Skip to main content

French Provincial Folk Art

FRENCH PROVINCIAL STYLE

Removed from the fashions of the court, French Provincial style developed in the provinces of the country, such as Provence, Normandy, the Loire Valley and Bordeaux. Dating to the 17th and 18th centuries, French Provincial furniture was not as ostentatious as the designs being produced for the royal palaces, but elegant S-shape cabriole legs and ornate carvings elevated the sturdy chairs, sofas, tables and bedroom furniture intended for everyday use.

Although it varies by region, antique French Provincial furniture is unified by solid construction and an artisanal attention to design. While this furniture often followed the metropolitan trends — including the Rococo or neoclassical aesthetics of Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI — since it was produced in the French countryside it was more subdued with nods to its rustic settings.

Local materials like fruitwoods, oak, beech and walnut were used to construct large French Provincial armoires for storage and comfortable armchairs with rush-woven seats. Wrought-iron elements and carvings like floral details and scallop patterns were common as ornamentation. Furniture was frequently painted white or other muted colors that coordinated with gilt and would acquire a patina of age over time. Other wood was just stained with vibrant fabric such as toile de Jouy, which sometimes depicted pastoral scenes, adding color as upholstery.

The style arrived in the United States after World War I, with soldiers returning home wanting furniture like what they had seen in the rural homes and castles of France. In Grand Rapids, Michigan, designer John Widdicomb split from his family business, the Widdicomb Furniture Company, and had been focusing on Louis XV– and French Provincial–style furnishings since the early 1900s. Other American manufacturers such as Baker, Drexel, Henredon and Thomasville also responded to demand. Today antique French Provincial pieces and reproductions continue to be popular.

Find a collection of antique French Provincial dining tables, seating, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.

to
10
25
20
42
5
2,201
991
524
282
195
175
157
98
92
85
50
37
36
33
21
18
8
5
1
21
20
5
7
9
3
2
3
2
1
21
8
7
6
6
37
32
5
4
4
47
43
43
2
1
1
1
Style: French Provincial
19th Century, French Folk Art Copper Rooster, Weathervane
19th Century, French Folk Art Copper Rooster, Weathervane

19th Century, French Folk Art Copper Rooster, Weathervane

Located in Buisson, FR

Beautiful and rare antique folk art copper rooster with an wonderful vert de gris patine. A real unique find. France, circa 1800-1900. More photo's available on request Weathered and...

Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Folk Art

Materials

Copper

Antique French Folk Art Cork Coot Decoys, Circa 1880
Antique French Folk Art Cork Coot Decoys, Circa 1880

Antique French Folk Art Cork Coot Decoys, Circa 1880

Located in Buisson, FR

Lovely pair of French folk art decoys. Two Coots made out of cork and with wooden beaks. On the bottom you can see lead weights to keep them on place on the water. Very decorative an...

Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Folk Art

Materials

Cork

A woven wicker donkey head wall mask – 1970s - France
A woven wicker donkey head wall mask – 1970s - France

A woven wicker donkey head wall mask – 1970s - France

Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR

A beautiful wall mask made from woven esparto grass, depicting a donkey’s head. This rare piece of folk art from the South of France dates back to the 1970s. Entirely handcrafted, it...

Category

1970s French Vintage French Provincial Folk Art

Materials

Natural Fiber

Pair of Wrought Iron "Rat de Cave" Candleholders – Normandy, 19th Century
Pair of Wrought Iron "Rat de Cave" Candleholders – Normandy, 19th Century

Pair of Wrought Iron "Rat de Cave" Candleholders – Normandy, 19th Century

Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR

A rare and superb pair of rat de cave candleholders, hand-forged in wrought iron with wooden elements, Normandy, France, 18th century. Crafted by hand, featuring the traditional spir...

Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique French Provincial Folk Art

Materials

Wrought Iron

Antique French Woven Wire Basket, circa 1900
Antique French Woven Wire Basket, circa 1900

Antique French Woven Wire Basket, circa 1900

Located in Trensacq, FR

Charming handcrafted Provincial French woven wire work basket, circa 1900. A well-executed nicely shaped 'pannier' with moveable handles and decorative loop...

Category

Early 20th Century French French Provincial Folk Art

Materials

Wire

Small black French Stone Mortar with stone Pestle
Small black French Stone Mortar with stone Pestle

Small black French Stone Mortar with stone Pestle

Located in Rümmingen, BW

This small French mortar was sourced in the south of France. It's an iconic and traditional kitchen object which is found all over France. Its traditional use was and still is to gri...

