Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.
ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Ashy Enigma Ashwood & Capri 198x249 cm Hand Knotted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
Introducing our beautiful hand knotted rug from our Far East collection for those who says the floor can't be a runway for style. Imagine this: a soft, muted gray palette that's not ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Arjumand Charcoal Slate & Shadow Gray 240x300 cm Handknotted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
Unveil a world of romance, artistry, and cultural fusion with Arjumand, a captivating rug from the Majnun Collection designed by Pavitra Rajaram. Inspired by the timeless love story ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Maximalist Interplay Teal Play 195x295 cm Handknotted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
Immerse your space in the tranquil embrace of our hand-knotted rug, where teal blue reigns supreme – a testament to both grounded tradition and contemporary allure. This transitional...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Iconic Vintage Ph5 Chandelier for Louis Poulsen of Dk with Abstract Art Work
Located in Søborg, DK
Iconic Vintage PH5 chandelier by Poul Henningsen for Louis Poulsen of Denmark from the 1990s with abstract art work by G61.
Entitled “Serengeti”
The ...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Aluminum
Brown Stoneware Ceramic Table Lamp from La Borne circa 1970 Signed
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
La Borne
Original stoneware ceramic table lamp realised in La Borne circa 1970
Signed under the base
Original perfect condition
Sold without lampshade
Ceramic measures...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Vintage Danish Teak Hedgehog Lint Brush – Mid-Century Modern, Johannesen, 1960s
Located in Toronto, CA
Mid-century Danish lint brush by Johannesen combines functionality with Scandinavian charm. Designed in the 1960s, the brush is shaped like a hedgehog, handcrafted from warm teak woo...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Teak
Tall Vintage Tribal Figure, South American Crystal, Totem, Ornament, Mid Century
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a tall vintage tribal figure. A South American, carved crystal and gilt metal decorative totemic ornament, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1950.
Distinctive tribal fi...
Category
Mid-20th Century South American Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Metal
Large Bertoia Studios 12-Rod 'Star of Sounds / B-2369' Brass Sculpture
Located in Glendale, CA
Large Bertoia Studios 12-Rod 'Star of Sounds / B-2369' brass sculpture. A lyrical and musical sound sculpture with certificate of authenticity signed by Val, the artist and son of the original designer, Harry Bertoia. Hand made at the original Bertoia...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Silver, Brass, Copper
Antique Early 20th Century Traditional Toy Kitchen Reproduction, circa 1930
Located in Barcelona, ES
Vintage iron toy kitchen figure of a traditional antique kitchen representation. Made by unknown manufacturer in Spain, circa 1930. In original con...
Category
1930s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Brass
Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Flag 1953
Located in Hastings, GB
British Royal Family
A Rare And Historical Royal Coronation Flag from The Coronation Of HRH Queen Elizabeth 2nd, June 2nd 1953.
Due To The Size This Flag Would Have Been Used Strun...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Cotton
Cassina Ténéré Handwoven Jute Rug Barcode Version.
By Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Cassina Ténéré Handwoven Jute Rug Barcode Version.
A rug that celebrates nature, entirely hand-made of jute, using ancient traditional methods.
Cassina partners with the Golran com...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Jute
Black Faun Wall Decorative Ceramic Mask circa 1950 French Midcentury
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Wall ceramic mask, circa 1950
French midcentury ceramic mask with elegant black ceramic glaze color.
Original perfect conditions
Measures: Height 24 cm, large 22 cm, depth 7...
Category
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Albert Chubac, Painting, France, circa 1960
Located in Nice, Cote d' Azur
Albert Chubac (1925-2008),
Acrylic painting on cardboard,
Stamped,
France, circa 1960.
Measures: Height 100 cm, width 140 cm.
Albert Chubac was born in Geneva in 1920. After studying decorative art, then at the Beaux-Arts in Geneva, he obtained grants to travel to Italy, Algeria, Spain, Egypt and Greece, stages which will mark his work.
He settled in 1964 on the Côte d ‘Azur in Aspremont in a very Spartan house, attracted by the light, the sun and the colors of nature.
