Skip to main content

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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

524
299
94
to
66
401
240
917
455
655
2,041
1,079
311
195
182
112
108
83
59
42
41
29
21
20
14
6
1
298
618
12
105
104
1
2
1
2
8
24
31
27
14
318
244
201
143
121
421
260
233
233
225
232
62
48
35
28
Style: Modern
Urban Brilliance Soft Beige & White 240X300 cm Handtufted 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

Mellow Waves Light Blue & Peach 240x300 cm Hand Knotted 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

Luminescent Prism Ashwood & Frost Gray 240X300 cm Handknotted Rug
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

Maze Melody Antique White & Black Olive 240X300 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
This hand-knotted rug, a modern marvel , is a true testament to artistic exploration, featuring bold and abstract mazes and jigsaws. The antique white ground color sets the stage for...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

Lustrous Harmony Liquorice & Shale 240X300 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Can a rug become a catalyst for transforming your space? Introducing this hand-knotted marvel from rural India, meticulously crafted to transcend conventional aesthetics. The tone-on...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

Eternal Sandstone Antique White & White Sand 240X300 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Elevate the mood with this tone-on-tone, hand-knotted rug crafted in rural India. Immerse your surroundings in instant uplift, as the antique white ground and white sand border seaml...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

Ashen Whispers Ashwood Antique White 195X295 cm Hand-Knotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Unveil the enchanting tale within this modern, hand-knotted rug , meticulously crafted from wool and bamboo silk, echoing the artisanal whispers of rural India. The ground color, rem...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

Luxe Overture Mink & Nickel 240X300 cm Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Embark on a journey of tactile refinement with this stunning wool rug from our Uvenuti collection. The highlight of this rug is its distinctive grainy pattern, reminiscent of life's ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Vibrant Voyage Cloud White Cloud White 180x270 cm Hand Tufted 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

Stormy Shadows Medium Gray Charcoal Slate 240x300 cm Hand Tufted 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

Abstract Harmony Rose Smoke & Nickel 240X300 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Celebrate the allure of imperfections with us! Inspired by the intersection of nature and machinery, our rug transforms misprints and interruptions in mechanical duplication into a u...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

Sublime Comfort White & Honey 180X270 cm Handknotted 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

Serene Fusion Nickel & Clay 180X270 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Experience the epitome of modern design with our Abstract Hand-Knotted Rug, a tribute to the unhurried cadence of natural processes—a rare luxury in today’s fast-paced world. Meticul...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

Monochrome Dreams White & Classic Gray 180x270 cm Hand-Knotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Introducing a blend of white and classic gray in wool and bamboo silk, hand-knotted for a modern touch. Inspired by the serene pace of natural processes, it offers a rare luxury in o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

Crystal Cascade Praline Praline 180x270 cm Hand Tufted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Refine the elegance and comfort of your floors with this exquisite rug from our Pathways collection. The rug's design is a masterpiece of understated beauty, a symphony of praline hu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Tranquil Oasis White & Swamp Green 255X360 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Immerse your space in the grandeur of this transitional hand-knotted rug that transcends time and decor styles. Handmade in rural India, this masterpiece features traditional pattern...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

Luminous Whisper White & Linen White 240X300 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Have you discovered the transformative power of tone-on-tone palettes? Meet this modern hand-knotted rug , exquisitely crafted in rural India. With a serene white base and a linen wh...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

Midnight Majesty Sky Blue Smoke Blue 150X240 cm Hand Tufted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Enchant your living space with the allure of this stunning hand tufted rug from our Mythos collection, it's a masterpiece that seamlessly blends intricate design with an exotic color...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

Echoing Abstract Ivory & White Sand 240x300 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
This unique creation delves into the beauty of errors, exploring the harmonious intersection of nature's disruptions and mechanical misprints. Inspired by the symbiosis of nature and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