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown French Provincial Folk Art

Materials

Stone

Antique Style Wooden Chess Board
Antique Style Wooden Chess Board

Antique Style Wooden Chess Board

Located in Westwood, NJ

This exquisite piece combines timeless design influenced by the European countryside. Featuring our hand-painted lightly distressed Brown suede and Forofino white painted finish. The...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian French Provincial Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Green and White Customizable Chess Board
Green and White Customizable Chess Board

Green and White Customizable Chess Board

Located in Westwood, NJ

This exquisite piece combines timeless design influenced by the European countryside. Shown in our hand-painted lightly distressed Vintage Willow Green and harvest white finish. The...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian French Provincial Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Framed Leonard Wren "French Pastry" Giclée Print
Framed Leonard Wren "French Pastry" Giclée Print

Framed Leonard Wren "French Pastry" Giclée Print

Located in Medina, OH

Beautiful giclée (canvas print) artwork signed by Leonard Wren. His artwork was inspired by his many travels and became famous for his beauty of the world through capturing the joy light...

Category

Late 20th Century French Provincial Folk Art

Materials

Aluminum

Antique Stained Glass Christmas Window Panel  French Hand Made
Antique Stained Glass Christmas Window Panel  French Hand Made

Antique Stained Glass Christmas Window Panel French Hand Made

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Antique Stained Glass Christmas Window Panel French Hand Made Antique Stained Glass Christmas Window Panel This lovely Artisan made piece has been made from 19th century jewel cryst...

Category

1960s Vintage French Provincial Folk Art

Materials

Glass

Hand-Carved Wooden Frog Sculpture, Rustic Folk Art Decor
Hand-Carved Wooden Frog Sculpture, Rustic Folk Art Decor

Hand-Carved Wooden Frog Sculpture, Rustic Folk Art Decor

Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR

A striking hand-carved frog (toad) sculpture in solid wood, embodying a strong primitive folk art aesthetic. Bold, stylized features with carved circular eyes, ridged back, and an ex...

Category

1950s French Vintage French Provincial Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Fine Traditional French Provincial Dark Stained Armoire
Fine Traditional French Provincial Dark Stained Armoire

Fine Traditional French Provincial Dark Stained Armoire

Located in Bridgeport, CT

Very fine traditional antique French armoire with a useful and hard to come by 12” depth. A carved bonnet over a frieze with carved cross motif. With the Classic shaped and carved burled door panels with patinated metal escutcheons (lacking a key). Five newer custom shelves...

Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Vintage Handmade Round Doilies Fine Crochet White Cream Ivory French
Vintage Handmade Round Doilies Fine Crochet White Cream Ivory French

Vintage Handmade Round Doilies Fine Crochet White Cream Ivory French

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Vintage handmade doilies fine crochet white cream ivory French lace starched round. Beautiful hand crochet doilies in great vintage condition, the color is beige, nice floral design,...

Category

Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Folk Art

Materials

Linen

French Shell Figurine of a Lady in 19th-Century Dress France, circa 1950
French Shell Figurine of a Lady in 19th-Century Dress France, circa 1950

French Shell Figurine of a Lady in 19th-Century Dress France, circa 1950

Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR

A rare and poetic decorative object, this figurine represents a lady in romantic 19th-century costume. Entirely handcrafted, the skirt is composed of scallop shells, beautifully arra...

Category

1950s French Vintage French Provincial Folk Art

Materials

Shell

Antique Metal Wire Egg Basket Rustic French Farmhouse Decor
Antique Metal Wire Egg Basket Rustic French Farmhouse Decor

Antique Metal Wire Egg Basket Rustic French Farmhouse Decor

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Antique French metal wire egg decorative basket, rustic French farmhouse decor with collapsible zigzag lids and two folding handles, loop feet, the basket has...

Category

Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Folk Art

Materials

Metal

French Antique Fish Shop Sign, Wood with Glass Eye, Circa 1850-1900
French Antique Fish Shop Sign, Wood with Glass Eye, Circa 1850-1900

French Antique Fish Shop Sign, Wood with Glass Eye, Circa 1850-1900

Located in Buisson, FR

Beautiful and rare shopsign made out of wood and with aglass eye, France, circa 1850-1900. Weathered, small losses and old repair. Measurement includes the base. H:37cm W:85cm D:12cm

Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Black and White Chess Board with Storage
Black and White Chess Board with Storage

Black and White Chess Board with Storage

Located in Westwood, NJ

This exquisite piece combines timeless design influenced by the European countryside. Featuring a hand-painted lightly distressed black and white harvest painted finish. The chessboa...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian French Provincial Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Ceramic Jar by Mado Jolain - France, 1960s
Ceramic Jar by Mado Jolain - France, 1960s

Ceramic Jar by Mado Jolain - France, 1960s

By Mado Jolain

Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR

A Refined cylindrical ceramic jar with a narrow collar, crafted by Mado Jolain and produced for Benoît Guyot’s avant-garde boutique-gallery in Lyon during the early 1960s. Executed i...

