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 Virginia MetalCrafters Alloy / Gold Vintage Sea Grape Bowl
Located in Doraville, GA
Vintage gold anodized aluminum alloy bowl in the shape of a Sea Grape leaf. The leaf designs were designed by well known sculptor Oskar Hansen for Virginia MetalCrafters in Waynesbor...
Category
1960s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Aluminum
19th Century Wooden Bible Box "Forget Me Not" with Secret Concealed Compartment
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
19th Century wooden Bible box "Forget Me Not" with secret concealed compartment
The four words in the corners are quite cute and charming:
Danish...
Category
19th Century Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
$1,000 Sale Price
20% Off
31 Brazilian Silver Amulets
Located in New York, NY
These 31 Brazilian amulets, or balangada, were hammered from sheets of silver in the 19th century to form pomegranates, sugar apples, guava, and other...
Category
Mid-19th Century Brazilian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Silver
$8,500 / set
Antique Viennese Bronze Figure of a Dutch Girl Circa 1920 Johann Pilar Style
Located in North Hollywood, CA
After Johann Pilar Bronze Dutch Girl on circular marble white stand.
Viennese bronze figure of a Dutch girl, with traditional dress, bonnet and clogs.
19th century Dutch farm girl on...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
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
Late 20th Century Hand-Carved Wooden Cobra Bowl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Striking and fierce, this hand-carved wooden bowl features a coiled cobra mid-strike with its mouth open and fangs bared. The detailed scale texture and dramatic posture bring an ene...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Late 19th Century Sheet Iron and Metal Trotting Horse Weathervane
Located in Incline Village, NV
Late 19th century sheet iron and metal "Trotting Horse" weathervane. It has a nice weathered color and patina and is very authentic with six "healthy" bullet holes to boot.
I basica...
Category
1890s Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Sheet Metal
Vintage Boho Carved Wood Cuban Man Sculpture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This Vintage Boho Carved Wood Cuban Man sculpture brings whimsical personality and cultural charm to any space. Standing over four feet tall, this hand-carved and hand-painted figure...
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood, Paint
Vintage Found Object Assemblage Sculpture With Speedometer & Photographic Inset
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A one-of-a-kind vintage assemblage sculpture blending industrial relics and surreal figuration. Crafted from aged wood, cast metal, and a repurposed speedometer face, this piece feat...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
French Hand-Painted Lady Sculpture Door Stop in Solid Cast Iron
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Late 19th century door stop, France, circa 1880.
This lady sculpture is made in heavy solid cast iron and is in it original hand-painted colors.
Category
19th Century English Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
1940s Burmese Lacquered Red Tray Large Size Bamboo Thai Stand
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Early 20th century large Burmese lacquered bamboo tray handcrafted red Thai lacquered rattan footed stand.
This Thai features a drum shape circular tray top sitting above a body rhythmically accented with spindle motifs, the ensemble resting on a confirming plinth.
Burmese (Myanmar) lacquer ware has a long tradition dating back to the 13th century.
Lacquer in Burma is called “Thitsi” meaning the sap of a Thitsi Tree (Melanhorrea Usitata).
Typically, bamboo and wood are used as a frame or base in making lacquer work.
This table tray stand called a “Dang lan”.
This stand is constructed with woven bamboo that is then applied with many layers of lacquer.
Black lacquered frame covered with red lacquer.
A large high quality handcrafted wooden elevated tray...
Category
Mid-20th Century Thai Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Rattan, Wood, Paper, Bamboo
Nepalese Silver Ritual Ewer with Gilded Repoussé Panels, Late 19th Century
Located in Islamabad, PK
Antique Nepalese Silver Ritual Ewer with Gilded Repoussé Panels
Circa late 19th – Late 19th century Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
Dimensions: Height: 12 in. (30.5 cm) x Width: 10 in. (25....
Category
Late 19th Century Nepalese Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Silver
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
Beautiful Hand Turned Exotic Wood Bowl
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Out of an estate collection of hand turned bowls including some by Edward Moulthrop comes this unique beautiful hand turned bowl out of some exotic wood. ...
