Modern Folk Art
MODERN STYLE
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”
Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.
Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chair — crafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.
It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.
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Style: Modern
Double Sided Sign circa 1950
Located in Culver City, CA
Double Sided Sign
England circa 1950
Hand painted sign with ebonised frame.
25.5”w x 1.75”d x 16.5”h
Category
1950s English Vintage Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wood
'Rat Dog' Sculpture in Fiberglass by Finn Stone
By Finn Stone
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
We love this piece! Number 2 from an edition of 2, the other was sold recently on Saatchi online, and honestly we don't mind rat dog hanging around, he eats no...
Category
2010s English Modern Folk Art
Materials
Fiberglass
21st Century Ovo Wood & Magazine Leather Basket with Handle Handmade in Italy
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Fashioned of resistant recycled leather, Pinetti Ovo basket boasts an unstructured silhouette with flared sides supported by a sturdy rectangular base...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Leather
21st Century Demetra Round Laundry Basket Handwoven with Leather in Italy
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Strictly hand woven with meticulous care, Pinetti baskets are made with eco-friendly, washable, and resistant material.
Part of the Demetra collections, our short basket comes in a ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Leather
Vase Obice Big in Ceramic, Shiny White, Italy
Located in Treviso, Treviso
In Bassano ceramics have been produced for 300 years. In fact, from the 17th century this art has been developed in Veneto thanks to the presence of plastic clay, solder and kaolin i...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Hermanos Calavera Conquistador in Oiled Walnut by Miguel & Ilse Silva for Wooda
Located in Omro, WI
These handsome but quirky brothers designed by Miguel and Ilse Silva for Wooda are the result of an engaging mix of personality, love, fun and mischievousness. Los Hermanos Calavera(...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Folk Art
Materials
Oak, Walnut, Maple, Hardwood
Purvis Young 'Herd of Freedom Horses'
By Purvis Young
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
'Herd of Freedom Horses' by Purvis Young (1989–1999)
USA, circa 1980s
A progressive work, painted on a found metal tray, of five horses in landscape. signed 'Young' upper right corner. In untouched, well-cared-for vintage condition, ready to place.
The overall dimensions of the work are 13- inches wide, 17.5- inches high, and 1.5- inches deep.
About :
Purvis Young (1943–2010) was an American artist from the Overtown neighborhood of Miami, Florida. Self-taught, Young's work was often a blend of painting and drawing with collaged elements, utilizing everyday discarded found objects.
Inspired by documentaries, art books...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Folk Art
Materials
Metal
Alan Wallwork Studio Pottery Split Pod Sculpture
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Stoneware studio pottery 'split pod' form designed by Alan Wallwork (British, 1931-2019) and dating from around 1980. The heavily made sculptural pod sta...
Category
1980s English Vintage Modern Folk Art
Materials
Stoneware
Framed John Smith's Beer Sign, 1970s
By Rob Otten
Located in Antwerp, BE
Framed John Smith's beer sign.
Original old advertising sign for the famous Pale Ale Beer, dated 1976.
It's English beer of the brewery John Smith's Tadc...
Category
Late 20th Century Belgian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Other, Tin
Raoul Raba, yellow sculpture, light wall panel, circa 1970, France.
By Raoul Raba
Located in Nice, Cote d' Azur
Raoul Raba,
yellow sculpture,
light wall panel,
gold lacquered metal,
circa 1970, France.
Height 144 cm, diameter 124 cm.
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Folk Art
Materials
Metal
Chessboard, Contemporary Design, Solid Oak & Valchromat, XXIst Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Chessboard, contemporary design, solid oak & valchromat, XXIst century.
Chessboard in solid oak and valchromat, contemporary French cabinetmaking, 21st century.
Production time: 4 t...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Folk Art
Materials
Oak
Ceramic pitcher Madoura Picasso, limited edition "d'après Picasso", stamped
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic pitcher by Picasso, model created in 1949 and limited production by Madoura until 1970
Zoomorphic owl design
Authentical multiples, 200 pieces
Official stamp "D'après Picasso...
