Folk Art Decoys
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
Early 20th Century Hand Painted Duck Decoy Antique German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Found in Germany at an estate sale, this hand carved and hand painted duck decoy is perfect for the collector. Well used by a previous hunter t...
Category
1910s German Vintage Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Wood, Paint
Scandinavian 19th Century Hand-Carved Folk Art Duck Decoy
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Scandinavian 19th Century Hand-Carved Folk Art Duck Decoy. The duck has a charming tilt to it head and charming patina throughout. Wonderful collectable piece to add to a grouping.
Category
Late 19th Century Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Wood, Paint
3 Carved Drake Duck Decoys Big Sky Carvers Craig Fellows DA Callaway 19"
Located in Dayton, OH
Three vintage 1980's hand carved wooden duck decoys with stained feather details and amber glass eyes. Two by Craig Fellows of Big Sky C...
Category
1980s Vintage Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Hardwood
Mid-Century Folk Art Hand Carved Swan Decoy
Located in New York, NY
This 20th-century Swan Decoy embodies the spirit of American Folk Art. Crafted by an anonymous carver, it features a beautifully elongated neck and a square, sturdy body. The gentle ...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Wood
Carved Canada Goose by Frank Finney
By Frank Finney
Located in Nantucket, MA
Canada swimming goose, hollow carved with glass eyes and lead plate
Signed/incised and titled on the bottom, "The Swimmer, Frank S Finney"
circa 1980.
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Wood
20th Century American Folk Art Canada Goose on Custom Steel Mount
Located in Chicago, IL
This 20th-century American Folk Art masterpiece is a life-size Canada goose that captures the essence of rural creativity and cultural heritage. Its outstretched wings, crafted from ...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Driftwood
Hand Carved Large Vintage Antique Wood Duck Decoy Sculpture, Early 20th Century
Located in Studio City, CA
A fantastic early to Mid-20th Century hand-carved and painted wood duck or mallard decoy with glass eyes. This piece has an wonderful color and texture.
From an impressive Los Angeles vintage duck and antique swan decoy...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Wood, Paint
Elmer Crowell Quarter Sized Canada Goose Decoy, circa 1930s
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique Quarter Sized Canada Goose Decoy, by J.Elmer Crowell, East Harwich, MA (1862 - 1952), circa 1928 - 1943, a hand carved and painted diminutive Can...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Cedar
Small Shell Encrusted Owl, Philippines
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A small shell encrusted owl created by hand from seashells. This piece depicts a bird, sitting upon a perch, with small eyes and plumage decorated from different color seashells.
...
Category
Mid-20th Century Philippine Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Shell
Hand Carved Large Vintage Antique Wood Duck Decoy Sculpture, Early 20th Century
Located in Studio City, CA
A fantastic early to Mid-20th Century hand-carved and painted wood duck or mallard decoy. This piece has an wonderful color and texture.
From an impressive Los Angeles vintage duck and antique swan decoy...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Wood, Paint
Early 20th Century Hand Painted Duck Decoy Antique German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Found in Germany at an estate sale, this hand carved and hand painted duck decoy is perfect for the collector. Well used by a previous hunter t...
Category
1910s German Vintage Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Wood, Paint
Late 19th Century Hand Painted Duck Decoy Antique, German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Found in Germany at an estate sale, this hand carved and hand painted duck decoy is perfect for the collector. Well used by a previous hunter t...
Category
1890s German Antique Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Wood, Paint
Hand Carved Large Vintage Antique Wood Duck Decoy Sculpture, Early 20th Century
Located in Studio City, CA
A fantastic early to Mid-20th Century hand-carved and painted wood duck or mallard decoy. This piece has an wonderful color and texture.
From an impressive Los Angeles vintage duck and antique swan decoy...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Wood, Paint
20th C. American Carved Natural Wood Articulated Swan Decoy Sculpture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
20th-Century American Carved Natural Wood Articulated Swan Decoy Sculpture
This stunning 20th-century American carved natural wood swan decoy sculptur...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Wood
Early 20th Century Hand Painted Decoy Duck, Antique German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Found in Germany at an estate sale, this hand carved and hand painted duck decoy is perfect for the collector. Well used by a previous hunter the paint has faded through time althoug...
Category
1910s German Vintage Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Wood, Paint
Pair of early 20th Century English Estate Made Folk art Decoys.
