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Minimalist Folk Art

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MINIMALIST STYLE

A revival in the popularity of authentic Minimalist furniture is rooted in history while reflecting the needs and tastes of the 21st century. Designer Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s aphorism that “less is more” influenced the evolution of 20th-century interiors with an emphasis on function and order. This was a shift from the 19th century, with its lavish Victorian decorating, and was spread around the world through design styles including Bauhaus and brutalism.

Yet Minimalism was present in furniture design long before the clean lines of modernism, such as in the simple and elegant utility of Shaker furniture. Although the Minimalist art movement of the 1960s and ’70s had little crossover with furniture design, artist Donald Judd was inspired by the Shakers in creating his own spare daybeds and tables from sturdy wood. (Judd, whose advocacy of symmetry also informed his architectural projects, furnished his Manhattan loft with unassuming but poetic works by iconic modernist designers such as Gerrit Rietveld and Alvar Aalto.)

Understatement rather than ornamentation and open space instead of clutter are central themes for a Minimalist living room and bedroom. As opposed to Maximalism, the focus for Minimalist furniture and decor is on simplicity and considering the design and purpose of every object.

Furnishings are usually made in neutral or monochrome colors and pared down to their essentials — think nesting coffee tables, sectional sofas and accent pieces such as ottomans. And Minimalist ceramics can help achieve a decor that is both timeless and of the moment. The organic textures and personalization of handmade craftsmanship associated with these works have served as a sort of anti-Internet to screen-weary decorators. That said, while the thoughtful ergonomics of Scandinavian modern furniture, with its handcrafted teak frames, are at home in Minimalist spaces, so are the quietly striking pieces by Japanese designer Naoto Fukasawa that employ industrial materials like stainless steel, aluminum and plastic.

Minimalist furniture is not for making flashy statements; it boasts subdued appeal and excels at harmonizing with any room. And, as it encompasses many different movements and eras of design, it also never goes out of style, owing to its tasteful refinement.

Find a collection of Minimalist tables, seating, lighting and more furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: Minimalist
Black and Red Bichrome Ware Plate from Ancient Cyprus
Black and Red Bichrome Ware Plate from Ancient Cyprus

Black and Red Bichrome Ware Plate from Ancient Cyprus

Located in London, GB

A striking bichrome ware plate with concentric circles in black and red slip, iconic of the early Bronze Age pottery production on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. The simple band...

Category

15th Century and Earlier Cypriot Antique Minimalist Folk Art

Materials

Pottery

African Topoke Iron Currency Blade, c. 1900
African Topoke Iron Currency Blade, c. 1900

African Topoke Iron Currency Blade, c. 1900

Located in Chicago, IL

While shield and spear were central to African combat, this iron sword blade was most likely made to serve as a piece of trade currency. Many pre-colonization African currencies were...

Category

Early 20th Century Congolese Minimalist Folk Art

Materials

Iron

Unique Sculpted Wooden Artwork
Unique Sculpted Wooden Artwork

Unique Sculpted Wooden Artwork

Located in Nijlen, BE

This beautiful craftwork by an unknown creator is a beautiful interplay of three-dimensional cubes in recycled wood. The sculpted cubes stand on a wooden plate. Earthy warm color to...

Category

1980s French Vintage Minimalist Folk Art

Materials

Reclaimed Wood

Ancient Black Slip Bichrome Ware Geometric Miniature Bowl from Cyprus
Ancient Black Slip Bichrome Ware Geometric Miniature Bowl from Cyprus

Ancient Black Slip Bichrome Ware Geometric Miniature Bowl from Cyprus

Located in London, GB

A charming bichrome ware bowl, iconic of the early Bronze Age pottery production on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. The concentric circles and simple banding of the geometric pat...

Category

15th Century and Earlier Cypriot Antique Minimalist Folk Art

Materials

Pottery

Minimalist Modern Structure, Rusted Steel on Wood Block Base
Minimalist Modern Structure, Rusted Steel on Wood Block Base

Minimalist Modern Structure, Rusted Steel on Wood Block Base

By Jim Rose

Located in Chicago, IL

Jim Rose, known primarily for his steel furniture, was an avid collector and scoured salvage yards for unique and interesting items. Here, found steel objects are welded together to ...

Category

2010s American Minimalist Folk Art

Materials

Metal, Steel

Ancient Cypriot Slender Miniature Jug with Concentric Circle Design
Ancient Cypriot Slender Miniature Jug with Concentric Circle Design

Ancient Cypriot Slender Miniature Jug with Concentric Circle Design

Located in London, GB

An elegantly shaped and beautifully preserved jug, elongated in form and covered in a vibrant red-brown slip with bands of concentric circle decoration in black pigment. Almost iconi...