The year 1967 is the year of the establishment of the School of Nice. He will work and exhibit alongside Aman, César, Tinguely, Gilli, Ben, Rayse, etc ...
In 1990, it was the consecration with the opening of MAMAC in Nice. Albert Chubac then becomes accessible to the general public.
He will use solid primary colors, will develop modifiable structures and then develop the collages in three dimensions.
Gradually, he broke away from his classical training and figuration to move towards abstraction through the encounters and influences of contemporary artists.
Always in search of simplicity, He will radically limit the plastic means with a reduced palette, geometric shapes and simple gestures to concentrate on minimum conditions of possibility.
His work, which lies between constructivism and geometric abstraction, is playful and imbued with the artist's joie de vivre.
In 2004, following the major retrospective at the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Nice, he donated around one hundred works to the City of Nice.
Albert Chubac died in 2008 in Tourrette-Levens, near Aspremont.
Bibliography:
- Albert Chubac, MAMAC Nice, Cultures Nice Editions, 2004.
- Albert Chubac: exhibition, Nice, Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, January 29 - May 16, 2004.
- Albert Chubac, Galerie Harter, 2013.
- Albert Chubac, a lifetime of artist, Patrick Boussu and Cynthia Lemesle, South Art éditions, 2021.
During the workshop auctions in Nice and Marseille, the Harter Gallery acquired the largest part of his work.
Personal exhibitions:
- 1950: Personal exhibition in Athens at the Zappéion museum.
- 1954: Exhibition at the Arman Gallery in Geneva.
- 1956: Exhibition at the Galerie Connaître in Geneva.
- 1957: Exhibition at the Galerie La Palette in Zurich.
- 1958: Exhibition at the Galerie L’Entracte in Lausanne.
- 1960: Exhibition at the World House Gallery in New York.
- 1967: Exhibition at the Galerie Loo in Geneva, at the Salon Comparaison in Paris, Aspects in Chexbres in Switzerland.
- 1968: “Paintings” exhibitions from March 30 to May 11 at the Galerie Alexandre de la Salle.
- 1970: Exhibition at the Maison des Jeunes et de la Culture de Magnan in Nice, at the Maison de la Culture Le Corbusier in Firminy entitled "Chubac recent works" and at the Galerie Royal Luxembourg in Nice.
- 1971: Exhibition at the Galerie Germain in Paris and at the Fernand Léger School in Malakoff.
- 1972: Exhibition on the village square of Aspremont, at the Galerie Royal Luxembourg in Nice.
- 1973: Exhibition at the Galerie Ferrero in Nice.
- 1974: Exhibition at Art-club in Antibes.
- 1975: Exhibition at the Galerie Jacques Boudin rue de Dijon in Nice.
- 1978: Exhibition at the Galerie Anne Roger in Nice.
- 1980: Exhibition at the Galerie de la Salle in Saint-Paul de Vence from August 8 to September 9.
- 1981: Exhibition at Lieu 5 in Nice from February 13 to March 20.
- 1983: Exhibition at the Galerie d'Art Contemporain in Nice, at Anne Roger.
- 1984: Exhibition "Lille Nice" at the Galerie GodArt in Lille from April 14 to May 17 and at the Galerie Luisella d´Alessandro in Turin.
- 1985: Exhibition in Thonon les Bains at the Galerie Galise.
- 1988: Exhibitions at Galerie Argéco in Nice and Galerie Triade in Barbizon
- 1989: Exhibitions at the Galerie de la Salle, at Lola Gassin's in Nice, in galleries in Nice
- 1990: he made four mobiles for the MAMAC in Nice, Exhibitions at the Galerie François Moulin in Lyon and Golden Gallery, ArtJunction in Nice.
- 1991: Exhibition at the Galerie de la Salle in Saint-Paul.
- 1992: Exhibitions at the Espace du consulat suisse in Nice, Besançon and opening of the Espace Chubac in Tourrette-Levens.
- 1993: Exhibition at the Maison Comoni in Revest-les-Eaux, at the Galerie François Moulin in Lyon.