Category
1950s French Vintage Modern Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic pitcher by Mado Jolain, France, 1960's
By Mado Jolain
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic pitcher by Mado Jolain, 1960's, signed and numbered
Category
1960s French Vintage Modern Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Signed Jan Il Yang Visual Abstract Wall Art with Gold Frame
Located in Medina, OH
Beautiful signed Jan Il Yang visual abstract art piece. In its original gorgeous gold frame in great condition. Jan Yang uses a metallic gold foil in his artwork which gives it a ve...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Metal
Contemporary Sculptural Concave Round Mirror in Blue, Made in France
Located in Ibiza, Spain
Modern sculptural beautiful concave French mirror. Wall hanging artwork handmade in blue molded glass and colored lenses. Finished with bronze finial details on the back to hang on t...
Category
2010s French Modern Folk Art
Materials
Glass
21st Pet Bowl Small in Wood & Calf Leather
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
A rigid structure fully covered with premium calf leather with removable and washable stainless steel bowls. Our Pet bowls are available in two sizes.
A brand new collection designe...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Metal
21st Century Euclide Coffee Table in Wood & Calf Leather
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
A new collection joined the Pinetti family.
Euclide with its geometric look is an elegant side table crafted with wood structure and entirely covered in recycled leather. This lovel...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Leather, Wood
21st Pet Bed Large in Walnut Wood & Calf Leather
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Pamper your furry friends with our new Pet bed.
A wooden structure masterfully handcrafted covered in leather with precious canaletto walnut wood base and soft memory foam cushion ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Leather, Wood, Foam, Walnut
21st Century Euclide Stool in Wood & Calf Leather
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
A new collection joined the Pinetti family.
Euclide with its geometric look is an elegant stool crafted with wood structure and entirely covered in recycled leather. This lovely sto...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Leather, Wood
21st Almeria Wireless Small Table Lantern
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Inspired by our iconic Almeria baskets collection, Pinetti introduces a brand new family of lanterns.
Wireless and USB rechargeable these lamps are made with hand-woven plastic modu...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Leather, Plastic
21st Almeria Wireless Tall Floor Lantern
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Inspired by our iconic Almeria baskets collection, Pinetti introduces a brand new family of lanterns.
Wireless and USB rechargeable these lamps are made with hand-woven plastic modu...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Leather, Plastic
21st Almeria Wireless Large Floor Lantern
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Inspired by our iconic Almeria baskets collection, Pinetti introduces a brand new family of lanterns.
Wireless and USB rechargeable these lamps are made with hand-woven plastic modu...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Leather, Plastic
Red Terracotta Sculpture of Seated Nude, circa 1960
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Red Terracotta Sculpture of Seated Nude
circa 1960
signed - artist unknown
nice color and size
small chip near foot
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Folk Art
Materials
Terracotta
Doug Ayers Signed California Artist Organic Natural Wood Turned Weed Vase Vessel
By Doug Ayers
Located in Studio City, CA
A very beautifully made and sculpted wood-turned weed vase by famed American (Mendocino, California) artist/ sculptor Doug Ayers. The natural, organic wood grain is quite spectacular...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wood, Walnut
"The Second World War, " by Winston Churchill
Located in Austin, TX
The Second World War by Winston Churchill from Houghton-Mifflin Company, Boston.
A vintage edition of Winston Churchill's six-volume memoir, The Second World War, for which he was a...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Folk Art
Materials
Paper
Marble Chess Set
Located in Richmond, VA
Beautiful vintage black and white marble chess board with brass inlay and 32 chess pieces.
Dimensions:
Board measures 9.75 in wide (24.76 cm)
Pieces measure between 1 in tall (2.54...
Category
20th Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Marble, Brass
Four ceramic boxes by Cloutier, France, 1960's
Located in Paris, FR
Four ceramic anthropomorphic boxes by Cloutier.
