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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 chaircrafted 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
Jaipur Rugs 8X10 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool Blue Modern Moroccan & Tribal Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Indulge in the serene allure of this rug from our Manifest collection, a true masterpiece that beckons you to step into a world of tranquility and grace. The pattern of this rug is l...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Jaipur Rugs 8X10 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool And Bamboo Silk Blue Modern Rug
Located in Milano, IT
A masterpiece crafted through Persian knotting using the finest hand-carded, hand-spun wool and bamboo silk! The lost translation of design language between hand and machine results ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Inside Painted Crystal, "Harvest Year" Snuff Bottle by Zhang Zenlou, 2018
Located in Tainan, TW
Zhang Zenglou was born in Hebei Province in 1956. He is a master of contemporary Chinese inside painted snuff bottle in Ji school. He is cu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Folk Art

Materials

Crystal

Jaipur Rugs 8X10 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool Red And Orange Modern Vintage Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Have you ever dreamt of stepping into an enchanting realm of timeless beauty? This hand-knotted rug, meticulously crafted in rural India, beckons you with its mesmerizing patterns an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Chloé Noir, Black Cotton Silk Velvet Large Women Belt
By Chloé
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Chloé Noir, black cotton silk velvet large women belt. Categories : Women Category: Accessories Sub-category: Belts Designer: Chloé Condition: Very goo...
Category

20th Century French Modern Folk Art

Materials

Cotton

5 Mailbox by Lluis Clotet & Oscar Tusquets
Located in Geneve, CH
5 Mailbox by Lluis Clotet & Oscar Tusquets Dimensions: D 32 x W 40 x H 40 cm Materials: Made up of steel sheets painted in a black polyester powder coating (RAL 9005). Doors in p...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Folk Art

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Carl Auböck Snakeskin Wrapped Brass Pipe Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Brass and snakeskin pipe stand by Austrian industrial designer Carl Auböck, c.1950s. The curved brass frame is partially wrapped in a tan and brown snakeskin. Dimensions: 5" widt...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Brass

Ceramic mask by Accolay, France, active between 1947 and 1983
Located in Paris, FR
Mask by Accolay Pottery, active between 1945 and 1983, signed
Category

20th Century French Modern Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Georg Walter Rössner, Portrait of Mrs. Yvonne Santiago
Located in København, Copenhagen
Georg Walter Rössner (1885-1972), portrait of Mrs. Yvonne Santiago. Oil on canvas, unframed, 88 x 74 cm. Signed. In perfect condition. Price example: A similar painting by Georg...
Category

20th Century Modern Folk Art

Lagar Celso Painting of Seated Model, Watercolor, Signed
Located in København, Copenhagen
Lagar Celso (Spain, 1891-1966): Seated model, watercolor, signed. Measures: 22x28 cm. Price example: A painting by Lagar Celso was sold at Subastas Segre in Madrid, December 19, 20...
Category

20th Century Spanish Modern Folk Art

Large Toulouse Lautrec by Peter Max in Peach Pink, Signed and Framed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is the largest of the Toulouse Lautrec portraits by famed artist Peter Max in peach pink. Professionally framed, signed and numbered.
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Paper

”Evidence” Bascketball Sculpture made by Alexandre Arrechea
Located in Madrid, ES
“Evidence” sculpture made by Alexandre Arrechea (Trinidad, Cuba 1970). Sculpture made of resin. Signed and numbered 8/35 dated 2006. Includes lacquered wooden base and methacrylate u...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Folk Art

Materials

Plastic

Modern Backgammon Board Game Handmade Epoxy Resin Handpainted Limited Edition
Located in Milan, IT
The Backgammon Board is an handmade limited collection (100 pieces) designed by the young Milan based Valeria Molinari for Dilmos Edizioni. The project, composed of four boards inspi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Epoxy Resin