- 1994: Exhibition at the Espace Caravadossi in Aspremont.
- 1996: Exhibition at the Espace Dellile in Nice.
- 1997: Exhibition at the Galerie de la Salle in Saint-Paul.
- 1998: Last personal exhibition at the Galerie de la Salle in Saint-Paul.
- 2000: Exhibition at Lympia college in Nice.
- 2001: Exhibition at the Espace Chubac in Tourette-Levens.
- 2002: Exhibition at the Galerie Scholtès in Nice and in Carcès in the Var entitled "Albert Chubac-Couleurs mobiles".
- 2004: Great Albert Chubac retrospective at MAMAC in Nice.
- 2011: Permanent exhibition at the Galerie Harter in Nice.
- 2012: Exhibition at the Olympia Show in London at the Christopher Jones Gallery and at the Serge Castella Interiors Gallery in Bascara, Spain.
- 2013: Exhibition at the Municipal Contemporary Art Gallery of Pochettes in Nice.
- 2019/2021: Exhibition of works belonging to the permanent collection of MAMAC in Nice and exhibition "Geometry according to Albert Chubac" at the Galerie Harter in Nice.
- 2021/2021: Permanent exhibition at Galerie Atelier 55...
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Paint
Set Of 5 Vintage Kitchen Canisters, English, Cooking Ingredient Jars, Circa 1930
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a set of 5 vintage kitchen canisters. An English, ceramic cooking ingredient jar, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1930.
Char...
Category
Early 20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Ko Verzuu ADO Toys Houthandel Truck, circa 1940
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Toy designed by Ko Verzuu, circa 1940.
Manufactured by ADO in Netherlands.
Truck & trailer of wood "Houthandel".
In good original condition, with minor wear consistent with ag...
Category
1940s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Colored blue and red stoneware ceramic pitcher circa 1990 signed Maya
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Maya
Signed under the base
Colored stoneware ceramic pitcher
Original good condition
Red and blue colors
Height 20 cm
Large 16 cm
Category
Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Mid-Century Seagrass Stool Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
Mid-Century Rope or seagrass Stool Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet.
Diameter / 15 inches.
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Rope, Wood
Vintage Anatomical Pull Down Chart 'Osteology, GH Michel Company
By G.H. Michel Company
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage Anatomical Pull Down Chart 'OSTEOLOGY ,GH Michel Company,Black background,amazing color contrast.Beautifully screened printed,linen backed.S...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Linen, Paper
Bahaar Wasabi & Gray Brown 150x240 cm Handknotted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
Forget the chase, embrace the joy of nature! Bahaar, from the Majnun Collection, reimagines the traditional Shikargah rug, a design typically depicting scenes of hunters chasing wild...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Danish Antique Copper Cake Baking Mold Form
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Scandinavian antique copper cake baking mold pan in an intricate tiered design. This Danish cake mold was found at a flea market north of Copenhagen.
Cake...
Category
Late 19th Century Scandinavian Antique Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Copper
Vintage French Blue Tones Paper Garland Sculpture circa 1930 Antique Decor
Located in Barcelona, ES
Embrace the allure of vintage charm with this exquisite antique paper garland sculpture in mesmerizing blue tones. Crafted in France circa 1930, this piece is a testament to timeless...
Category
1930s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Paper
Original Italian Rocking Horse Made of Bamboo and Rattan
Located in München, DE
Original 1960s rocking horse made of bamboo and rattan.
Design attributed to the well-known architect and designer Franco Albini (1905-1977). Made in Italy.
Wonderful decoration fo...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Bamboo, Wicker
Vintage Coca - Cola Advertising Fan Cover. 1950 - 1959
Located in CADALSO, ES
Rare to find
Category
1950s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
Rustic Hand Dustpan - Traditional French Craftsmanship from the 20th Century
Located in Barcelona, ES
Rustic Hand Dustpan - Traditional French Craftsmanship from the 20th Century
Discover the charm of authenticity with our rustic hand dustpan, a unique piece that embodies the essenc...
