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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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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21st Century Hook Magazine Holder Leather Basket with Fabric Handmade in Italy
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Pinetti elegant basket made with upcycled leather with inside fabric in linen and cotton is part of Hook collection.
The frame is composed of a grid-like structure of leather belts ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Leather, Fabric, Cotton
21st Century Almeria Magazine or Shoes Leather Basket Handwoven in Italy
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
This masterfully hand-woven basket belongs to our iconic Almeria collection. Made of eco-friendly leather, that is washable, resistant to light and water, it's suitable for indoor an...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Leather
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 stands on a narrow rounded base ...
Category
1980s English Vintage Modern Folk Art
Materials
Stoneware
"Sunflower Vessel" Grey and White Limestone Sculpture by Artist Helen O'Connell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
‘Sunflower Vessel’ is one of Irish artist Helen O'Connell's signature vessel sculptures from the "Origami Works" series. Composed of the beautiful Kilkenny limestone, it shows the ma...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Irish Modern Folk Art
Materials
Limestone
Delft Westraven Rotterdam Holland Ceramic Pottery Tile
By Delft
Located in Studio City, CA
A colorful tile made by Delft in the Netherlands.
Stamped "Westraven, Holland" on the verso.
Dimensions: 6.1" high, 6.1" wide, .5" deep.
Category
20th Century Dutch Modern Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Kokian Painting, " Pink Marilyn, black side behind ", 2010
Located in Saint ouen, FR
Kokian painting - Pink Marilyn, black side behind
Canvas painting on stretcher - Acrylic
With black frame
Circa 2010
Signed
Dimensions of artwork : 119 x 119 x 4 cm
Dimension...
Category
2010s European Modern Folk Art
Materials
Acrylic
Studio Pottery Glazed Figure of a Resting Bird Signed Heptagon Dated 1976
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An unusual studio pottery glazed figure of a resting bird signed Heptagon to the base and dated 1976. The figure is well potted with its wings resting on its fanned tail feathers and...
Category
1970s English Vintage Modern Folk Art
Materials
Pottery
Large & Unique Old African Mask, Chokwe, Congo, Solid Wood, Hand Carved, Antique
Located in Hamminkeln, DE
Beautiful old African Mask, Chokwe, Congo. Good condition, hand carved, solid wood. Mask dimensions 33x22cm, on the stand 49cm high (stand not incl.)
Category
Early 20th Century Congolese Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Waiuku outdoor rug
By MissoniHome
Located in Milan, IT
The iconic designs from the renowned Missoni house are unmatched. Exciting and bold patterns and colours remain inspiring and add an instant touch of luxury to your home. From Poppie...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Textile
Al G. Barnes Animal Show Circus Original Poster Framed, United States, 1895
Located in Madrid, ES
Original framed poster of famous Al G. Barnes Circus "Animal show circus".
Category
1890s American Antique Modern Folk Art
Materials
Paper
Eric James Mellon '1925-2014' Rare Studio Pottery Tile Titled Mermaid
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very rare and unique British studio pottery tile hand painted with nudes and titled Mermaid by renowned potter Eric James Mellon (1925-2014) and dated 2000. The ceramic tile of rec...
Category
Early 2000s English Modern Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Nantucket Harbor Scene, by Inna Garsoian
By Inna Garsoian
Located in Nantucket, MA
Nantucket Harbor Scene, by Inna Garsoian (1896–1984), circa 1946, oil on canvas view of wharves and waterfront from vantage of old Steamship office, signed lower right, and signed an...
Category
1940s American Vintage Modern Folk Art
Materials
Canvas
Stunning Vintage Natural Burr Elm & Walnut Fruit Bowl & Apples & Pears Fruit
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning vintage handmade route root burr walnut fruit bowl and a selection of burr elm and & walnut apples and pears
A selection of lovely...