Located in London, GB
Pair of early 20th Century English Estate Made Folk art Decoys.
A delightful pair of early 20th century folk art estate made English decoy ducks. Of large proportion these two hand p...
Category
1920s British Vintage Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Wood
Grouping of Five Hand-Painted and Carved American Folk Art Fish Decoys
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Group of five Folk Art fish decoys composed of painted tinned iron sheet metal or aluminum fins and tails and carved wooden weighted lead bodies, some with ...
Category
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
Mason Premier Grade Bluebill Drake, circa 1920
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique Mason Premier Grade Bluebill Drake Decoy, circa 1920, having head with glass eyes and carved mandible, nares and nail on bill, attached to hollow carved two part body (seam i...
Category
1920s American Vintage Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Wood
Classic Maine Eider Drake Decoy, circa 1920s
Located in Nantucket, MA
Classic antique Maine Eider Drake Decoy, circa 1920s, with head tucked back in contented posture. Decoy is in well worn original paint with touch-ups to the black areas. The neck has obvious very old crack but is strong and stable. The great painted surface is dry and weathered. Looks and is a true down east "Old Salt...
Category
1920s American Vintage Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Wood
A Charming Folk Art Decoy Duck
Located in London, GB
England, circa 1900
An English folk art wooden decoy duck, with original paintwork in red umber and charcoal grey.
Height 15.00cm
Width 35.00cm
Depth 15.00cm
Category
Early 20th Century English Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Wood
White Winged Scoter Decoy by Elmer Crowell, circa 1910
Located in Nantucket, MA
Early White Winged Scoter Decoy by Elmer Crowell (East Harwich: 1862-1952), circa 1910, a hand carved and painted large decoy in the simple paint of a white winged scoter. This is an...
Category
1910s American Vintage Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Cedar
Pair of Vintage Swedish Wooden Decoy Ducks with Original Paint
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of Swedish vintage wooden decoy ducks crafted from pine, featuring its original black, light gray and brown paint.
Natural wear and a beauti...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Wood
Hand Carved Folk Art Wooden Duck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Folk Art hand carved wooden duck - a wonderful piece! One of our favorite pieces, the life size shape and graceful angle of the neck give the p...
Category
20th Century Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Wood
Antique American Hunting Canvasback Decoy Signed C. A Locart & J.G.
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Antique American Hunting Canvasback Decoy Signed C.A. Locart & J.G.
Hand-Carved Wood, Early 20th Century, 18" W x 6.5" D x 7" H
This antique American canvasback duck decoy is a remarkable example of early 20th-century hunting craftsmanship, signed by C.A. Locart and J.G. Hand-carved from solid wood, this decoy measures 18 inches wide, 6.5 inches deep, and 7 inches high, making it an impressive piece for both display and collection.
Canvasback ducks are the largest species of diving duck in North America. Male Canvasbacks are recognizable by their white bodies and maroon heads, while females are more gray with sandy-brown heads. These ducks are seldom found on dry land, preferring to sleep and nest on the water.
This decoy features a bold, streamlined profile characteristic of canvasback ducks, prized by hunters for their distinctive sloping head and long bill. The deep, rich patina of the wood highlights the natural grain, with subtle carving marks that add texture and character. The orange glass eyes lend a lifelike quality, enhancing its realistic appeal.
On the underside, the decoy bears the impressed signatures of C.A. Locart and J.G., adding to its historical significance and collectible value. The piece shows age-appropriate wear, including minor surface imperfections and a charming patina that reflects its authentic use in waterfowl hunting.
Perfect for decoy collectors, folk art enthusiasts, or those seeking rustic Americana decor...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Glass, Wood
Wooden Decoy Duck on Stand, circa 1910
Located in Hastings, GB
Beautiful early 20th century French decoy duck. Hand carved in wood and hand painted, the decoy has a movable head that can be turned left or right, it is a...
Category
1910s French Vintage Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Iron
Chesapeake Bay Scaup Drake Sink Box Wing Decoy, circa 1940
Located in Nantucket, MA
Early Chesapeake Bay Scaup Drake Sink Box Wing Decoy, circa 1940, a very shallow flat bodied decoy in original condition, original black and white paint on head and body, and painted...