Category
1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Malachite chessboard
Located in Nivelles, BE
Malachite chessboard
This chess game comes from Congo in the 1960s.
Each piece is meticulously hand-carved from two exquisite, contrasting materials: gleaming malachite and luxurious...
Category
1960s Congolese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Malachite
Otto and Gertrud Natzler Signed Green Lava Glaze Bowl with Original Paper Label
Located in Studio City, CA
A masterful work by famed potters Otto and Gertrud Natzler. This round-shaped footed bowl was wheel thrown and formed by Gertrud and glazed by...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Earthenware
Hobart Kitchen Machines Mid Century Neon Sign
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A very nice vintage neon sign advertising the Hobart Food Machine company . Founded in 1897 making motors in Troy Ohio and turning the use of their motors into running food machines ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Steel
1960s Dutch Papier Mache Blue Bulldog Carnival Parade Head
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century unique and wonderfully fun large painted papier mache carnival head. This "Blue Bulldog" head resembles a very grumpy little cartoon bulldog with a studded collar and loa...
Category
1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Paper
Lucie Rie Signed Stamped Yellow Speckle Glazed British Pottery Bowl, circa 1950s
By Lucie Rie
Located in Studio City, CA
A gorgeous earth-toned, yellow, green, brown speckle glazed ceramic footed bowl by famed Austrian-born British potter Lucie Rie.
The bowl is signed with Lucie Rie's impressed seal on the base.
A rare and unique work. Simply a must for any collector of Rie's work or a beautiful stand-alone piece sure to light up any setting.
Dame Lucie Rie...
Category
1950s English Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Pottery
American Folk Art Five Flying Ducks Signed E.H. Hart
Located in South Burlington, VT
American folk art Pyrography pair Flying Ducks.
This is an original and beautifully detailed hand incised work of art on wood panel of five (5) flying ducks.
This unique work of art is hand incised using pyrographic techniques.
It is signed lower left E. H. Hart.
Dimensions: 9.75 iniches wide and 12 inches high.
Provenance: Old New England collection.
History of the Pyrography:
py·rog·ra·phy is the art or technique of decorating wood or leather by burning a design on the surface with a heated metallic point. Pyrography was particular popular during the last quarter of the 19th century and first quarter of the 20th century
About E.H. Hart
Hart, Ernest Huntley 'Ernest H. Hart' (New York City, 1910 - Florida, 1985).
An American painter, printmaker, illustrator, and author, Ernest Huntley Hart...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Iconic Vintage PH5 Chandelier for L. Poulsen of DK with Art Work
Located in Søborg, DK
An Iconic Vintage PH5 chandelier by Poul Henningsen for Louis Poulsen of Denmark from the 1970s with abstract art work by Gallery Sixty One.
The art work ...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Aluminum
Mid-Century Rope Lamp Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
Mid-century rope lamp Audoux Minet.
Measure: Height / 11.5 inches.
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Rope
Joseph Talbot La Borne circa 1930 20th Century Blue and Brown Ceramic Vase
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Joseph Talbot
Signed under the base
Original XXth century design large stoneware ceramic vase
Perfect condition
Blue and brown stoneware ceramic glazes colors
Circa 19...
Category
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Cassina Ténéré Handwoven Jute Rug Polychrome Version.
By Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Cassina Ténéré Handwoven Jute Rug Polychrome Version.
A rug that celebrates nature, entirely hand-made of jute, using ancient traditional methods.
Cassina partners with the Golran ...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Jute
20th Century, Gio Ponti Lino Sabattini Sculpture Horse in Silver Metal End '70s
Located in Turin, Turin
Statue in silver metal designed by the Maestro Gio Ponti and produced for Lino Sabattini since the end of '70s. The sculpture is in silver metal and represents a horse. This example ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Metal, Silver
Iconic Vintage Ph5 Chandelier for Louis Poulsen of Dk with Abstract Art Work
Located in Søborg, DK
Iconic Vintage PH5 chandelier by Poul Henningsen for Louis Poulsen of Denmark from the 1990s with abstract art work by G61.