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Greenlandica. Hand Painted Unique Stoneware Figure, Inuit in Traditional Clothes
Located in København, Copenhagen
Greenlandica. Hand painted unique stoneware figure.
Inuit in traditional hunting clothes.
circa. 1970s.
In perfect condition.
Signed illegibly.
Dimensions: W 9.0 x H 20.5 cm.
Category
1970s Greenlandic Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Stoneware
Folk Art Stone Candle Holder, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Folk Art Stone Candle Holder, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989.
Additional information:
Materials: Stone
Color: Beige
Period: 1980s
Item Type: Vintage, Antique or Pre-...
Category
20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone
Sergio Bustamante Early Lion Papier-mâché Sculpture Hand-painted, 1975
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sergio Bustamante (20th century, Mexican) life sized paper mache lion from the early years of his Family Workshop Studio in Tlequepaque, Jalisco, Mexi...
Category
Late 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Paper
$3,400 Sale Price
20% Off
18th Century Carved Wooden Angel
Located in Houston, TX
Carved wooden angel from Private Chapel in Provence. Wonderful detail in Angel's hair and draped dress. Figure is mounted on an iron stand.
Category
18th Century French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Montopolyi Arno Italian Vase with Dragons An unusual piece made in terracotta
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Montopolyi Arno Italian Vase with Dragons
An unusual piece made in terracotta marked Montopolyi Arno, the vase a very attractive piece relief decorated with plants and flying crea...
Category
1950s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta
Sculpture in Burnt Wood 'Ofrenda I' by Carmworks
Located in Paris, IDF
Sculpture in burnt wood 'Ofrenda I' by Camilo Andres Rodriguez Marquez (aka CarmWorks)
Solid oak or cedar / burnt wood or natural
Signed and numbered by the artist.
--
Cami...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Colombian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Oak, Cedar
$2,500 / item
Swedish Folk Art Candlestick Table Lamp, Dated 1737
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
18th century converted Folk Art candlestick table lamp, Swedish, dated 1737.
Category
1730s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Moroccan Decorative Fish Sculpture Handbuilt and Handpainted by Potter Houda
Located in Marseille, FR
- Hand built decorative fish sculpture
- made of clay collected from the potter's surroundings.
- decorative motifs painted with a goat hair brush made by the potter to apply natur...
Category
2010s Moroccan Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Clay, Earthenware
Vintage White Marble Mughal Jeweled Elephant Sculpture Paper Weight
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage white marble Mughal Jeweled elephant sculpture paper weight.
Finely hand painted animal sculpture of an elephant with colorful gold, pink and red color paint.
Collectible ceremonial hand...
Category
Mid-20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
19th Century, Swedish Antique Rustic Wooden Bowl with Handle
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish antique handmade wood bowl with handle from the first half of the 19th century. The bowl with handle from northern Sweden i...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Life Size Wicker Palm Tree Sculpture from the FS Flores Collection
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Life size sculpture of a palm tree with a coconut crafted in wicker or reed wrapped over a metal frame with impressive stylized presence. From the FS Flores Collection...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wicker
19th Century Swedish Folk Art Bowl
Located in Bozeman, MT
Good 19th century Swedish folk art turned bowl in it's original finish. Sweden, Signed M, 1865.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Emile Deyrolle 19th Century Plaster, Wire and Wood Didactic Germination Models
Located in Buffalo, NY
LES FILS D'EMILE DEYROLLE, PARIS. Extremely rare set of four 19th century French painted plaster, wire and wood Didactic models depicting progression, ANATOMIE VEGETALE, beautifully ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wire
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
Joaquin Taller Tinta Ecuador Bird MCM Sculpture - 1960s
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Wear consistent with age and use.
The artisan metalsmith crafted bird table sculptures, heavily influenced by South American historical design elements.
Joaquin Taller Tinta Ecuador...