Black Swan Lifeboat by Neil Nenner and Avihai Mizrahi
Located in Geneve, CH
Black swan lifeboat by Neil Nenner and Avihai Mizrahi Objects Dimensions: H 90 x L 42 x W 25 cm Materials: PVC, Styrofam, MDF Avihai Mizrahi (b. 1979, Jerusalem), Independent designer / Artist and lecturer in visual communication, holds a B.des in visual communication and M.des in Industrial Design from Bezalel Academy...
Category

2010s Israeli Modern Folk Art

Materials

PVC

Studio Ceramic Ribbed Goblet Vase
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A tall, stoneware ribbed cylindrical vase with imperfect forest green glaze on the body's ribbed portion. This would easily fit in sitting empty on a shelf as a decorative object, or...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware

4 Mailbox by Lluis Clotet & Oscar Tusquets
Located in Geneve, CH
4 Mailbox by Lluis Clotet & Oscar Tusquets Dimensions: D 32 x W 32 x H 40 cm Materials: made up of steel sheets painted in a black polyester powder coating (RAL 9005). Doors in p...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Folk Art

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Cedrus Deodara #1 by Marco Bellini
Located in Geneve, CH
Qercus Rubra #1 by Marco Bellini Dimensions: 36 H x 36 W cm Materials: Cedar Fire, lime, wood ashes, beeswax Marco was born in the middle of the rice fields of Vercelli, Ital...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Oak

Cover #2 by Neil Nenner and Avihai Mizrahi
Located in Geneve, CH
Cover #2 by Neil Nenner and Avihai Mizrahi Cover Story Dimensions: H 39.5 x L 15.5 x W 26 cm Materials: iron Avihai Mizrahi (b. 1979, Jerusalem)...
Category

2010s Israeli Modern Folk Art

Materials

Iron

Untitled 36 by Neshka
Located in Geneve, CH
Untitled 36 by Neshka Dimensions: 23 x 23 x 166 cm Material: Charred cedar sculpture with fir and acrylic base Neshka ( Agnieszka Krusche ), is a native of Kraków, Poland, and a...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Acrylic, Cedar, Fir

3 Mailbox by Lluis Clotet & Oscar Tusquets
Located in Geneve, CH
3 Mailbox by Lluis Clotet & Oscar Tusquets Dimensions: D 32 x W 24 x H 40 cm Materials: Made up of steel sheets painted in a black polyester powder coating (RAL 9005). Doors in p...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Folk Art

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Luna Hand-Tufted Rug in Dark Green by 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 dark green.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Small Blue and White Bespoke Zebra Rug
Located in Basildon, London
The Small Blue and White Zebra Rug adds a bold and exotic touch to any room. Its striking zebra pattern and high-quality materials make it a unique and stylish accent piece, perfect ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

2 Cats and a Bone, Outsider Artist Drew, 2021
Located in Hastings, GB
This piece is titled 2 Cats and a Bone, painted in 2020 during lockdown and using an abandoned car park sign as the medium. Measuring 152cm wide x 84cm Height Drew is an 'Outsid...
Category

2010s British Modern Folk Art

Materials

Metal

Large Rare Hand Carved Lions Mane Bust Head in Wood with Solid Marble Base
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning very large and decorative solid wood hand carved Lion's mane mounted to a marble base A very good looking well made and decorative...
Category

20th Century English Modern Folk Art

Materials

Marble

Modern Backgammon Travel Game Handmade Epoxy Resin Handpainted Limited Edition
Located in Milan, IT
The Backgammon Board is a handmade limited edition collection (100 pieces) designed by the young Milan based Valeria Molinari for Dilmos. The project, composed of four boards inspire...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Epoxy Resin

Untitled by Rita Alaoui
Located in PARIS, FR
Rita Alaoui seeks to explore and rethink our relationship with the wild world and to imagine connections with the extraordinary. Fascinated by the power of nature and concerned about...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Folk Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Olinalá Mexican Traditional Lacquer, Silver Leaf and Oil Painting Art Urns
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

Handmade Ceramic Accessories Grasshopper Blue
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