Category
20th Century English Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Abstract Oil Painting Art after Leonardo Nierman
Located in National City, CA
For your pleasure: Mid-Century Modern oil on board abstract art painting, signed Ilarenton, but difficult to read. Lower left corner has signature. Original gold leaf frame. In the s...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Folk Art
Materials
Other
Vase 'David by Michelangelo' Mouth, Matt White Ceramic, Italy
Located in Quinto di Treviso, Treviso
The “Andy” ceramic collection VG presents a collection of Classic sculptures which revisits the techniques of pop art. The original work is taken apart; a few details are then remove...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Evocazione #17 by Marco Bellini
Located in Geneve, CH
Evocazione #17 by Marco Bellini
Dimensions: 80 H x 8 W cm
Materials: European walnut
Fire, green vitriol, iron acetate
Marco was born in the middle of the rice fiel...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Walnut
21st Century Leather and Walnut Wood Backgammon Set Handcrafted in Italy
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Our backgammon set, a must of board games.
Expertly crafted with canaletto walnut wood and dressed on the outside with a textured calfskin leather covering, its interior delivers ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Walnut, Leather
Danese Milano Otto, L’oca Print by Enzo Mari
Located in Hicksville, NY
L’Oca is a four-colour silkscreen print and is part of the Nature Series (Serie della Natura). The print is part of a study to transform an image into a symbol through the systematic...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Paper
Hawaiian Artist Hand Carved Turned Wood Vessel Garniture Sculpture Vase Chalice
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderfully designed and unusually shaped wood-turned vessel/ sculpture/ chalice. Very well crafted.
Noted: "Norfolk Pine. Carved in Hawaii" by the artist on the base.
From...
Category
20th Century American Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wood, Pine
'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 nothing and makes no mess...
Category
2010s English Modern Folk Art
Materials
Fiberglass
Gucci by Tom Ford Black Leather Boots
By Gucci
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Tom Ford’s Gucci pair of knee-high leather boots, circa 1999.
In a sleek silhouette, these Gucci boots are crafted in black lamb supple leather, finished with a block heel, side zip...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Leather
Peter Shire EXP Signed Hand Painted Modern Large Ceramic Pottery Bowl
By Peter Shire
Located in Studio City, CA
A fantastic work by famed Los Angeles (Echo Park), California based artist Peter Shire who was a founding member (along with Italian designer Ettore Sottsass and others) of The Memph...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Etro Home Interiors Papier Lilac Print with Frame
By Etro
Located in Cantu, IT
Lilac Print with white passe-partout and frame in gold finishing.
L 110 H 130
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Canvas
Handmade Ceramic Accessories Grasshopper Green
Located in Lisbon, PT
These handmade decorative accessories combine the traditional Portuguese ceramic and glazing techniques in a modern approach of shapes and color, as they bring such brightness and jo...
Category
2010s Portuguese Modern Folk Art
Materials
Brass
Vase Hands, Matt Black and Gold Ceramic, Italy
Located in Quinto di Treviso, Treviso
The “Andy” ceramic collection VG presents a collection of classic sculptures which revisits the techniques of pop art. The original work is taken apart; a few details are then remove...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Domino Wall Mirror by Ciarmoli Queda Studio
Located in Milan, IT
Part of a collection of playful Domino-inspired pieces designed by Ciarmoli Queda Studio, this mirror will create a cohesive decorative pattern when displayed with the console in the...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Brass
Danese Milano Uno, La Mela Print by Enzo Mari
Located in Hicksville, NY
La Mela is a two-colour silkscreen print and is part of the Nature Series (Serie della Natura). The choice of this archetypal subject matter and the form and technique used to repres...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Paper
Animal Isolation Rug, 1 of 1 by Nawaaz Saldulker
Located in Geneve, CH
Animal Isolation rug, 1 of 1 by Nawaaz Saldulker
Edition 1/1
2020
Materials: Recycled fabric
Dimensions: 156 x 123 cm.
A unique reversible carpet, designed and manufactured by...
Category
2010s South African Modern Folk Art
Materials
Tapestry
Qercus Rubra #1 by Marco Bellini
Located in Geneve, CH
Qercus Rubra #1 by Marco Bellini
Dimensions: 33 H x 44 W cm
Materials: Red oak
Fire, beeswax
Marco was born in the middle of the rice fields of Vercelli, Italy, duri...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Oak
Heinz Landes Pair of Solid Chairs, Germany 1986
By Heinz Landes
Located in London, GB
Postmodernism took many forms in the 80s. Both the Italian Memphis Group and the German "Neues Deutsches Design" subverted the expectation that design should aspire to functionalism,...