Category

15th Century and Earlier Cypriot Antique Minimalist Folk Art

Materials

Pottery

Antique 1920's French Female Art Bust Mannequin
Antique 1920's French Female Art Bust Mannequin

Antique 1920's French Female Art Bust Mannequin

Located in Las Vegas, NV

INCREDIBLE. I use that word to describe only the befitting, and this piece truly is. Currently a piece in our personal collection, this female mannequin style bust on stand was pur...

Category

Early 20th Century Minimalist Folk Art

Materials

Steel

Early Joy Brown Bronze 1993 Artist Proof 4/4
Early Joy Brown Bronze 1993 Artist Proof 4/4

Early Joy Brown Bronze 1993 Artist Proof 4/4

Located in Woodbury, CT

Joy Brown (American, active late 20th century) Seated Figure, 1993 Bronze, Artist’s Proof (AP) 4 of 4 Signed, dated, and inscribed Bronze on integral base Joy Brown’s Seated Figur...

Category

1990s American Minimalist Folk Art

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Kurdish Polychrome Wool Flat-Weave Rug
Vintage Kurdish Polychrome Wool Flat-Weave Rug

Vintage Kurdish Polychrome Wool Flat-Weave Rug

Located in Milan, IT

Perdehs were used as tent dividers by the Kurdish tribes of Eastern Anatolia. Each flat-woven wool panel is individually dip-dyed and subsequently hand-stitched to the other panels. ...

Category

1930s Turkish Vintage Minimalist Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Tic Tac Toe Marble Edition - Luxury game board in roman travertine and marble
Tic Tac Toe Marble Edition - Luxury game board in roman travertine and marble

Tic Tac Toe Marble Edition - Luxury game board in roman travertine and marble

Located in Cologna Veneta, IT

A timeless classic reimagined through the beauty of natural stone. Handcrafted from Roman Travertine and marble, Tic Tac Toe Marble Edition transforms an iconic game into a refined ...

Category

2010s Italian Minimalist Folk Art

Materials

Travertine, Marble

Yoruba Osanyin Healing Staff, c. 1900
Yoruba Osanyin Healing Staff, c. 1900

Yoruba Osanyin Healing Staff, c. 1900

Located in Chicago, IL

To cure mental and physical ailments, Yoruba priests and diviners invoke the aid of Osanyin, the god of herbal medicines. Used in divination rituals to cure the afflicted, this iron ...

Category

Early 20th Century Nigerian Minimalist Folk Art

Materials

Iron

Monochromatic Carpet Shades of Green Meadw After Rain
Monochromatic Carpet Shades of Green Meadw After Rain

Monochromatic Carpet Shades of Green Meadw After Rain

Located in Firenze, IT

Monochromatic carpets are all the rage right now in interior design because they fit easily into any context. The specimen we present comes from an artisanal production in Afghanistan, hand-knotted with local wool using natural dyes. The non-uniformity of the color is due to the artisan method with which the wools are dyed, and it is precisely these irregularities that give life to the carpet by replacing the decoration and make it a vibrant carpet...

Category

2010s Afghan Minimalist Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Sculpture "Tactile Monolith No 3" by Stine Mikkelsen
Sculpture "Tactile Monolith No 3" by Stine Mikkelsen

Sculpture "Tactile Monolith No 3" by Stine Mikkelsen

By Stine Mikkelsen

Located in Geneve, CH

Sculpture "Tactile Monolith no 3" by Stine Mikkelsen Dimensions: Height 52 cm Width 74 cm Depth 23 cm Materials: Composite material based on crushed granite and fish glue. The ...

Category

2010s Danish Minimalist Folk Art

Materials

Granite

Related Items
A wooden lantern mold France 1950
A wooden lantern mold France 1950

A wooden lantern mold France 1950

$713Sale Price|20% Off

H 16.15 in W 5.12 in D 6.3 in

A wooden lantern mold France 1950

Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR

This wooden lantern mold, originating from a former paper lantern manufacturing facility, is a superb decorative piece, boasting a highly graphic design. It consists of seven detacha...

Category

1950s French Vintage Minimalist Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Ancient Cubist Danced Kuba Mask Black Patina Cone Eyes Congo Africa
Ancient Cubist Danced Kuba Mask Black Patina Cone Eyes Congo Africa

Ancient Cubist Danced Kuba Mask Black Patina Cone Eyes Congo Africa

Located in Point Richmond, CA

Ancient Cubist Kuba Dance Mask Black Patina, Cone Shaped Eyes, from the Congo, Africa. It is in good condition with wear, polish and erosion from traditional use, appropriate for it...