Two "smalls" Diam. 12.5 cm, H. 19 cm
Two a bit bigger Diam. 15cm, H. 21 cm
Category
1960s French Vintage Modern Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic owl vide-poche by Olivier Pettit, France, 1960's
By Olivier Pettit
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic owl vide-poche by Olivier Pettit, signed
Category
1960s French Vintage Modern Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic vide-poche by Roger Capron, France, 1970's
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
Vide-poche by Roger Capron, black ceramic, signed
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Serenity Bliss Medium Tan & White 180X270 cm Handknotted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
Can a rug be the key to transforming your space into a sanctuary of tranquility? Discover 'Serenity Bliss,' a hand-knotted marvel . With a tone-on-tone palette, it instantly uplifts ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Neuclosis By Antonio Grediaga Kieff, 1974
Located in Madrid, ES
Neuclosis by Antonio Grediaga Kieff, signed and numbered 2/6
This extraordinary work of art is expertly crafted in bronze and features a unique abstract form. The sculpture stands o...
Category
1970s Canadian Vintage Modern Folk Art
Materials
Marble, Brass
Snow Man By Antonio Grediaga Kieff, 1977
Located in Madrid, ES
Snow Man by Antonio Grediaga Kieff, signed and numbered 3/9
This extraordinary work of art is expertly crafted in bronze and features a unique abstract form. The sculpture stands on...
Category
1970s Canadian Vintage Modern Folk Art
Materials
Marble, Brass
Italian modern urban landscape airbrush painting by Alvise Besutti, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern urban landscape airbrush painting by Alvise Besutti, 1980s
Painting with rectangular frame made with airbrush. The painting represents an urban landscape with skyscrap...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Folk Art
Materials
Canvas, Wood
Set of Three Sculpted Paper Mache Hanging Goose
Located in Pasadena, CA
Set of Three Sculpted Paper Mache Hanging Flying Geese. Each swan is in a different action pose. There is some discoloration to the exterior of the goose. Each paper mache bird is ot...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Folk Art
Materials
Paper
Handcrafted Illustrated Ceramic by Mathew, Spain, 2021
Located in Madrid, ES
Handcrafted ceramic bowl by Mathew. Handpainted panther in light grey over blue background.
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Velvet Verve Ivory Pink Tint 180x270 cm Hand Tufted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
Decorate your space with the unparalleled craftsmanship of this hand tufted rug from our abstract collection, Caliedo. This rug is not just a floor covering carpet, it's a conversati...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Mocha Mirage Medium Tan Silver Gray 240x300 cm Hand Tufted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
Introducing this designer rug from our Cascade collection, a masterpiece that seamlessly blends intricate patterns in a soothing palate. The complex design of this rug is a visual sy...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Elysian Bloom White & Soft Gold 240x300 cm Hand Knotted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
Picture a canvas where curvy lines gracefully dance alongside linear precision, forming a symphony of shapes that mirrors the harmonious coexistence of contrasts in life. This rug fr...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Urban Mirage Ebony & Snow White 240X300 cm Handtufted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
Have you met 'Urban Mirage',a masterpiece? Crafted like a work of abstract art on a cloth canvas, the handtufted rug unfolds on an ebony canvas with a snow-white border. Made with a ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Linear Grace Natural Beige & Natural Gray 180X270 cm Hand Knotted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
Unveil the allure of soft elegance with this absolutely beautiful wool rug from our Manifest collection, reflecting a harmonious blend of linear precision and abstract charm. The rug...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Sunlit Melody Honey Yellow & Honey Yellow 240x300 cm Hand Knotted Rugs
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
Step into the realm of distinctive elegance with this mesmerizing rug from our Aprezo collection that effortlessly blends abstract artistry with rhythmic design. This wool rug is a v...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Merging Ripples Vanilla & Ebony 240x300 cm Hand Knotted Rugs
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
Embark on a visual journey with this wool rug from our Aprezo collection. The rug's aesthetic is a testament to artistry, with a pattern that delicately intertwines, resembling the p...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Ceramic bear paw by Georges Jouve, France, 1960's
Located in Paris, FR
Yellow bear paw by Georges Jouve, signed, 1960's
Category
1960s French Vintage Modern Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Vibrant Voyage Cloud White Cloud White 180x270 cm Hand Tufted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
Immerse your living space in a breath of fresh air with this vibrant rug from our Confetti collection. It's a vibrant masterpiece that effortlessly steals the spotlight in any interi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Chroma Chic White Medium Fawn 180x270 cm Hand Tufted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