Josecho López Llorens Unique Piece Sculpture “Diagonal Recto 10003” Spain, 2019
Located in Madrid, ES
Sculpture designed by Josecho López Llorens in okoume plywood, unique piece. Josecho López: artist and designer linked to the Minimalist movement and Geometric Art. His works ran...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Folk Art

Materials

Iron

Don't Open Mirror by Fabio Bortolani & Mogg
Located in New York, NY
"Don't open is a mirror of Fabio Bortolani for Mogg, with the bottom made up of a portion of old larch wood door. Don't open is a mirror from the wall or countertop. What is the part...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Mirror, Wood

VINC, Bibendum, 2021, Acrylic on Hood of 4CV
Located in Saint ouen, FR
Artist VINC 4 CV Bibendum Acrylic on hood of 4CV from 1960 ( French car) Circa 2021 H 83 x W 100 X D 22 cms Signed by the artist Unique and original a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Folk Art

Materials

Metal

Ethereal Elegance Classic Gray & Classic Gray 150x240 cm Handloom Rug
Located in Milano, IT
What happens when simplicity meets sophistication? Enter the modern allure of this hand-loomed rug. Crafted with precision and passion, it embodies elegance in every thread. Designed...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

Echoes of Marrakech Winter White & Mahogany 200X300 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Ever wondered how traditional Moroccan patterns could blend seamlessly with modern aesthetics? Behold this hand-knotted marvel, a fusion of heritage and contemporary allure. Crafted from sumptuous handspun wool, its plush texture invites touch. Distressed tile motifs dance across the surface, echoing ancient charm...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Anomaly's Embrace Ivory & Flax 270x360 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Can beauty arise from errors? Explore the captivating allure of our contemporary rug, where misprints and nature's whims converge to form a singular masterpiece. Hand-knotted with me...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Monotone Echelon Classic Gray & Shale 168x240 cm Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
This beautiful handmade rug is a refined masterpiece that seamlessly merges traditional craftsmanship with a contemporary aesthetic. One of the finest creation in our Weaver Art Rese...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Folded Dreamscape White & Black Berry 180x270 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
What if a modern masterpiece unfolded beneath your feet? This hand-knotted rug by translates the enigmatic beauty of lost languages into contemporary floor art. Imagine the delicate ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Velvet Ripples Ashwood & Jamaican Aqua 270x360 cm Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
The design of this handcrafted rug from our Unstring By Kavi collection is a testament to commitment to artisanal excellence. The Ashwood base provides a neutral and grounding founda...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Lagoon Ripples Ashwood & Jamaican Aqua 195x295 cm Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Thinking how a rug could redefine your floors & space? Meet this exquisite handmade rug from our Unstring By Kavi collection that can tranform your space from head to toe. This hand-...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Woven Earthtones Natural Gray & Natural Soot 270x360 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
The modern wool rug is a captivating blend of eclectic patterns and natural elegance, hand-knotted in the heart of rural India using the finest all-wool construction. This stunning r...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Geo-Mosaic Dream White Ice & Cocoa Brown 300x420 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Hand-knotted from the finest wool, this piece of art by reimagines classic Moroccan design with a contemporary twist. The ground, a cool, crisp white ice, sets the stage for a captiv...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Whisperscape Sky & Undyed White 180x270 cm Handmade Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Unveiling the unexpected, present this modern rug. The abstract masterpiece boasts a sky-like ground color, acting as a gentle canvas for the bold, warm tones that dance across its s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