Category
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Wood
Folk Art Heron Decoy
Located in Nantucket, MA
Vintage Folk Art Heron Decoy, likely, circa 1960s or 1970s. A stately heron carved in an alert posture with upraised head and elongated neck. Decoy was made in three parts, nicely ha...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Wood
D.W. Nichol Signed Hand Carved Wood Duck Decoy, Male Cinnamon Teal
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful work, a male cinnamon teal, hand carved and painted by renowned duck decoy artist D W Nichol. Beautifully crafted and decorated.
The work is signed "Male Cinnamon Teal...
Category
20th Century Canadian Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Wood, Paint
Pair J.W. Reynolds Duck Decoys, Chicago, 20th Century
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of J.W. Reynolds Duck Decoys, Chicago, 20th Century
Hand-Carved Wood Glass Eyes Signed “JW” Cipher
J.W. Reynolds operated a decoy factory in Chicago, Illinois, around 1910. Th...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Glass, Wood
20th Century Italian Wild Boar Hunting Target
Located in Chicago, IL
This 20th-century Italian wild boar shooting target is a bold and rugged piece of history, crafted from half-inch iron to withstand decades of use in the field. Originally designed for target practice, it would have been placed outdoors, challenging marksmen to test their skills against its lifelike silhouette. Its durable construction has weathered the years, leaving behind a patina that adds character and speaks to its authentic past.
Today, this heavy-gauge iron target...
Category
20th Century Italian Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Iron
Early 20th Century Hand Painted Duck Decoy Antique, USA owned by Bob Tillbutt
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Found in Germany at an estate sale, this hand carved and hand painted duck decoy is perfect for the collector. Well used by a previous hunter the paint has faded through time althoug...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Wood, Paint
Hand Carved and Painted Large Vintage Wood Duck Decoy, Early 20th Century
Located in Studio City, CA
A fantastic early to Mid-20th Century handmade duck or mallard decoy with a swivel neck and glass eyes.
Would be a great addition to any collection o...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Wood, Paint
Self-Bailing Scoter Decoy by Joseph Lincoln (1859-1938)
By Joseph Lincoln
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique Self-Bailing Scoter Decoy by Joseph Lincoln (Hingham, MA: 1859 - 1938), made circa 1910, a hand carved hollow decoy with open back for "self bailing," in old paint with some ...
Category
1910s American Vintage Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Wood
Elmer Crowell Pair of Over-Sized Mallard Decoys, circa 1920, with oval brands
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique Pair of Special Order Over-Sized Mallard Decoys, by J. Elmer Crowell (East Harwich: 1862 - 1952), circa 1920, a working pair of rigmate Crowell d...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Wood
Martha's Vineyard Baldpate Drake Decoy, circa 1900
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique Martha's Vineyard Baldpate Drake Decoy, circa 1900, a hand carved and hand painted gunning decoy by an unknown maker on Martha's Vineyard of an American Wigeon in colorful or...
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Wood
American Hunting Decoy 'Patches' with Glass Eyes and Metal Link Latch
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
American Hunting Decoy 'Patches' with Glass Eyes and Metal Link Latch
Dimensions: 13" W x 6.75" D x 7" H
This American hunting decoy, affectionately n...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Metal
Two Antique Hunting Decoys One-Eyed Jack & Black & Silver Canvas Back
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Two Antique Hunting Decoys: "One-Eyed Jack" & Black and Silver Canvas Back Duck
USA, Circa 1900s, Handmade with Glass Eyes, Unmarked
This pair of anti...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Metal
Gus Wilson Turned Head Black Duck Decoy, South Portland Maine, circa 1930s
Located in Nantucket, MA
Classic Gus Wilson Turned Head Black Duck Decoy, South Portland Maine, circa 1930s, beautiful rough hewn gunning decoy by Maine's great Augustus Aaron Wilso...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Wood
Monumental 19th Century Hand Painted Duck Decoy Antique Austria Decoration Item
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Found in Vienna Austria at an estate sale, this hand carved and hand painted duck decoy is perfect for the collector or just as decoration item. Very good condition, made of wood and...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Wood, Paint
Early 20th Century Hand Painted Duck Decoy Antique, German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Found in Germany at an estate sale, this hand carved and hand painted duck decoy is perfect for the collector. Well used by a previous hunter the paint ha...
Category
Early 20th Century German Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Wood, Paint
Late 19th Century Hand Painted Bluebill Rochester Duck Decoy Antique
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Found in Germany at an estate sale, this hand carved and hand painted duck decoy is perfect for the collector. Well used by a previous hunter the paint has faded through time althoug...