Step into a world of understated elegance with this exquisite rug from our Shudd collection, a testament to the beauty found in simplicity. The design of this hand tufted rug strikes...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Soft Embrace Tobacco & Pebble 240X300 cm Handknotted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
Can a rug transcend its purpose and become a source of joy in your space? Explore the beautiful hand-knotted marvel . The tone-on-tone palette of tobacco and pebble effortlessly upli...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Silk
Prism Portico Soft Mint Medium Fawn 180x270 cm Hand Tufted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
Dive into the realm of abstract elegance with this exquisite rug from our Caliedo Collection. This rug isn't just a comfort piece, it's a work of art, where abstract patterns weave a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Sahara Dreams Antique White & Honey Yellow 240X300 cm Handknotted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
An exquisite tapestry of Moroccan inspiration and contemporary allure ! Crafted with an all-wool construction in rural India, this handknotted rug transforms eclectic patterns into a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Rural Harmony Light Peach & Caramel 240X300 cm Handknotted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
A handmade marvel painted in the gentle hues of a Moroccan sunrise! Crafted from sumptuous all-wool fibers, the rug's light peach ground color beautifully contrasts with a border aw...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Luminous Mosaic White Sand Marble 180X270 cm Hand-Knotted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
Discover the soulful touch of home with this modern rug , a brand deeply rooted in a commitment to quality and innovation. This exclusive creation, woven with passion from bamboo sil...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Silk
Tanned Whirl Dark Taupe Medium Gray 240x300 cm Hand Tufted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
Introduce the opulent allure of this stunning hand tufted rug from our Mythos collection. Immerse yourself in its in-depth color palette, where dark taupe seamlessly blends with medi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Silk
Urban Zen Marble & Cola 240x300 cm Hand Knotted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
Step into a world of refined aesthetics with this handwoven rug from our Aprezo collection. The defining feature of this wool rug is its subtle yet engaging pattern, creating a visua...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Urban Cosmo Antique White Warm Spice 180x270 cm Hand Tufted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
Indulge in luxury in the most comfortable way with this hand tufted wood rug from our Genesis collection. The color palette of antique white and warm spice doesn't just decorate, it ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Tranquil Treasure White White 180x270 cm Hand Tufted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
In a world where subtle sophistication is often hard to find, our hand tufted rug from the Shudd collection emerges as a silent yet striking maestro, poised to redefine your interior...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Honey Hues Copper & Soft Gold 180X270 cm Handknotted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
Join us on this visual journey with our enchanting hand-knotted rug, akin to a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity ! Like a sunlit desert landscape, the ground color in capti...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Ethereal Zephyr Antique White & Antique White 240x300 cm Hand Knotted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
Introducing this timeless beauty from our Far East collection that seamlessly blends retro charm with contemporary elegance. This handwoven rug displays a unique pattern that harks b...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Silk
Emotive Canvas Ashwood & Silver Sea Moss 240X300 cm Handtufted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
Introducing "Emotive Canvas," a uniquely shaped hand-tufted rug that weaves the crafts of emotions to elevate any space. Meticulously hand-tufted with a blend of wool and viscose yarns, it unravels a narrative of depth and diversity, illustrating how lives and spaces can be shaped by the power of emotions. This graphic rug, with an ashwood base and a silver sea moss...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Urban Brilliance Soft Beige & White 240X300 cm Handtufted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
Embark on a journey of design excellence with our Handtufted Rug, a masterpiece in soft beige and white, resembling a work of abstract art on a cloth canvas. This rug is the epitome ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Modern folk art for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique 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, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern folk art made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original folk art, popular names associated with this style include Pinetti, VG-VGnewtrend, Danese Milano, and Mosche Bianche. 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 $75 and tops out at $50,000 while the average work can sell for $1,001.
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