Entitled “ Maasai”
The art w...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Aluminum
Vintage Totemic Figure, South American, Carved Crystal, Gilt Metal, Tribal Art
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage totemic figure. A South American, carved crystal and gilt metal decorative tribal ornament, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1950.
Fascinating tribal figure ...
Category
Mid-20th Century South American Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Rope Desk Lamp Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
Rope table or desk lamp byAudoux Minet, circa 1960. European socket.
Category
1960s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Rope
Antique Sailor Fabric Hat, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, ES
Fabric traditional sailor fabric hat. Made by unknown manufacturer, circa 1950. In original condition, with some visible signs of previous use and age, preserving a beautiful p...
Category
1950s Asian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Rattan
Mid-Century Round Rope Mirror Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
Round nautical rope mirror Audoux Minet, circa 1960.
Size: 13 inches diameter.
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Rope, Mirror
Alexandre Noll 1930s Turned Wood Bowl
Located in New York, NY
An original 1930s turned wood sculptural wood bowl by famed French craftsman, Alexandre Noll. Signed
Category
1930s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Hardwood
1968 'Inflated Dollar' Handmade & Hand Signed Framed Silkscreen by David Weidman
Located in Glendale, CA
1968 'Inflated Dollar' Handmade & Hand Signed Framed Silkscreen by David Weidman. A vintage handmade silkscreen produced by the legendary Los Angeles artist on thick poster paper wit...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
Mid-century female mannequin from Siegel & Stockman, Paris, 1950s
By Siegel Paris
Located in Uppsala, SE
Very decorative female mid-century mannequin made by Siegel for Stockmann, Paris, size 46. The torso stands on a tripod wooden base of birch or beech. The whole construction is demou...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Fabric, Birch
Pair of Iconic Vintage Ph5 Chandeliers for L. Poulsen of Dk with Art Work
Located in Søborg, DK
Iconic Vintage PH5 chandelier by Poul Henningsen for Louis Poulsen of Denmark from the 1990s with abstract art work by G61.
Titled “Cherry Blossom”
The art work is acrylic paint w...
Category
1990s Danish Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Aluminum
Beatrice Wood Signed Volcanic Ash Blue Iridescent Luster Studio Pottery Bowl
Located in Studio City, CA
Famed California Mid-Century Modern artist Beatrice wood signed bowl featuring her highly coveted deep ash blue iridescent lustre/luster glaze. In certain light, the glaze radiates as a purple hue in some areas. The glaze runs down the sides and gathers in areas underneath.
This piece comes with an interesting history/ provenance. This piece came from Beatrice's personal collection. She was using it as a coin and key holder in her Ojai house which accounts for the cracks in the glaze. It was gifted to Maria Anderson who assisted Beatrice around her home. We considered having the work restored but because of its history feel that it offers more value to the next owner as shown. This was apparently the condition it was given in as Wood was famous for noting about her work that objects that are not quite perfect are simply that...perfect because of their imperfections. A very Wabi-Sabi view. Flawed Beauty.
We love the piece and the history.
Signed with her customary "Beato" on the underside.
Would be an amazing addition to any collection of her work or a fabulous, eye-catching Stand-alone piece in any setting, Mid-Century Modern or otherwise.
Know famously in the art world as "The Mama of Dada...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Earthenware
1960s Dutch Papier Mache Extra Large Sea Devil Carnival Parade Head
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century unique and wonderfully fun large painted papier mache carnival head. This extra large "Sea Devil" head with a seahorse sticking out of the top and an eel going through th...
Category
1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Paper
Tashiko Tazaezu Signed Japanese Hawaiian Studio Pottery Glazed Chawan Tea Bowl
Located in Studio City, CA
A beautiful and quite engaging Chawan tea bowl by famed Japanese Hawaiian American pottery master Toshiko Takaezu. The fired bowl features a vast array of shifting, vibrant, and colo...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Earthenware, Pottery
Goyard Trunk, 1940s France
By Goyard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic vintage Goyard trunk. Wooden frame wrapped in the iconic Goyard canvas print with saddle leather and brass hardware. Incredible patina and colori...