Category
1880s American Antique Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Wood, Paint
Pair Of Early 20th Century Folk Art Decoy Ducks
Located in Hastings, GB
Great pair of circa 1910-1920 folk art decoy ducks, hand crafted in cork and wood, each with an old iron bracket to the base, probably used to pull them along in the water. Each of t...
Category
1910s English Vintage Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Wood, Cork
Pair of Life Size Antique Carved and Painted Swan Figures
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A large and impressive pair of hand carved Swans which may have at one time been decoys having fine form and presence. In newer white paint with black beaks and eyes. The unpainted interiors clearly showing the marks of hand-carving.
Measures: Length 37", depth 12", height 22"
Condition: Please see detail photos. The Pair with stable age cracks with one neck repaired, bubbled paint...
Category
19th Century Antique Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Wood
Pair of early 20th century English estate made folk art decoy pigeons
Located in London, GB
Pair of early 20th century English estate made folk art decoy pigeons
Obtained from an Estate sale in Cornwall earlier this month, hand carved pine working pair of folk-art pigeon d...
Category
1910s European Vintage Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Pine
Early 20th Century English Folk Art Decoy Duck Form
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century English Folk Art decoy duck form
A working example of an early 20th century English Folk Art decoy. Hand carved from wood, with lead weight still in place at the ...
Category
1920s British Vintage Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Pine
Early 20th century English estate made decoy duck.
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century English estate made decoy duck.
A true example of an early 20th century English estate made decoy duck form, with glass eyes. With a wonderful, pointed shape and p...
Category
1920s British Vintage Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Pine
Schmidt Tole-Ware Decoy Goose
Located in London, GB
Schmidt tole-ware decoy goose
We are proud to offer a highly decorative Schmidt tin tole-ware double sided painted decoy goose dated circa 1930. This is a ...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Tin
3 Painted and Carved Decoy Ducks These are good 19th Century Decoys
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
3 Painted and Carved Decoy Ducks
These are good 19th Century Decoys they are carved they do have a little scuffing to the paint and the lead weights have been removed
The decoys are...
Category
19th Century Antique Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Chestnut
Set of Five Small American Folk Art Fish Decoys
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Group of five Folk Art fish decoys composed of painted tinned iron sheet metal or aluminum fins and tails and carved wooden weighted lead bodies, some with ...
Category
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Lead
Early 20th Century English Country Estate Folkart Decoy
Located in London, GB
We are proud to offer a rare example of a late 19th century hand carved form of a decoy, possibly a coot. A heavily weathered working example with an unusual lead weight keel, old re...
Category
1920s British Vintage Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Wood
Folk Art Cast Iron Duck Form Lawn Sprinkler
Located in Ferndale, MI
Cast iron duck water or lawn sprinkler. Original worn paint.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Iron
Vintage Paper Mache Green Swan
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This charming vintage swan, crafted from paper mache in the early 20th century, showcases a beautifully unique green paint job. Measuring 30" long, this piece exudes antique elegance...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Paper
1940 Dove Decoys Locustville Virginia
Located in Woodbury, CT
Antique hand carved and painted folk art dove decoys. Brass plaque reads “Dove Decoys circa 1940 Locustville Virginia”. Set of 5 birds mounted with wooden pegs on paint decorated woo...
Category
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Wood, Paint
Massachusetts Goldeneye Hen Decoy, circa 1920s
Located in Nantucket, MA
Early vintage goldeneye ("whistler") hen decoy, from Massachusetts, circa 1920s, having a solid carved pine wide body with sloping tail, the hand whittled head with long neck set on ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Pine
Barrow's Goldeneye Drake Decoy
Located in Nantucket, MA
Scarce vintage Barrow's Goldeneye Drake Decoy, signed RAS '76. The Barrow's Goldeneye is a very unusual, rare species to see as a decoy. This is a real ...
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Decoys
Materials
Pine
Folk Art decoys for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique folk art decoys for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage decoys created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include folk art, decorative objects, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, paint and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art decoys made in a specific country, there are North America, United States, and Europe pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original decoys, popular names associated with this style include Frank Finney, and Oscar Peterson. 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 decoys differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $200 and tops out at $6,450 while the average work can sell for $925.