ArtCraft Fusion Charcoal Slate & Pearl Blue 165X150 cm Hand Tufted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Like a vibrant tapestry of urban landscapes, this modern hand-tufted rug, meticulously crafted in rural India by skilled artisans, is a testament to contemporary elegance. With a gro...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Jaipur Rugs 8X10 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool And Bamboo Silk Grey & Black Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Illuminate your space with this modern hand-knotted rug that mirrors the mesmerizing patterns cast by a candle's glow on glass. Delve into the artistry of constantly evolving forms,...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Jaipur Rugs 8X10 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool Grey & Black Modern Moroccan Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Have you ever envisioned a rug that seamlessly bridges traditional and contemporary aesthetics? Look no further than the hand knotted rug . Meticulously crafted in rural India, the t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Jaipur Rugs 6X9 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool And Bamboo Silk Grey And Black Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Introduce elegance to your living space with the Modern Rug , a perfect combination of traditional and contemporary styles. Skilfully hand-knotted in rural India, this rug is a maste...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Jaipur Rugs 6X9 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool And Bamboo Silk Ivory Modern Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Immerse your space in the subtle elegance of this hand-knotted marvel from rural India. How does a tone-on-tone palette uplift the mood instantly? With a white ground and honey borde...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Jaipur Rugs 8X10 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool And Bamboo Silk Beige & Brown Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Imagine sinking your feet into a world where comfort meets style, where every step is a reminder of meticulous craftsmanship and thoughtful design. All this is well reflected in this...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

Jaipur Rugs 6X9 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool Beige & Brown Modern Moroccan Rug
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

Jaipur Rugs 10X14 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool Beige & Brown Modern Vintage Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Unveil the timeless allure of this transitional hand-knotted rug . With a soft beige canvas and a crisp white border, it is a magnificent display of an alternate evolution—artfully m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Jaipur Rugs 8X10 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool And Bamboo Silk Ivory Modern Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Ready to transform your space? Explore the enchanting allure of this hand-knotted modern rug. With its tone-on-tone palette, this masterpiece instantly uplifts the mood of any room, ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Jaipur Rugs 8X10 Feet Hand Tufted Carpet Wool Beige & Brown Modern Moroccan Rug
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

Jaipur Rugs 6X9 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool Beige & Brown Modern Geometric Rug
Located in Milano, IT
The beauty and luxury of this handwoven rug from our Zuri collection lies in its plush texture. The meticulously handwoven construction ensures a high level of craftsmanship, contrib...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Jaipur Rugs 8X10 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool Grey And Black Transitional Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Embark on a journey of unparalleled elegance with our hand-knotted rug, a seamless fusion of tradition and contemporary allure. The intricate tapestry, inspired by Moroccan designs, ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Jaipur Rugs 8X10 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool Ivory Modern Moroccan & Tribal
Located in Milano, IT
Enter the realm of timeless allure with this luxury rug from our Manifest collection. The key characteristic of this rug is its streamlined line pattern, meticulously hand-knotted to...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Jaipur Rugs 8X10 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool Ivory Transitional Vintage Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Ever dreamt of walking on clouds infused with cultural splendor? This Hand-Knotted Rug, meticulously crafted in rural India , beckons you into an ethereal realm of aesthetics. Intric...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Jaipur Rugs 6X9 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool And Bamboo Silk Ivory Modern Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Elevate your living space with this exquisite Afghan-inspired rug, seamlessly blending traditional Moroccan designs with a contemporary touch. Crafted with pride in rural India, this...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Jaipur Rugs 6X9 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool Ivory Modern Abstract Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Exquisite rug design from our Zuri collection ensures to effortlessly enhances the ambiance of your living space. Its subtle yet irregular embossed pattern creates a stunning visual ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Jaipur Rugs 8X10 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool Ivory Modern Moroccan Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this luxury rug from our Manifest collection is an embodiment of elegance and contemporary design. The hand knotted rug displays a pristi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Jaipur Rugs 8X10 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool Beige & Brown Modern Moroccan Rug
Located in Milano, IT
This handwoven rug from our Manifest collection is a harmonious blend of natural hues, primarily featuring a soothing natural beige base with contrasting dark gray accents, creating ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Don't Open Large Mirror by Fabio Bortolani & Mogg
Located in New York, NY
"Don't Open is a mirror of Fabio Bortolani for Mogg, with the bottom made up of a portion of old larch wood door. Don't Open is a mirror from the wall or countertop. What is the part...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Mirror, Wood

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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