Category

1960s French Vintage French Provincial Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage French Provincial Rattan Handled Basket, 1950
Vintage French Provincial Rattan Handled Basket, 1950

Vintage French Provincial Rattan Handled Basket, 1950

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Vintage rattan picnic basket, 1950s, France. Mid-Century Modern vintage French Provincial rattan handled shopping basket, made out of woven rattan. The...

Category

Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Folk Art

Materials

Rattan

Hand-Carved Oak Wall Figure of a man, France ca. 1850
Hand-Carved Oak Wall Figure of a man, France ca. 1850

Hand-Carved Oak Wall Figure of a man, France ca. 1850

Located in Meulebeke, BE

This mid‑19th‑century French carved oak wall figure is a powerful example of rural craftsmanship, expressive carving, and the storytelling traditions that shaped decorative objects i...

Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique French Provincial Folk Art

Materials

Oak

Painted Ceramic Donkey
Painted Ceramic Donkey

Painted Ceramic Donkey

Located in Washington, DC

A painted ceramic donkey from the Normandy Region of France.

Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Oil on Canvas 'Caroline Burnett' (1877-1950)
Oil on Canvas 'Caroline Burnett' (1877-1950)

Oil on Canvas 'Caroline Burnett' (1877-1950)

By Caroline Burnett

Located in Swadlincote, GB

A very nice oil on canvas of a French street scene, painted by Caroline Burnett, American artist, third quarter of C19th. 23" x 19" You are welcome to view this item at our showroo...

Category

Early 20th Century French French Provincial Folk Art

Materials

Paint

Hand-Carved Oak Wall Figure of a Woman, France ca. 1850
Hand-Carved Oak Wall Figure of a Woman, France ca. 1850

Hand-Carved Oak Wall Figure of a Woman, France ca. 1850

Located in Meulebeke, BE

This mid‑19th‑century French carved oak wall figure of a woman is a compelling example of provincial craftsmanship, expressive carving, and the decorative storytelling traditions tha...

Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique French Provincial Folk Art

Materials

Oak

Large French Champagne Grape Basket Circa 1870-80
Large French Champagne Grape Basket Circa 1870-80

Large French Champagne Grape Basket Circa 1870-80

Located in Hudson, NY

This is the large nineteenth century, french champagne grape gathering basket also referred to as a "hottes". In excellent condition, this basket is hand woven made from wicker and o...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique French Provincial Folk Art

Materials

Wicker, Oak

Boule ball hard wood
Boule ball hard wood

Boule ball hard wood

Located in Diest, BE

French ball from a folk art game. Great patina and form. Normandy, France ca. 1860

Category

1860s French Antique French Provincial Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Finely Proportioned Coconut Goblet in 17th Century Taste
Finely Proportioned Coconut Goblet in 17th Century Taste

Finely Proportioned Coconut Goblet in 17th Century Taste

Located in Ottawa, Ontario

A finely proportioned coconut goblet in 17th century taste 19th century or earlier. Turned and polished coconut shell, swag and drop engraved top f...

Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Folk Art

Materials

Coconut

Antique High Back Parlor Chair, France
Antique High Back Parlor Chair, France

Antique High Back Parlor Chair, France

Located in Antwerp, BE

French antique throne high back parlor chair with original floral upholstery and tacks. Carved wooden frame with scrolling floral motif dated 18...

Category

1870s French Antique French Provincial Folk Art

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

A Carved Alpine Oxen Yoke - French Alps - XIXth century.
A Carved Alpine Oxen Yoke - French Alps - XIXth century.

A Carved Alpine Oxen Yoke - French Alps - XIXth century.

Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR

A huge carved oxen yoke, dating back to the 19th century, is a beautiful example of Alpine folk craftsmanship. Its intricate carvings and rustic charm make it a truly captivating dec...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique French Provincial Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Vintage French Provincial Rattan Lidded Handled Basket
Vintage French Provincial Rattan Lidded Handled Basket

Vintage French Provincial Rattan Lidded Handled Basket

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Mid-Century Modern vintage rattan picnic basket, 1980s, France. Large Mid-Century Modern vintage French Provincial rattan lidded handled picn...

Category

Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Folk Art

Materials

Rattan

Antique Cheese Boards
Antique Cheese Boards

Antique Cheese Boards

Located in Chireno, TX

Antique cheese boards from France, dating to early 20th century. Heart-shaped handles carved into boards. Two available and sold individually, priced $7...

Category

Early 20th Century French French Provincial Folk Art

Materials

Pine

1950 French Industrial Painting Signed Gabriel Marc Louis Ferro
1950 French Industrial Painting Signed Gabriel Marc Louis Ferro

1950 French Industrial Painting Signed Gabriel Marc Louis Ferro

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Gabriel Marc Louis Ferro was born in Paris, France in 1903. He was captured by the grey and dismal French industrial marinas and working neighborhoods, always painted in shades of gr...