Category
1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Brass
Arne Bang Signed Monumental Midcentury Danish Scandinavian Ceramic Pottery Bowl
By Arne Bang
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful and rare large work by Danish designer Arne Bang. Truly special.
Beautifully glazed and signed with artist mark and number on the base.
Would be a great addition to...
Category
Early 20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
50cm Louis Vuitton Trunk, 1940s France
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic Louis Vuitton trunk from the 1940s. 50 cm wide. Perfect for weekend trips or for storing items in the house. Case has "Louis Vuitton, Made In France, 149620" impressed on fro...
Category
1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Brass
Russian Midcentury Toy Truck from Wood
Located in Vienna, Austria
This wonderful wooden dump truck was made in USSR in the 1950s.
Lovely proportions, it´s not only a vintage toy, it´s work of art.
Condition in distress...
Category
1950s Russian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Metal
Large Opaline Glass Coffee Bar Sign Saved During Refurbishment, this very good
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large Opaline Glass Coffee Bar Sign
Saved During Refurbishment, this very good quality piece is framed in solid Walnut, the sign itself “COFFEE” is on very attractive Opaline glas...
Category
1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Art Glass
Mid century painted ceramic lighter by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, 1960s
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in View Park, CA
A vintage Italian mid century modern ceramic table lighter by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, imported by Rosenthal-Netter, 1960s. This unique lighter boasts tones of marigold, tangerine, an...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Metal
1960s Dutch Papier Mache Extra Large Jovial Rasta Woman Carnival Parade Head
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century unique and wonderfully fun large painted papier mache carnival head. This extra large Jovial Rasta Woman head has an infectiously happy yet devious face. Traditionally wo...
Category
1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Paper
1950’s Enamel and Neon Corner Sign Cafe
Located in Chicago, IL
1950’s enamel and neon corner Cafe sign. It has new transformer and wiring. Please note that there will be additional fee for making shipping crate.
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Enamel
Antique Mexican Pitcher in Frog Shape
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1970. We offer this Antique Mexican Pitcher in Frog Shape attributed at Gorky Gonzalez, made in ceramic and hand painted.
About Gorky Gonzalez:
Founder and artistic director of Traditional Pottery began his studies with his father, the Mexican sculptor...
Category
1970s North American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Vintage Rattan Harley Motorbike, Real Size, Spain, circa 1970
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Rev up your collection with this one-of-a-kind vintage rattan Harley motorbike. Created by an unknown artisan in Spain circa 1970, this real Size piece i...
Category
1970s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Rattan
Mid Century Japanese Segmented Wood Fish
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A well made and decorative Japanese Mid Century segmented and angle cut Wood Fish for wall hanging or other display. The Fish in a pleasing Amber tone stain with some interesting da...
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Modern Abstract Constructivist Wood Sculpture Signed Czeslaw Budny
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This contemporary abstract wooden sculpture is by Czeslaw Budny in constructivist style circa 2024. This unique sculpture is made of recycled wood. Budny utilizes the simplicity of s...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wood, Reclaimed Wood
Hand-Painted Plate Terra Cotta Danish Pottery Decorative Dish 1950s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Romanian Ceramika hand-painted terra cotta pottery decorative plate.
European plate highly detailed marbleized pattern in shades of green, rust, yellow, ivory and dark brown.
Vintage Handmade ceramica de Horezu pottery...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Pottery
Creative Playthings Seesaw
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Creative Playthings rocker made of a light, warm birch plywood. Designed in 1964 by Gloria Caranica, this rocking horse predecessor is a per...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Birch, Bentwood, Plywood, Wood
Mid-century Modern folk art for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern folk art 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 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 ceramic, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern folk art 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 folk art, popular names associated with this style include Albert Chubac, Adrien Audoux and Frida Minnet, La Borne Potters, and Beatrice Wood. 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 $41 and tops out at $64,764 while the average work can sell for $1,325.