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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.
to
68
325
156
670
246
66
1,990
1,072
982
308
199
181
162
89
84
79
53
42
38
32
24
21
7
1
245
736
11
82
90
1
2
1
2
7
16
28
22
14
550
393
136
136
110
498
465
464
297
139
982
339
740
462
62
28
11
10
Style: Modern
Hand-Tufted Rug in Sea Mist Green and Antique White, Subtle Textured Design
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
This 8'6 x 11'6 hand-knotted wool and viscose rug from Jaipur Rugs features a serene blend of sea mist green and antique white. The rug's soft, muted tones and understated design evo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Other
Bela Szeift - Qualifying Race
Located in Branford, CT
Bela Szeift - Qualifying Race 2008. Mixed media. Walercolor and collage on paper. Unframed.
1944 born in Gödöllő Hungary
1959 Transportation Club - Circle of Fine Arts (teacher:...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Hungarian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Paper
"Silhouette" Rug by Keith Pillow: DAAA Haus in Ebony/Snow White from Jaipur Rugs
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
This exquisite hand tufted area rug is a luxurious statement piece that brings a touch of understated drama to any space. Crafted from a blend of 60% wool, 20% cotton, and 20% viscos...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Belomancy Indigo Blue & Indigo Blue 240x300 cm Handknotted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
Are you looking to add a touch of timeless elegance to your living space? Allow us to introduce you to Belomancy, a masterpiece from the Woven Gems collection by Late Jocelyn Burton....
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Silk
Hand-Knotted Undyed Wool Rug in Natural White, Eco-Friendly Minimalist Design
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
This 5' x 8' hand-knotted rug from Jaipur Rugs features a natural undyed white tone, showcasing the beauty of raw wool. Its eco-friendly design highlights sustainable craftsmanship, ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Serendipity Weave Antique White & Soft Gray 180x270 cm Handknotted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
This modern masterpiece is a testament to the beauty found in errors, exploring the intersection of nature's organic interruptions and mechanical misprints. A harmonious blend of spo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Hand-Tufted Wool and viscose Rug in Silver, blue and Pink tint, Abstract Design
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
This 6 x 9 hand-Tufted wool and viscose rug from Jaipur Rugs features a serene blend of silver, sea moss, and pink tint tones, creating a contemporary palette perfect for sophisticat...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Other
Hand-Knotted Jaipur Wool Rug in Cloud White, Textured Minimalist Design
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
Create a serene ambiance with this 8' x 10' hand-knotted Jaipur rug in a calming cloud white shade. Crafted from high-quality wool, this rug features a subtle, textured pattern that ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Hand-Knotted Wool Rug in Natural White and Sea Green, Modern Geometric Design
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
This 6' x 9' Jaipur hand-knotted wool rug, in natural white and sea green, brings a fresh, modern touch to any space. Its geometric design adds visual interest while maintaining a mi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Hand-Loom Jaipur Wool Rug in Snow White, Luxurious Minimalist Design
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
This 6' x 9' hand-loom wool rug from Jaipur Rugs features a pure snow white shade, embodying minimalist elegance. The rug’s plush, soft texture comes from high-quality wool, providin...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Charismatic Cityscape Deep Navy & Deep Navy 168x240 cm Hand Tufted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
Captivated by the vibrant essence of Jaipur, have you ever longed to bring its enchanting allure into your home? Enter the Jaipur Wunderkammer Collection by Matteo Cibic, a testament...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Hand-Tufted Wool Rug in Natural Gray and Anthracite Contemporary Abstract Design
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
This 5' x 8' hand-tufted rug from Jaipur Rugs features a sophisticated palette of natural gray and anthracite, showcasing an abstract, contemporary design. Made from premium wool, th...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Hand-loom Jaipur Wool Rug in Snow White, Elegant Monochromatic Minimalist Design
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
This 8' x 10' hand-loom wool rug from Jaipur Rugs features a serene snow white color, offering a sleek, monochromatic look ideal for minimalist and modern interiors. The high-quality...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Balance Bliss Gold Fusion & Linen White 180x270 cm Handknotted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
What happens when design transcends the ordinary and embodies a realm of perpetual harmony? Enter this exquisite hand-knotted rug, a testament to the timeless artistry thriving in ru...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Misty Meadows Light Paprika & Light Paprika 150x240 cm Handloom Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
A masterpiece tailored to leave an indelible first impression while enduring through time! Crafted with precision and artistry, its design captivates with simplicity, elegance, and l...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Foil Fusion Dusty Lavender & Peach Bloom 240x300 cm Handknotted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
Artistry unfolds in the tactile tapestry of the Modern Handknotted creation, a testament to the unrefined beauty of handcrafted excellence. Each rug, meticulously woven by skilled ar...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
"Blocks" Rug by Keith Pillow in Ebony/Orange Rust, from Jaipur Rugs.