Category

1950s French Vintage French Provincial Folk Art

Materials

Wood, Paint

Black and White Chess Board
Black and White Chess Board

Black and White Chess Board

Located in Westwood, NJ

This exquisite piece combines timeless design influenced by the European countryside. Featuring a hand-painted lightly distressed black and white harvest painted finish. The chessboa...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian French Provincial Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Pair of Antique French Dressing Chairs
Pair of Antique French Dressing Chairs

Pair of Antique French Dressing Chairs

Located in Bridgeport, CT

A fine pair of primitive Country French Dressing Chairs. Time-softened hardwood frames with curved flat crest rails on the tall shaped slat backs...

Category

19th Century European Antique French Provincial Folk Art

Materials

Cane, Hardwood

Colorful Glazed Terracotta Passata Bowl
Colorful Glazed Terracotta Passata Bowl

Colorful Glazed Terracotta Passata Bowl

Located in Chireno, TX

Colorful glazed terracotta passata bowl from Southern Italy (Puglia). This rustic 19th century terracotta bowl was used in the Italian c...

Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique French Provincial Folk Art

Materials

Terracotta

Painted Faux Grain Tole Cutlery Caddy
Painted Faux Grain Tole Cutlery Caddy

Painted Faux Grain Tole Cutlery Caddy

Located in Chireno, TX

Painted faux grain tole cutlery caddy from France circa 1880-1910. Note: Original/early finish on antique and vintage metal will include some, or all, o...

Category

1870s French Antique French Provincial Folk Art

Materials

Tin

Saint Joan of Arc Statue from a France, Signed Rouillard Angers
Saint Joan of Arc Statue from a France, Signed Rouillard Angers

Saint Joan of Arc Statue from a France, Signed Rouillard Angers

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Saint Joan of Arc Statue from a France, Signed Rouillard Angers We have a Life Size Sculpture of St Joan in full battle dress, this is an amazing...

Category

Late 19th Century Antique French Provincial Folk Art

Materials

Plaster

Set of 40 Bottles in Savoyard Folk Art, 1960s
Set of 40 Bottles in Savoyard Folk Art, 1960s

Set of 40 Bottles in Savoyard Folk Art, 1960s

Located in Andrézieux-Bouthéon, FR

Bottles in Savoyard Folk Art Set of 40 Vintage Design Set of forty glass bottles, Savoyard popular art with wooden decoration inside. Additional information: Materials: Glass, Wood...

Category

20th Century French French Provincial Folk Art

Materials

Glass, Wood

Hand-Knotted Wool Rug in Apricot and Burnt Red, Vintage-Inspired Floral Design
Hand-Knotted Wool Rug in Apricot and Burnt Red, Vintage-Inspired Floral Design

Hand-Knotted Wool Rug in Apricot and Burnt Red, Vintage-Inspired Floral Design

By JAIPUR RUGS

Located in Milano, IT

This 6' x 9' hand-knotted rug from Jaipur Rugs features a vibrant apricot and burnt red color palette with a vintage-inspired floral design. Crafted from premium wool, the rug showca...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian French Provincial Folk Art

Materials

Wool

18th Century Oval Carved Wood Framed Bishop Portrait
18th Century Oval Carved Wood Framed Bishop Portrait

18th Century Oval Carved Wood Framed Bishop Portrait

Located in Ross, CA

Oval carved wood portrait of Casimir-Frédéric de Rathsamhausen-Wibolsheim (1698-1786). Known as Dom Léger, he was a Catholic cardinal at the Abbey of Murbarch in France's Rhine valley...

Category

Late 18th Century French Antique French Provincial Folk Art

Materials

Plaster, Wood

Bone Inlaid Wall Art in Blue Resin with Celtic Dragon Pattern- Instock
Bone Inlaid Wall Art in Blue Resin with Celtic Dragon Pattern- Instock

Bone Inlaid Wall Art in Blue Resin with Celtic Dragon Pattern- Instock

By Enrique Garcel

Located in New York City, NY

Feast your eyes on our Bone Inlaid Pattern Wall Art in Blue Resin. This isn't just art; it's a mesmerizing blend of tradition and contemporary design. Imagine multiple Celtic dragons...

Category

Early 19th Century Unknown Antique French Provincial Folk Art

Materials

Bone

French Provincial folk art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique French Provincial folk art 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 folk art created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include folk art, decorative objects, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, ceramic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used French Provincial folk art made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original folk art, popular names associated with this style include J. Filmont Caen, and Quimper Faience 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 folk art differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $130 and tops out at $15,544 while the average work can sell for $1,200.