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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
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

Jaipur Rugs 8X10 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool And Bamboo Silk Grey & Black Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Emanating a sense of refined luxury, perfect for transforming any space into a haven of comfort and style, this rug from our Manifest collection reflects all that. The soft gray and ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Green and Copper Hand Guilded Wallpaper, Non-Repeating Mural, Made by Hand in UK
Located in London, GB
Igneous is a design made from carbon powder and using Custhom’s innovative process of hand-foiling wallpapers, creates a unique distressed or highly polished finish in a wide range o...
Category

2010s English Modern Folk Art

Materials

Paper

Jaipur Rugs 6X9 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool And Silk Blue Transitional Rug
Located in Milano, IT
This hand-knotted rug, intricately carved with ornate designs, beckons you to a realm of timeless aesthetics. Meticulously crafted in rural India, it boasts a traditional allure, ble...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Jaipur Rugs 8X10 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool & Bamboo Silk Ivory Modern Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Can a rug redefine your space? Experience the transformative power of the our hand-knotted marvel. Crafted with precision, its tone-on-tone palette instantly uplifts any space, addin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Jaipur Rugs 8X10 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool And Silk Grey & Black Modern Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of this hand-knotted rug that paints a canvas of serenity and reflection. The ashwood ground and honey border evoke a palette of nature's tr...
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

Jaipur Rugs 6X9 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool & Tencil Blue Modern Abstract Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Discover the transformative power of a tone-on-tone palette with this hand-knotted marvel from rural India. Does your space crave an instant uplift in mood? Immerse yourself in the r...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Jaipur Rugs 6X9 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool And Bamboo Silk Beige & Brown Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Immerse your space in the gentle embrace of this hand-knotted rug that unfolds like a contemporary masterpiece from rural India. Its light peach ground and clay border form a canvas ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Large Oil on Canvass Nude Painting by Alan Brassington
Located in London, GB
A large and impressive oil painting of a male nude, by acclaimed British artist Alan Brassington. This dates from the late 20th century. Alan Brassington specialises in portraits an...
Category

1990s British Modern Folk Art

Materials

Canvas

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

Jaipur Rugs 8X10 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool Ivory Modern Moroccan Tribal Rug
Located in Milano, IT
This luxury rug from our Manifest collection boasts a mesmerizing pattern reminiscent of swirling marble, with a captivating interplay of dark and frosty gray tones. The intricate de...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

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

Jaipur Rugs 8X10 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool And Bamboo Silk Grey & Black Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Delve into the intricate tapestry of this hand-knotted rug that unfolds like a captivating puzzle. The antique white ground and forever blue border set the stage for bold and abstra...
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
Introducing the Hand Knotted Rug, a contemporary masterpiece that artfully embraces the allure of imperfection. This unique creation is a visual exploration of misprints and nature's...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

VersaCanvas Noir Black Pepper 240X300 cm Handtufted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Seeking a contemporary masterpiece for your space? Crafted as a contemporary and livable piece of art, hand-tufted rug, adorned in naturally dyed wool, offers versatility in a neutra...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

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 10X14 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool & Bamboo Silk Beige & Brown Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Step into modern elegance with our hand-knotted rug, harmonizing soft gray and antique white in a contemporary masterpiece. It blends mesh textures and creates a serene atmosphere. T...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

Jaipur Rugs 6X9 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool And Bamboo Silk Grey And Black Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Imagine stepping into a realm of timeless elegance with our hand-knotted rug. This masterpiece seamlessly weaves Moroccan charm into a modern aesthetic, creating an eclectic dance o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Jaipur Rugs 10X14 Feet Hand Tufted Carpet Viscose Grey Black Modern Abstract Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Step into the contemporary elegance of this rug from our Genesis collection. This handmade rug displays a pattern that resonates with a contemporary vibe, where shades of medium gray...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