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
This exquisite hand tufted area rug is a masterpiece of minimalist design and exceptional craftsmanship. Crafted from a luxurious blend of 60% wool, 20% cotton, and 20% viscose yarns...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Hand-Knotted Wool Rug in Deep Charcoal and Forest Green, Subtle Geometric Design
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
Bring understated sophistication to your space with this 10' x 14' hand-knotted wool rug from Jaipur Rugs, featuring a deep charcoal and forest green palette. The rug's subtle geomet...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Jute, Hemp
Deserted Ripples Snow White & Indian Tan 180x270 cm Hand Knotted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
Presenting an exquisite masterpiece from our stunning Aprezo collection, this handmade rug seamlessly blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, offering a visual nar...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
"Cross Section" Rug by Keith Pillow: DAAA Haus in Ebony/Navy Blue, from Jaipur
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
Crafted from a blend of 60% wool, 20% cotton, and 20% viscose yarns, this designer hand tufted rug reflects an irresistibly soft texture and an interesting interplay of ebony and nav...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
2011 Tai Ping & Edward Fields Aria I Nomad Collection Hand Tufted Wool Area Rug
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Aria I Wool Rug from the Nomad Collection, designed by Edward Fields for the Tai Ping Carpet Company. It was hand-tufted in China in 2011 us...
Category
2010s Chinese Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Hand-Knotted Jaipur Wool Rug in Chicory, Subtle Textured Pattern
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
Add an earthy elegance to your space with this hand-loom Jaipur rug in a rich chicory brown hue. Crafted from premium viscose, this rug features a subtle textural design that adds de...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Other
Mask by Accolay pottery, France, between 1947 and 1983
Located in Paris, FR
Mask by Accolay pottery, active between 1947 and 1983, signed
Category
20th Century French Modern Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
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
Kayo Lennar "New York" Collage
Located in Astoria, NY
Kayo Lennar (French/American, b. 1923), "New York," collage, June 2008, signed and dated on reverse. Image: 21" H x 17" W; frame: 22.5" H x 18.5" W. Proven...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Folk Art
Materials
Paper
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
Mellow Meadows Beige & Antique White 120x180 cm Hand Tufted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
This exquisite handwoven rug from our Contour collection, boasting a palette of Beige and Antique White, showcases an intricate pattern that effortlessly captures the essence of trad...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Handmade Ceramic Accessories Ladybug Red
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
Lynn Basa Encaustic Black and White Stripe Panel "Camino", 2018
Located in Manhasset, NY
Lynn Basa encaustic black and white stripe panel "Camino" (signed and dated), 2018.
Encaustic on panel.