Category
1980s German Vintage Modern Folk Art
Materials
Concrete, Metal
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
Hardwood, Maple, Oak, Walnut
Etro Home Interiors Perseus Mirror in Bronze Wood with Polished Brass
By Etro
Located in Cantu, IT
Structure in glossy dark wengè and patinated bronze wood. Bevelled natural mirror. Details in polished brass.
L 89 D 5 H 140
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Brass
White Stoneware Ceramic Bowl by Lukas Richarz Modern Handmade Pottery
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Lukas Richarz
Contemporary handmade ceramic bowl by the French artist.
Elegant white stoneware ceramic glaze color.
Original perfect condition
Realized in France, circa 2...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
La Galerie Maeght Exhibition Print
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Maeght Foundation Gallery Exhibition poster commemorating the Alexander Calder Exhibit which took place from December 16, 1971, to August 21, 1972, in Paris France is in excelle...
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Folk Art
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Evocazione #15 by Marco Bellini
Located in Geneve, CH
Evocazione #15 by Marco Bellini
Dimensions: 74 H x 7 W cm
Materials: European walnut
Fire, green vitriol, iron acetate
Marco was born in the middle of the rice fields of Verce...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Walnut
Molteni&C D.950.1F Medium Framed Mirror in Toulipier Wood by Gio Ponti
By Molteni & C, Gio Ponti
Located in New York, NY
Part of the Molteni&C heritage Collection this trio of frames was designed in 1950 by Gio Ponti in several sizes. Made of white hand painted solid wood. These complete the furnishing...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Mirror
Danese Milano Sei, L’orso Print by Enzo Mari
Located in Hicksville, NY
L’Orso è is a three-colour silkscreen print and is part of the Nature Series (Serie della Natura). The print is part of a study to transform an image into a symbol through the system...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Paper
"Centrifugal" Grey and White Limestone Sculpture by Irish Artist Helen O'Connell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Centrifugal" from the Origami Series is the name given to this remarkable sculpture series by Irish artist Helen O'Connell. Composed of Irish Kilkenny limestone, it shows the master...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Irish Modern Folk Art
Materials
Limestone
Danese Milano Scrittura Illeggibile White Print by Bruno Munari
Located in Hicksville, NY
Scrittura illeggibile bianco is a four-colour silkscreen print and is part of the collection “Edizioni d’arte” (Art Editions). The concept is based on the idea of observing writings ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Paper
Etro Home Interiors Hendrix Hand-Tufted Rug in Blue Color
By Etro
Located in Cantu, IT
Hand-tufted rug in wool from New Zeland. Pattern with Etro paisley.
Blue color.
L 400 D 300
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
"Erratic Geometry" Grey Limestone Sculpture by Irish Artist Helen O'connell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Erratic Geometry" is the name given to this remarkable sculpture series by Irish artist Helen O'Connell. Composed of Irish Kilkenny limestone, it shows the mastery of her chisel in ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Irish Modern Folk Art
Materials
Limestone
Modernist Ceramic Owl Totem
By D. Anderson
Located in Denton, TX
Large ceramic totem with incised details depicting an owl stand guard
By D. Anderson, 1992
Base is steel 12 x 8.
Category
20th Century North American Modern Folk Art
Materials
Steel
Derek Clarkson Attributed Large Abstract Glazed Porcelain Studio Pottery Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A tall and striking studio pottery porcelain vase decorated in abstract colored glazes on a celadon ground attributed to Derek Clarkson and dating from the 20th century. The vase for...
Category
20th Century British Modern Folk Art
Materials
Porcelain
Southern Beasts Running Man Art Tapestry Mannequin by Mary Lou Marks
Located in Houston, TX
A modern and contemporary life-size running man art work masterfully covered with vintage bark cloth and antique vestaments.