Category
20th Century Colombian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Vintage Boho Shanghai Weave Duck Lidded Basket
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Add a touch of whimsical Chinoiserie charm with this vintage woven duck basket! Likely crafted with traditional "Shanghai Weave" techniques from bamboo or ...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Rattan
Late 19th Century Painted Articulated Figure with Overalls
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Late 19th century articulated figure with a nicely detailed carved face, navy overalls and red-painted shirt, tie, and shoe.
Category
19th Century Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wire
Three Plaster and Sheet Metal Human Head Prototypes
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Very interesting collection of three male human head forms. We found them perched on a nickel-plated iron hat stands. The stands are marked Hugh Lynons & Co, Lansing MI. Most likely store display...
Category
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Composition, Sheet Metal
Vintage Victorian Wicker Fishing Creel
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Vintage Victorian Wicker fishing creel
An attractive age darkened wicker square Fishing Creel, the Creel stands on stumpy wooden legs and has...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wicker
Carved Wood Folk Art Airplane, circa 1940s
Located in Santa Monica, CA
This carved wood Folk Art airplane has an amazing original paint surface and functional propeller and wheels.
Category
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Sheet Metal
19th Century Swedish Primitive Allmoge Burl Bowl
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
A richly patinated 19th-century Swedish allmoge bowl, hand-carved from a solid burl, exhibiting a mesmerizing interplay of wild woodgrain, deep texture, and organic irregularity. Thi...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Hardwood, Burl
Set of Antique Handmade Bottles
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1940, we offer this set of antique handmade bottles. The amber bottle has a scratch, but it is not broken. *see pic 3.
Category
1940s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
$500 / set
Unusual Cast Iron & Led World Globe. ROTATING. sculpture / desk accessory
Located in Buffalo, NY
Unusual Cast Iron & Led World Globe. ROTATING. sculpture / desk accessory, Smooth 360* rotation, (see vedio) gentleman I purchased it from claims it was made for the Worlds Fair ??...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron, Lead
Vintage Round Ethnic Hand-Tooled Tuareg Leather Box African Folk Art Mauritania
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Hand-Tooled Tuareg Leather Box – Vintage African Folk Art, Mauritania
This exquisite vintage round leather box showcases the artistry of West African craftsmanship, likely Tuareg in ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mauritanian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Leather
Finnish 19th century wooden folk art bowl
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Immerse your home in the rustic elegance of this 19th century Finnish wooden folk art bowl. Hand-made with an authentic wabi sabi spirit, it boasts a great patina that speaks of its ...
Category
19th Century Finnish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Early English Cast Iron Black Terrier Dog Door Stop
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Cast iron sculpture of a terrier door stop with original paint. Fantastic patina on the doorstop with great age and wear. Wonderful addition to an existing collection of these vintag...
Category
Early 20th Century English Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Early Papier Mâché Folk Art Store Display "Stork and Baby"
Located in Buffalo, NY
Early papier mâché Folk Art store display "Stork and Baby". Charming depiction stylized stork and baby, retains original paint, slight damage to beak...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Paper
Ayyanar India carved and polychrome wood horse - 20th
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Ayyanar India carved and polychrome wood horse
Measures:100cmx23cm H117cm
Material:Wood
Wear Consistent with age and use
Category
20th Century Indian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Glazed Ceramic Crock Lamp with English Royal Coat of Arms
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Interesting and large glazed ceramic crock or jar made into a table lamp featuring the English royal coat of arms on one side. This large earthenware ves...
Category
19th Century English Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
$675 Sale Price
25% Off
1900s Scandinavian Wooden Horse
Located in High Point, NC
Like a mysterious inhabitant of a fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, this wooden quadruped crafted in Scandinavia circa 1900 exudes a gentle melancholy of the North. The whitenes...
Category
Early 1900s Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
19th Century Swedish Antique Wooden Trough/ Serving Bowl
Located in Kvidinge, SE
A stunning antique Wooden Trough/ Serving Bowl with lovely patina
These troughs were orginally designed to store milk but where often used as a serving bowl and been used true out g...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
$562 Sale Price
30% Off
Antique Folk Art Box with Carved and Painted Cottage Scenes
Located in Atlanta, GA
Incredible Folk Art hand-carved and painted box with a charming cottage with tiled roof on the hinged lid. Three sides feature scenes of trees behind white fences and the box is rais...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Velvet, Wood, Paint
Large Oversize Asian Round Decorative Figural Head with Chinese Calligraphy
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Large oversize round Asian decorative head in red and gold. This piece is perfect for a bookshelf, or as a statement piece for a side table. Painting i...