Jaipur Rugs 8X10 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool And Bamboo Silk Ivory Modern Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Immerse your space in contemporary elegance with our Modern Style Hand Knotted Rug, a masterpiece crafted through Persian knotting techniques. Meticulously woven with the utmost prec...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Jaipur Rugs 6X9 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool And Silk Blue Modern Abstract Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Immerse yourself in the profound beauty of this hand-knotted rug that transcends time with its modern abstract design. Inspired by moments of pause and reflection, it serves as a ga...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Jaipur Rugs 6X9 Feet Hand Tufted Carpet Wool Ivory Modern Floral & Tropical RuG
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

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

Jaipur Rugs 6X9 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool And Bamboo Silk Grey And Black Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Introducing the Modern Rug – a masterpiece hand-knotted with precision in rural India. Crafted from a blend of luxurious wool and bamboo silk, this handknotted rug seamlessly combin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Jaipur Rugs 8X10 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Pure Silk Green Modern Moroccan Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Welcome to the epitome of elegance with this beautiful hand tufted silk rug from our Manifest collection. This handwoven masterpiece offers a unique blend of artistry and comfort tha...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

Jaipur Rugs 8X10 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool Grey & Black Modern Abstract Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Are you looking for a rug that transcends the ordinary, a masterpiece that breathes life into your living space? Behold this Hand-Knotted Rug, a creation of exquisite artistry . Carv...
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 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

Reduce, Single Piece by Kajsa Willner
Located in Geneve, CH
Reduce by Kajsa Willner Dimensions: 30 x 1.6 x 30 cm Materials: Disposable Plastic casted in biobased plastic Swedish designer Kajsa Willner has cu...
Category

2010s Swedish Modern Folk Art

Materials

Plastic

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

Inside Painted Crystal, "After Rain" Snuff Bottle by Fu Guoshun, 2014
Located in Tainan, TW
Fu Guoshun was born at Hebei in 1954. He was complimented as a Master of Chinese arts and crafts in 2012. It is the highest honor for an inside painting artist. There are only ten artists who earned this glory. He is also the director of China International Painting and Calligraphy Association, vice chairman of China Snuff Bottle Professional Committee, and vice-chairman of Hebei Inside painted snuff bottle Association. Since 1977, he has been studying the art of inside painting under Wang Xisan. Fu Guoshun is one of the best artists in Ji school. Mr Fu Guoshun's inside paintings are exquisite. His works include landscapes, figures, animals, flowers, and birds to calligraphy with comprehensive skills. In addition, his professions are known for their elegance, flexibility, and light. With the three superb skills of poetry, calligraphy, and painting, there are only a handful of artists who can match up in the field of snuff bottles. It is difficult to find other artists who could compare his paintings from an artistic perspective when it comes to inside painted snuff bottles...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Folk Art

Materials

Crystal

Black and Gold Hand Guilded Wallpaper, Non-Repeating Mural, Made by Hand in UK
Located in London, GB
Igneous is a design made from carbon powder and using Custhom’s innovative process of hand-foiling wallpapers, creates a unique distressed or highly polished finish in a wide range o...
Category

2010s English Modern Folk Art

Materials

Paper

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

‘Moving In’ Contemporary Artwork, One Off handmade by Lawrence Kwakye
Located in Voorburg, NL
Title: ‘Moving In’ Spectacular Artwork by Lawrence Kwakye from his imprint paper series in very nice bright color-palette. This represents the abstract world of the unknown. A place...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Folk Art

Materials

Textile, Acrylic, Paper

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

Granite and Gold Hand Guilded Wallpaper, Non-Repeating Mural, Made by Hand in UK
Located in London, GB
Igneous is a design made from carbon powder and using Custhom’s innovative process of hand-foiling wallpapers, creates a unique distressed or highly polished finish in a wide range o...
Category

2010s English Modern Folk Art

Materials

Paper

1950's Modernist Painting, French Building over Lake
Located in Cirencester, GB
Lake scene. by Bernard Labbe (French, mid-20th century), stamped verso. Original watercolour/gouache painting on paper. Overall size: 10 x 15 inches. Condition: very good and rea...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Other