This is part of our extensive collection which ju...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Noir Enigma Ebony & Marble 240x300 cm Hand Knotted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
Embark on a journey of opulence with this wool rug from our Aprezo collection, infusing intrigue and the sumptuous comfort of wool into your living spaces. The rug's complex pattern ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Studio Ceramic Stoneware Vase
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A distinctive studio ceramic vase has a tall narrow shape, brown, with an outer glossy glaze and speckled white detailing. The cylindrical form contains an unglazed area at the neck ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware, Pottery, Clay
Handmade Ceramic Accessories Dragonfly Red
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 Ladybug Yellow
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
Midnight Mosaic Indigo Blue & Medium Gray 168x240 cm Hand Knotted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
Introducing this beautiful hand knotted rug from our Urban Pause by Kavi collection is a captivating blend of contemporary design and traditional craftsmanship, designed to elevate a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
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
Green and Copper Hand Guilded Wallpaper, Non-Repeating Mural, Made by Hand in UK
By Custhom
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
Luminescent Prism Ashwood & Frost Gray 240X300 cm Handknotted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
Experience the dance of light with this hand-knotted rug inspired by patterns cast by a candle on glass. Handmade in rural India, this modern marvel captures constantly evolving form...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Juniper Nectar Sea Mist Green & Ivory 240x300 cm Hand Knotted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
This hand knotted rug from our Unstring By Kavi collection is a testament to exquisite craftsmanship and timeless design. Featuring a captivating pattern in shades of sea mist green ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
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
Kayo Lennar "Promising trips..." Collage
Located in Astoria, NY
Kayo Lennar (French/American, b. 1923), "Promising trips...," collage, 2008, initialed lower right, signed and dated on reverse. Image: 21.25" H x 16" W; f...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Folk Art
Materials
Paper
A Modern Wool Carpet, Rug, Wool Five by Seven Feet Nine Inches
Located in Manhasset, NY
A Modern Wool Carpet, Rug, Wool Five by Seven Feet Nine Inches
By Kaleen. A fine thick wool pile having a geometric design of blue and green colors.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Pink and Copper Hand Guilded Wallpaper, Non-Repeating Mural, Made by Hand in UK
By Custhom
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
Wave Hand-Tufted Rug in Gray 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:
Gray.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
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
Luxe Latte Sand & Spice Brown 240x300 cm Hand Knotted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
This handwoven rug from our Manifest collection draws inspiration from the harmonious play of sand and spice brown tones, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The rug features an...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Set of 12 Custom Finely Framed Scottish Postcards, Vintage Catherine Reiss Inc
Located in Manhasset, NY
Set of 12 custom framed Scottish postcards, vintage Catherine Reiss Inc. Six framed group of cards with two in each frame.
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Glass, Wood
Equilibrium Essence Antique White & Capri 240x300 cm Handknotted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
What enigmatic dance of inspiration lies behind this hand-knotted marvel? Delve into the intricate world where modernity meets tradition, meticulously crafted in rural India. Every t...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Dune Drift Marble & White Sand 300x420 cm Hand Knotted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
Handcrafted with precision by skilled artisans in India, this exquisite carpet from our Azalea collection exemplifies quality craftsmanship and sustainability. The rug's color palett...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Brown and Gold Textured Area Rug
Located in Queens, NY
Contemporary hand-knotted area rug with a layered brown, gold, copper, and green pattern (8x8')
Please note: used condition
Category
20th Century Unknown Modern Folk Art
Materials
Copper
Green and Beige Patterned Area Rug
Located in Queens, NY
Contemporary area rug with an abstract green and beige pattern (9.75 x 5.75')
Please note: used condition
Category
20th Century Unknown Modern Folk Art
Materials
Fabric
Blue and Green Striped Area Rug
Located in Queens, NY
Contemporary hand-knotted wool area rug with blue and green irregular stripe pattern (17.5 x 11.5')
Please note: used condition
Category
20th Century Unknown Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Purple and Gray Striped Area Rug
Located in Queens, NY
Contemporary area rug with a striped purple, beige, and brown pattern (16.75 x 11')
Please note: used condition
Category
20th Century Unknown Modern Folk Art
Materials
Fabric
Lynn Basa Encaustic Black and White Stripe Panel "The Speckled", 2013
Located in Manhasset, NY
Lynn Basa encaustic black and white stripe panel "The Speckled Band" signed and dated.
Oil / beeswax on board.
This is part of our extensive collection w...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Ethereal Mesh Dark Ivory & Nickel 200X300 Cm Handknotted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
Immerse your space in the harmonious dance of this hand-knotted rug that transcends conventional boundaries. Like a contemporary symphony, its dark ivory canvas and nickel border ble...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Silk
Golden Horizon Peach & Cloud White 180x270 cm Flatweave Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
Ever wondered how the soft hues of a sunrise could be captured in a rug? Look no further. This stunning flat weave, handcrafted in rural India, brings a touch of the outdoors to your...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Jute
Luxe Weave Ivory & Frost Gray 240X300 cm Handknotted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
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
Oriana's Whisper Antique White & White Sand 170x240 cm Handknotted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
What happens when the crisp lines of origami fold into the imperfections of hand-drawn lines? This hand-knotted rug, born of a "lost in translation" moment between hand and machine, ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Infinite Dimensions Grey Matter & Platinum 240X300 cm Handtufted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
Ever envisioned a contemporary masterpiece that seamlessly blends art and comfort? Introducing "Infinite Dimensions," a hand-tufted rug. Crafted from naturally dyed wool, it transfor...
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.