Category

Mid-20th Century Congolese Minimalist Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Ancient Egyptian kohl vessel and applicator, New Kingdom period, 1550–1295 B.C.
Ancient Egyptian kohl vessel and applicator, New Kingdom period, 1550–1295 B.C.

Ancient Egyptian kohl vessel and applicator, New Kingdom period, 1550–1295 B.C.

Located in London, GB

Ancient Egyptian kohl vessel set, dating to the New Kingdom (c. 1550–1295 B.C.), includes a wooden container for storing kohl, a black cosmetic used for eye adornment and protection,...

Category

15th Century and Earlier Egyptian Antique Minimalist Folk Art

Materials

Linen

Ancient Cedar Wood Sweet Refined Egyptian Mummy Mask
Ancient Cedar Wood Sweet Refined Egyptian Mummy Mask

Ancient Cedar Wood Sweet Refined Egyptian Mummy Mask

Located in Point Richmond, CA

Elegant ancient cedar wood sweet Egyptian mummy mask, 8 3/4 Inches high. Soft weathered surface and great expression. Areas of chips erosion and little bits...

Category

15th Century and Earlier Egyptian Antique Minimalist Folk Art

Materials

Organic Material, Wood

Ancient Greek Black-Glazed Kantharos, 5th-4th Century BC
Ancient Greek Black-Glazed Kantharos, 5th-4th Century BC

Ancient Greek Black-Glazed Kantharos, 5th-4th Century BC

Located in London, GB

A Greek black-glazed pottery kantharos Circa 5th - 4th century BC Height: 17 cm (width: 23.5 cm) Provenance: Norri collection, Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire, UK, 1980s-1990s. The ...

Category

15th Century and Earlier Greek Antique Minimalist Folk Art

Materials

Pottery

Single Yua Wenga Currency from the Early 20th Century
Single Yua Wenga Currency from the Early 20th Century

Single Yua Wenga Currency from the Early 20th Century

Located in Atlanta, GA

A single Yua Wenga currency from the early 20th century on custom iron stand. This antique tribal currency piece from Papua New Guinea has been carved ...

Category

Early 20th Century Papua New Guinean Minimalist Folk Art

Materials

Bone

Ancient Greek Hellenistic Marble Head of a Goddess, probably Aphrodite
Ancient Greek Hellenistic Marble Head of a Goddess, probably Aphrodite

Ancient Greek Hellenistic Marble Head of a Goddess, probably Aphrodite

Located in London, GB

The head carved in luminous marble, likely depicts Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty. Shown with her smooth oval face with deeply set eyes, and slightly open lips, her hair centrally-parted with a diadem, and a chignon at her neck. The head would originally have been from a full length figure of the goddess, depicted either entirely nude, or semi-nude with folds of drapery around her hips. Such figures are often known as 'Anadyomene' which means 'rising from the sea'. The tilt of the head and the hair arrangement is seen in other Hellenistic Greek marble heads...

Category

15th Century and Earlier Greek Antique Minimalist Folk Art

Materials

Marble

Gothic sculpted panel in oak from the 16th century, Belgium
Gothic sculpted panel in oak from the 16th century, Belgium

Gothic sculpted panel in oak from the 16th century, Belgium

Located in Meulebeke, BE

This finely carved wooden panel from Belgium, dating to the 16th century, exemplifies the restrained geometry and rustic elegance of Gothic domestic ornamentation. Hewn from solid oa...

Category

16th Century Belgian Antique Minimalist Folk Art

Materials

Oak

Genuine 1880s Albany Slip Glazed Anna Pottery Stoneware Pig Flask
Genuine 1880s Albany Slip Glazed Anna Pottery Stoneware Pig Flask

Genuine 1880s Albany Slip Glazed Anna Pottery Stoneware Pig Flask

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

Albany slip glazed Anna pottery stoneware pig flask by Wallace and Cornwall Kirkpatrick, Anna. Anatomically correct prone pig. In sized inscriptions "Fine Old Burmann Inn" and alongside "Lard Oil Drill". Underside flask opening under tail. Anna Pottery was s operative by the Kirkpatrick brothers between 1859 and 1896. They took part in art exhibitions such as Philadelphia Centennial in 1876 and the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago 1893. In 1938 the first inscription of Anna pottery was published in the New York Historical Society. Pieces of Anna pottery pigs...