Category
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Plastic, Plaster
$1,200 Sale Price
20% Off
Shell Encrusted Cat Figurine
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A whimsical shell-covered cat figurine. Delicately applied seashells cover this feline figurine in an array of browns. Great for the kitten lover, or for ...
Category
20th Century Philippine Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Shell
$280 Sale Price
20% Off
Large 36" Tall Reclaimed Wood Folk Art Sculpture of a Horse
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice wooden horse sculpture made out of multiple reclaimed wood pieces.
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Reclaimed Wood
Fourteen Birds by Guy Taplin
Located in Basildon, GB
An original piece of English folk-art sculpture by the acclaimed British sculptor Guy Taplin (b. 1939). Fourteen birds painted and carved wood mounted to a ...
Category
1990s British Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Driftwood
$10,838
Contemporary indigenous art. Turuza Wauja. Sculptural Bench Kamalu Hai, 2021
Located in PARIS, FR
Turuza Wauja
Sculptural Bench Kamalu Hai, 2021
Brazilian wood Magono natural pigment based on "jenipapo" and "urucum" and snail shell.
Carved from solid Piranheira wood and adorned ...
Category
2010s Brazilian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Hardwood, Paint
Pair of French Mid Century Folk Art Iron Cockerel/Rooster Candlesticks C1970s
Located in Trensacq, FR
A fabulous pair iron Cockerel/Rooster candlesticks in the style of Jean Touret and Les Artisans de Marolles C1970s France. Hand forged zoomorphic, Folk Art, one-of-a-kind set of can...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Steel, Iron
18th Century Swedish Folk Art Root Wood Bowl
Located in Bozeman, MT
Fine organic late 18th century Swedish / Scandinavian folk art root wood bowl in it's original finish, great patination and an skilfully executed brass repair. Ca 1790.
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
19th Century Scandinavian Folk Art Carved Oak Table Top Chest
Located in Norwich, GB
A lovely 19th century oak lidded-top table chest with hand carved leaf scrolls and roundel carvings, having swivel carrying handles to the sides.
The chest has a rustic charm and sh...
Category
19th Century European Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Oak, Pine
Antique terracotta sculpture Boy "Como Papá", Spain, 1900-1930s
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Antique terracotta sculpture Boy "Como Papá", Spain, 1900-1930s.
A charming early 1900s hand-painted terracotta figurine of a little boy dressed like his father - oversized boots, c...
Category
Early 20th Century Spanish Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta
Round Hand Carved Swedish Rootwood Bowl
Located in Houston, TX
Round hand carved Swedish root wood bowl, dating to 19th century. Retains remnants of early paint, markings and beautiful burled root grain.
Note: Regional differences in humidity a...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Late 20th Century Nude Figure Sculpture, Unsigned
Located in Charleston, SC
Nude sculpture figure of woman kneeling. Late 20th century.
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Clay
Vintage Philippine Rice Baskets, Set of 3
Located in Miami, FL
Offered are three hand-woven baskets with lids acquired in the early 1970s on an excursion to visit the rice paddies in the Philippines. They're ...
Category
1970s Philippine Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wicker
$1,500 / set
Painted Black Lacquer Round Tray
Located in Chicago, IL
This round tray is crafted of a woven bamboo substrate coated in many layers of black lacquer to strengthen the form and create an even finish. The weaving ...
Category
Early 20th Century Southeast Asian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Bamboo
Vintage Cotton Elephant Covered in Indian Textiles
By Harrods
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage cotton elephant, covered in Indian textiles, retailed in the 1950s by Harrods. Interior frame composed of wire and straw. Textiles originally s...
Category
1950s English Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wire
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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