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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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

21st Century Shawl "E" 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

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

Hand-Knotted Jaipur Wool Rug in Classic Gray, Minimalist Solid Design
Located in Milano, IT
This 6'x9' hand-knotted wool rug from Jaipur Rugs features a timeless classic gray hue with a minimalist, solid design. Crafted by skilled artisans, the rug's high-quality wool provi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Cotton

21st Century Himba Sisal Rug in Nubuck Leather by Etro Home Interiors
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
HIMBA Sisal rug with borders in nubuck leather colour bordeaux.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Leather

21st Century Shawl "O" 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

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

Bus scene by Gus Bofa
Located in PAU, FR
Elegant watercolor depicting a bus scene by illustrator Gus Bofa. Dimensions: 12.5 x 24 cm
Category

Early 20th Century French Modern Folk Art

Materials

Paper

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

21st Century Shawl "T" 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

21st Century Papier Pale Pink Print with Frame by Etro Home Interiors
By Etro
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
PAPIER Pale pink Print with white passe-partout and frame in gold finishing.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Canvas

Luminescent Neutrality Classic Gray & Classic Gray 150x240 cm Handloom Rug
Located in Milano, IT
What whispers of modern elegance and timeless charm do this hand loom rug holds within its threads? Crafted with meticulous care by master artisans, it exudes simplicity, elegance, a...
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

Enigma of Errant Ivory & Flax 170x240 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
What happens when nature's hand interrupts the mechanical precision of modern printing? Our contemporary rug answers this question with grace and intrigue. Embracing misprints and or...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Nature's Rebellion Ashwood & Natural Brown 170x240 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Have you ever marveled at the beauty found within imperfections? This contemporary rug celebrates the allure of errors, embracing nature's hand in interrupting mechanical precision t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

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

Jaipur Rugs 6X9 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool Ivory Modern Moroccan & Tribal Rug
Located in Milano, IT
We present an exquisite handmade rug from our Aprezo collection that seamlessly integrates traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. Its mesmerizing pattern depicts the soo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

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

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

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-Tribal Dreams Ashley Blue & Ashley Blue 180x270 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Step into a world of modern nomad luxury. This hand-knotted masterpiece, crafted from the finest all-wool, reimagines the rich tapestry of Moroccan design with a contemporary twist. ...
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

Woodland Enigma Ashwood & Ashwood 240x300 cm Hand Knotted Rugs
Located in Milano, IT
A hand knotted masterpiece that harmonizes contemporary flair with exquisite craftsmanship. This carpet from our Far East collection displays a contemporary style pattern, which is a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

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

Azure Tranquility Medieval Blue & Twilight Blue 180x270 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
What happens when intricacy meets simplicity? Explore the captivating essence of equilibrium and harmony with our Modern Hand-Knotted Rug, meticulously crafted in rural India. Each r...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Ethereal Equilibrium London Fog & Twilight Blue 150x240 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
How does one encapsulate the essence of harmony and equilibrium within the confines of a rug? Behold the Hand Knotted masterpiece, crafted in the heart of rural India. Every inch spe...
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

21st Century Papier Lilac Print with Frame by Etro Home Interiors
By Etro
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
PAPIER Lilac Print with white passe-partout and frame in gold finishing.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Canvas

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

Jaipur Rugs 6X9 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool Grey And Black Transitional Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Introducing the Hand-Knotted Rug , a masterpiece crafted from exquisite wool. The rug boasts a captivating design with a charcoal slate ground color and a sophisticated medium gray b...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Jaipur Rugs 6'6X9'10 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool And Bamboo Silk Grey Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Have you caught yourself intrigued by the dance of candlelight on glass, or the mesmerizing patterns seen through a prism? The modern rug draws inspiration from these constantly evol...
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 Beige & Brown Rug
Located in Milano, IT
How can a rug transform your space into a haven of tranquility? Meet this modern hand-knotted rug , handcrafted in rural India. The natural brown ground and tawny brown border form a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Jaipur Rugs 6X9 Feet Hand Tufted Carpet Wool Beige & Brown Modern Geometric Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Prepare to be fascinated by the rhythmic dance of design embodied in this exquisite rug which is from our groovy Pathways collection. The rug displays a striking and groovy pattern t...
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 6X9 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool And Bamboo Silk Grey And Black Rug
Located in Milano, IT
A hand-knotted marvel from rural India! Crafted with precision, its tone-on-tone palette transcends decor boundaries, instantly uplifting any space and adding warmth to floors. Wheth...
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
Ever wondered how a tone-on-tone palette could instantly uplift your space? This modern hand-knotted rug is handmade in rural India. The rug in liquorice ground color and natural be...
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
This handwoven rug from our Manifest collection transcends the ordinary, offering a canvas that goes beyond mere floor covering — it's a true game-changer in the world of interior ae...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Jaipur Rugs 8X10 Feet Hand Tufted Carpet Wool Grey & Black Modern Geometric Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Have you considered turning your floor into a canvas of modern elegance? Our hand-tufted rug, meticulously crafted in standard sizes including 274X365, 244X304, 183X274, 183X183, 152...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

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 6X9 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Bamboo Silk And Zari Blue Modern Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Ever wondered how a tone-on-tone palette could instantly uplift the mood of your space? Does the idea of adding warmth and comfort to your floors while effortlessly tying together va...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

Jaipur Rugs 8X10 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Jute Grey And Black Modern Rug
Located in Milano, IT
A contemporary homage to Moroccan patterns that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity! This plush area rug, meticulously crafted from handspun wool...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Jute

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 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 8X10 Feet Hand Tufted Carpet Wool Grey & Black Modern Moroccan Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Embark on a visual journey with our Handtufted Rug, a captivating work of abstract art on a cloth canvas. Imagine it as the cityscape of your floor, where the Ebony Slate ground colo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Jaipur Rugs 6X9 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool Beige & Brown Modern Moroccan Rug
Located in Milano, IT
An alluring piece that weaves a tale of consistency and timeless charm through its exquisite patterns. Much like the dedication needed to manifest a vision, the rug unfolds a narrati...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Jaipur Rugs 8X10 Feet Hand Tufted Carpet Wool And Viscose Grey & Black Modern
Located in Milano, IT
Delve into the timeless allure of this hand-tufted rug . Traditional patterns and motifs gracefully interweave with symmetric designs, creating a masterpiece that embodies a seamless...
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 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 6X9 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool Ivory Modern Moroccan & Tribal Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Do you wish to create a design statement that effortlessly adapts to various decor styles while retaining its unique character? Then this exquisite rug from our Manifest collection i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Jaipur Rugs 10X14 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool And Bamboo Silk Grey & Black Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Inspired by the unnoticed beauty of experiences in motion, this handknotted rug pays homage to those who take leaps of faith. The design encapsulates the universal mystery of unknown...
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 10X14 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool And Silk Grey & Black Modern Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Embark on a journey into the serene allure of this hand-knotted rug reflecting the natural processes of life. With an ashwood ground and a gray brown border, this modern design captu...
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 Beige And Brown Transitional Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Elevate your living space with our hand-knotted rug, a seamless blend of wool and silk. The earthy tones of clay and cloud white border create an inviting canvas adorned with ornate ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Modern folk art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern folk art for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage folk art created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include folk art, decorative objects, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern folk art made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original folk art, popular names associated with this style include Pinetti, VG-VGnewtrend, Danese Milano, and Mosche Bianche. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for folk art differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $75 and tops out at $50,000 while the average work can sell for $1,001.

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