Category

1880s American Antique Minimalist Folk Art

Materials

Pottery

Athena on Her Chariot Ancient Greek Style Mid-Century Modern Horse Sculpture
Athena on Her Chariot Ancient Greek Style Mid-Century Modern Horse Sculpture

Athena on Her Chariot Ancient Greek Style Mid-Century Modern Horse Sculpture

By Frederic Weinberg

Located in Chattanooga, TN

A striking Mid-Century Modern sculpture executed in the Greek Revival taste, depicting Athena riding a stylized horse-drawn chariot accompanied by her symbolic owl. Rendered with pronounced Etruscan and Brutalist influences, the piece embodies the sculptural abstraction and mythological romanticism that defined a wave of sophisticated decorative arts produced during the mid-20th century. Executed in patinated cast metal with a rich verdigris finish, the sculpture evokes the appearance of an excavated antiquity while maintaining the clean linearity and expressive geometry associated with Mid-Century Modern design. The elongated horse forms, angular chariot construction, and primitive-classical composition strongly recall the work of Frederick Weinberg and related Raymor-era designers, blending ancient Mediterranean inspiration with modernist decorative sensibilities. Dramatic from every angle, this highly decorative object functions equally well as a bookshelf sculpture...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Minimalist Folk Art

Materials

Bronze

Antique Congolese African Tribal Carved Hemba Helmet Mask, Suku Peoples
Antique Congolese African Tribal Carved Hemba Helmet Mask, Suku Peoples

Antique Congolese African Tribal Carved Hemba Helmet Mask, Suku Peoples

Located in Forney, TX

A scarce antique African tribal carved Hemba helmet mask, the Suku peoples, possibly Kwese culture, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central Africa, early 20th century, surmounted by four-legged animal, over round face, with mouth ajar and incised jagged teeth exposed, protruding almond shaped eyes, scattered remnants of pigment, full raffia fiber fringe, mounted on wood stand. A superb museum quality example, this remarkable tribal folk art sculpture is a wonderful way to add rustic warmth, rich historical depth, and fascinating cultural interest to any space! Dimensions: (approx) Overall: 26" High, 9" Wide, 10.25" Deep; Mask only: 15" Tall; 7 lbs total Provenance / Acquisition: Acquired from the highly reputable auction house, Austin Auction Gallery, est.1983, Austin, Texas. Excellent Condition: Nicely aged distressed patina over the whole. Highly desirable wear consistent with age and indicative of use, including scattered losses, antique character marks and typical signs of aging throughout. Retaining scattered remnants of original pigment. Overall a superb museum quality example Primitive Arts Of Africa: Among the Suku of the southwestern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, masks plays crucial role in protecting boys during initiation, the vulnerable period between boyhood and manhood. The power contained in Hemba masks...

Category

Early 20th Century Congolese Minimalist Folk Art

Materials

Raffia, Wood

Previously Available Items
Ancient Cypriot Terracotta Jug with Painted Geometric Decoration
Ancient Cypriot Terracotta Jug with Painted Geometric Decoration

Ancient Cypriot Terracotta Jug with Painted Geometric Decoration

Located in London, GB

A striking jug with a beautifully burnished surface and decoration in vibrant brown pigment, iconic of early Bronze Age pottery production on the island of Cyprus. Produced in large ...

Category

15th Century and Earlier Cypriot Antique Minimalist Folk Art

Materials

Pottery

'Giant' Palaeolithic Stone Tool with Orange-Brown Patina, made by Early Humans
'Giant' Palaeolithic Stone Tool with Orange-Brown Patina, made by Early Humans

'Giant' Palaeolithic Stone Tool with Orange-Brown Patina, made by Early Humans

Located in London, GB

One of the largest hand axes ever found in the UK, a notable example of the first human technology, in superb condition. Classified on account of its size as a ‘giant’, this Acheulea...

Category

15th Century and Earlier English Antique Minimalist Folk Art

Materials

Stone

Pair of African Topoke Currency Blades, c. 1900
Pair of African Topoke Currency Blades, c. 1900

Pair of African Topoke Currency Blades, c. 1900

Located in Chicago, IL

While shield and spear were central to African combat, these iron sword blades were most likely made to serve as pieces of trade currency. Many pre-colonization African currencies we...

Category

Early 20th Century Congolese Minimalist Folk Art

Materials

Iron

House Sculpture, Minimalist Modern Structure, Rusted Steel Wedge on Wood Blocks
House Sculpture, Minimalist Modern Structure, Rusted Steel Wedge on Wood Blocks

House Sculpture, Minimalist Modern Structure, Rusted Steel Wedge on Wood Blocks

By Jim Rose

Located in Chicago, IL

Jim Rose, known primarily for his steel furniture, was an avid collector and scoured salvage yards for unique and interesting items. Here, found steel objects are welded together to ...