Mary Lou Marks is mother hen and artist to Southern Be...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Folk Art
Materials
Textile, Resin
Ghidini 1961 Mirror with Little Vase in Brass by Elisa Giovanni
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Mirror with decor and brass frame. A classic Renaissance monofora is the form that inspired the mirror. The arc is defined by brass profile rounded at the bottom, just like on a wind...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Brass
Gianni Versace Collection Black and Gold Designer Carpet, Rug. Barocco
Located in Berlin, DE
Extremely rare and unique carpet by Gianni Versace.
From first owner.
Carpet has light pile abrasion on one side.
Overall good condition.
Including "Certificate of Authentic...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Large Ceramic English Bulldog Sculpture, Late 20th Century, Italy
Located in Antwerp, BE
Large Italian late 20th century English bulldog sculpture.
This hand painted brown porcelain ceramic, stonewear English bulldog figurine is signed
and numbered A/7350 C S. Italy. ...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Danese Milano 16 Pesci Toys in Solid Oak Wood by Enzo Mari
Located in Hicksville, NY
16 Pesci is a wooden puzzle, cleverly designed to produce 16 different fish shapes, with just one continuous cut, from a single piece of wood. It is one of the most famous examples o...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Oak
Luna Hand-Tufted Rug in Dark Gray by Verner Panton
By Verpan, Verner Panton
Located in Horsens, DK
Eight colored rug with organic circle pattern designed by Verner Panton.
Material:
100% New Zealand wool
Hand-tufted
Color:
Tone-in-tone gray.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Etro Home Interiors Papier Powder Print with Frame
By Etro
Located in Cantu, IT
Powder Print with white passe-partout and frame in gold finishing.
L 110 H 130
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Canvas
Olinalá Mexican Traditional Lacquer, Silver Leaf and Oil Painting Art Urns
By ACOOCOORO
Located in Mexico City, MX
Three urns, two trays, one gourd.
Turned solid cedar wood; maque and lacquer carving; silver leaf; oil painting.
Commemoration, ceremony, and veneration of the ancestral are acts...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Modern Folk Art
Materials
Silver Leaf
Original 1970s Italian Coat Rack in Chestnut, Cactus Design
Located in Buggiano, IT
Original 1970s Italian coat rack in chestnut, cactus design.
To find out the cost of transport to USA etc write a message indicating the delivery city.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Folk Art
Materials
Chestnut
Bill Haskell Signed Carved Wood turned Maple Burl Wood Vase
Located in Studio City, CA
A beautiful work with elegant shape by California master woodturner artist Bill Haskell.
The piece is signed and noted "Maple Burl" on the base.
Would be a great addition to a...
Category
20th Century American Modern Folk Art
Materials
Maple, Wood
Wave Hand-Tufted Rug in Orange by Verner Panton
By Verpan, Verner Panton
Located in Horsens, DK
Seven Colored rectangular rug with organic pattern designed by Verner Panton.
Material:
100% New Zealand's Wool
Hand-tufted
Color:
Orange.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Wave Hand-Tufted Rug in Yellow by Verner Panton
By Verpan, Verner Panton
Located in Horsens, DK
Seven colored rectangular rug with organic pattern designed by Verner Panton.
Material:
100% New Zealand's wool
Hand-tufted
Color:
Yellow.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Arkha 'Red', Tribal Rattan Armchair
Located in Bangkok, TH
The rattan language of the chair inspires by the symbolism in various tribal cultures.
The color of the Arkha chair applying theory of pointillism. By wrapping ropes of various co...
Category
2010s Thai Modern Folk Art
Materials
Nylon, Rattan
Philippe Cazal 'Trouble' Woollen and Silk Rug
Located in London, GB
A limited edition, hand-woven rug from Chevalier Édition by the French artist Philippe Cazal (1948-present). Cazal’s work, which is owned by the Pompidou Centre among other collectio...
Category
2010s French Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool, Silk
Telluric III Unique Sculpture by Awaré
Located in Geneve, CH
Corps Céleste III unique sculpture by Awaré
Dimensions: L 40 x H 60 cm
Materials: Cypress, silk, oxidation
Awaré is the meeting of the sculptor Jérôme Pereira and the artist Syl...
Category
2010s French Modern Folk Art
Materials
Silk, Wood
