is an early 20t...
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
$1,650 Sale Price
50% Off
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
Moorish Heads Vases Collection "Red and Gold", 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
$2,106 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Vintage Carved Wood Pinocchio Sculpture
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage carved wood Pinocchio sculpture.
Charming vintage carved wood Pinocchio sculpture. This interesting bust of Pinocchio is well made with a m...
Category
20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Birch
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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