Category

2010s American Minimalist Folk Art

Materials

Metal, Steel

Swedish Oil Painting Landscape Per Sundberg (konstnär)
Swedish Oil Painting Landscape Per Sundberg (konstnär)

Swedish Oil Painting Landscape Per Sundberg (konstnär)

Located in Oxford, GB

Per Sundberg was a Swedish artist who was born in 1887 The artist died in 1968. believe this landscape of his, to be an early one of exceptional quality. Numerous key galleries and ...

Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Minimalist Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Scandinavian Maritime Painting Oil on Canvas in Soft Colors by Stig H. Wernhegen
Scandinavian Maritime Painting Oil on Canvas in Soft Colors by Stig H. Wernhegen

Scandinavian Maritime Painting Oil on Canvas in Soft Colors by Stig H. Wernhegen

Located in Salzburg, AT

Stig Henry Wernhegen was born in Limhamn, Sweden, in 1921 and died in 1997. He studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Malmö (Prof. Helge Nielsen). Insp...

Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Minimalist Folk Art

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

Elegant Bronze Sculpture Showing a Hoop Dancer Original Patina 1978
Elegant Bronze Sculpture Showing a Hoop Dancer Original Patina 1978

Elegant Bronze Sculpture Showing a Hoop Dancer Original Patina 1978

Located in London, GB

Elegant Bronze Sculpture Showing a Hoop Dancer Original Patina 1978 A beautiful sculpture in bronze with original patina showing a figure of a hoop dancer performing a very flexible ...

Category

1970s Russian Vintage Minimalist Folk Art

Materials

Bronze

Sculpture "Tactile Monolith no 3" by Stine Mikkelsen
Sculpture "Tactile Monolith no 3" by Stine Mikkelsen

Sculpture "Tactile Monolith no 3" by Stine Mikkelsen

Sold

H 20.48 in W 29.14 in D 9.06 in

Sculpture "Tactile Monolith no 3" by Stine Mikkelsen

By Stine Mikkelsen

Located in Geneve, CH

Sculpture "Tactile Monolith no 3" by Stine Mikkelsen Dimensions: Height 52 cm Width 74 cm Depth 23 cm Materials: Composite and granite Tactile Monoliths is a minimal collect...

Category

2010s Danish Minimalist Folk Art

Materials

Granite, Composition

Jean François Reboul, Voie Lactée I
Jean François Reboul, Voie Lactée I

Jean François Reboul, Voie Lactée I

By Jean François Reboul

Located in Paris, FR

Vase "Voie Lactée I" by Jean François Reboul (1952): Vase made out of enameled ceramic using Raku technique. "Certificate of Authenticity" provided by the gallery. Dimensions: D 10 ...

Category

2010s French Minimalist Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Jean François Reboul Constellation I Raku Enameled Vase
Jean François Reboul Constellation I Raku Enameled Vase

Jean François Reboul Constellation I Raku Enameled Vase

By Jean François Reboul

Located in Paris, FR

Vases by Jean François Reboul (1952): Vase made out of enameled ceramic using Raku technique. "Certificate of Authenticity" provided by the gallery. Vase "Constellation I": 24 cm D ...

Category

2010s French Minimalist Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Sculpture "Tactile Monolith no 3" by Stine Mikkelsen
Sculpture "Tactile Monolith no 3" by Stine Mikkelsen

Sculpture "Tactile Monolith no 3" by Stine Mikkelsen

Sold

H 20.48 in W 29.14 in D 9.06 in

Sculpture "Tactile Monolith no 3" by Stine Mikkelsen

By Stine Mikkelsen

Located in Geneve, CH

Sculpture "Tactile Monolith no 3" by Stine Mikkelsen Dimensions: 60 x 108 x 18 cm Materials: Composite and granite Tactile Monoliths is a minimal collection of objects created b...

Category

2010s Danish Minimalist Folk Art

Materials

Granite, Composition

Minimalist folk art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Minimalist 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, rugs and carpets and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, stone and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Minimalist folk art made in a specific country, there are Europe, Asia, and Scandinavia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original folk art, popular names associated with this style include Stine Mikkelsen, Jean François Reboul, Bahram Shabahang, and Orley Shabahang. 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 $1,092 and tops out at $16,220 while the average work can sell for $2,694.