1950's French Modernist/ Cubist Painting Signed, Black & White French Archway
Located in Cirencester, GB
Black & White Archway by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century) signed original watercolour/ gouache mounted painting on paper board, unframed size: 15.75 x 11 inches condition:...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Other

1950's Modernist Painting, Bright Blue Town Landscape with Horse and Figures
Located in Cirencester, GB
Blue Landscape by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century), stamped verso original oil painting on paper overall size: 22 x 14.5 inches condition: very good and ready to be enjoy...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Other

1950's Modernist Painting, Red French Tall Building
Located in Cirencester, GB
Red building by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century), stamped verso original watercolor/gouache painting on paper overall size: 16 x 10.5 inches condition: very good and read...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Other

1950's Signed Modernist Painting, Large Landscape of Historic Landmark
Located in Cirencester, GB
French landscape by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century), stamped verso original gouache/watercolor painting on artist paper overall size: 19.75 x 25.5 inches condition: very ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Other

1950's Modernist Painting, Grey Skies Over French Peaceful Town
Located in Cirencester, GB
Grey sky landscape by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century), stamped verso original oil painting on paper overall size: 18 x 15 inches condition: very good and ready to be enj...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Other

1950's Signed Modernist Painting, Two Caricature Figures
Located in Cirencester, GB
Two figures by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century), stamped verso original oil painting on artist paper overall size: 21 x 25.5 inches condition: very good and ready to be en...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Other

1950's French Painting Signed The Busker
Located in Cirencester, GB
Busker by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century) signed original watercolour/ gouache painting on board, unframed size: 13.75 x 10 inche...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Other

1950's French Modernist Painting Signed
Located in Cirencester, GB
By Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century) signed original watercolour/ gouache painting on paper board, unframed size: 14 x 10 inches co...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Other

Classical French Figures in City -1950's French Modernist Cubist Painting Signed
Located in Cirencester, GB
Classical figures. by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century). Signed original watercolour/ gouache painting on paper board, unframed Size: 13 x 9.25 inches. Condition: very good...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Other

1950's French Modernist/ Cubist Painting, Busy French Town Square
Located in Cirencester, GB
French town square. by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century). Original watercolour/ gouache painting on paper, unframed Size: 12 x 17.5 inches. Condition: very good and ready t...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Other

2005 Paola Lenti Brown Rug Made in Italy 5 x 12 ft 3x Available
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Rug that was designed by Paola Lenti. It was produced in Italy and dates to 2005. The rug is an oval shape and is made of an unknown yarn material. The listed price include...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Yarn

21st Century Shawl "R" Print on Canvas with Frame in Wood by Etro Home Interiors
By Etro
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
SHAWL Print on canvas. Frame in matte wood with black finishing.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Canvas, Wood

Copper Metallic Hand Guilded Botanical Wallpaper, Made by Hand in Uk
Located in London, GB
Rye features bold oversized leaves, complementing the bestselling metallic Columbia Road design of large eucalyptus stems. Inspired by the Barbican Conservatory in London Rye offers ...
Category

2010s English Modern Folk Art

Materials

Paper

2005 Paola Lenti Rug Made in Italy 8 x 15 ft Oval in Brown and Yellow
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Rug that was designed by Paola Lenti. It was produced in Italy and dates to 2005. The rug is an oval shape and is made of an unknown yarn material. The rug measures 8 ...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Yarn

Hand Woven Modern Blanket, Double Sided Patterned Bed Throw, Woven in the UK
Located in London, GB
For this woven blanket We work closely with a 300 year old mill in Sudbury, Essex, UK. We have the utmost respect for their approach to making fabrics, their knowledge and experience...
Category

2010s English Modern Folk Art

Materials

Cotton

Wave Hand-Tufted Rug in Gray by 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: Gray.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

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

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

”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

21st Century Richat Mirror in Metal and Wood by Etro Home Interiors
By Etro
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
Structure in patinated gold liquid metal lacquered wood. Natural mirror. Ø 120 D 3
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Metal

Handmade Ceramic Accessories Scorpion Sand
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

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

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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