Ritzy Rhombus Praline Pink Tint 180x270 cm Hand Tufted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Transform your home into a world of refined luxury with this beautiful rug from our Pathways. The weave and pattern of this rug are not just threads, they are strokes of elegance, cr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Peachy Whirl Light Peach Natural Mink 240x300 cm Hand Tufted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Indulge in the alluring charm of this peachy rug from our Aprezo collection. What sets this rug apart is its whimsical curvy pattern, a delightful departure from the mundane straight lines. Unlike the rigidity of linear designs, the gentle curves on this rug evoke a sense of fluid tranquility, creating an atmosphere that invites relaxation. One can find this beauty in various standard sizes and it is also available for customization in terms of size, color, and shape to help you find a fitting match. The standard sizes available for this piece are 274x365cm, 244x304cm, 183x274cm, 183x183cm, 152x244cm, 123x183cm, 93x152cm, 76x304cm & 303x427cm. The soft palette of light peach and natural mink...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Harmonic Contrast Ivory & Blackberry 240x300 Cm Handknotted rug
Located in Milano, IT
Introducing this hand-knotted rug , meticulously handcrafted in rural India. With a dark ivory canvas and a border reminiscent of ripe blackberries, the rug showcases geometric desig...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Majestic Harmony Trellis Classic Gray & Shale 240X300 Cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Can a rug transcend time and style, seamlessly weaving tradition into modernity? Meet this transitional hand-knotted marvel handmade in rural India. Its traditional patterns evoke a ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Calm Chaos Dark Ivory 240X300 Cm Modern handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
A modern design hand-knotted rug that draws inspiration from the gradual decline of civilizations into disorder! Its intricate patterns reflect this sense of chaos, yet within each t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Lustrous Zenith White & Liquorice 240X300 cm Handknotted 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

Enchanting Desert Bloom Clay 300X420 cm Hand-Knotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Embark on a journey of timeless elegance with our Moroccan-inspired rug, a testament to exquisite craftsmanship. The all-wool construction, hand-knotted by skilled artisans in rural ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Serenity Blend Mink & Medium tan 240X300 Cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Can a rug transform a room? Discover the answer with this modern, hand-knotted masterpiece . Immerse your space in its soothing tone-on-tone palette, instantly uplifting the mood. Wi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Mystic Labyrinth Warm Sesame & Natural Beige 240X300 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Dive into the modern allure of hand-knotted rug , meticulously handmade in rural India. Crafted with the finest quality wool and bamboo silk, it showcases bold and abstract mazes and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Misty Dawn Antique White & Shale 240X300 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Embark on a journey of modern elegance with our rugs exquisite hand-knotted masterpiece, skillfully crafted in the heart of rural India. Enveloping your space in contemporary allure,...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Natura Driftscape Medium Taupe & Natural White 240x300 cm Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Our Uvenuti collection features this rug displaying an intriguing drift pattern that offers a sense of movement and tranquility, reminiscent of windswept landscapes. The rug's color ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Ornate Odyssey Dark Ivory & Clay 240X300 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Are you looking for a rug that transcends time and space, weaving together tradition and modernity in a harmonious dance of design? Look no further. The masterpiece, meticulously han...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Azure Aurora Dark Gray Blue Haze 240x300 cm Hand Tufted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Indulge in the luxurious charm of this spectacular hand tufted rug from our Mythos collection, where elegance meets comfort to redefine your living space. The color palette of deep, ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Emotive Canvas Ashwood & Silver Sea Moss 240X300 cm Handtufted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Introducing "Emotive Canvas," a uniquely shaped hand-tufted rug that weaves the crafts of emotions to elevate any space. Meticulously hand-tufted with a blend of wool and viscose yarns, it unravels a narrative of depth and diversity, illustrating how lives and spaces can be shaped by the power of emotions. This graphic rug, with an ashwood base and a silver sea moss...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Urbane Loomscape Classic Beige & Apricot 180X270 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Have you ever envisioned a rug that seamlessly navigates the delicate balance between complexity and simplicity? Behold this Hand-Knotted masterpiece, a celebration of timeless craft...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Modern Fusion Antique White & Slate Gray 300x420 Cm handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Can a rug be more than just a floor covering? Explore 'Modern Fusion,' a hand-knotted masterpiece from rural India. Crafted with high-quality wool and bamboo silk, it showcases moder...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

Neptune Tides Marine Blue & Marine Blue 240x300 cm Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Dive into the mesmerizing allure of this luxury rug from our Manifest collection. Imagine the deep, rich hues of marine blue creating a gradient of flowy serenity, evoking the calmne...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

Sandstone Contours Soft Beige Natural Gray 240x300 cm Hand Tufted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Step into the realm of modern chic with this exquisite handmade rug from our Aprezo collection, where contemporary elegance meets comfort in every thread. The standout feature of thi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

Enigmatic Weavings Clay & Soft Beige 240x300 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Transform your living space into a haven of timeless charm with our exquisite hand-knotted rug, a true masterpiece crafted from wool and silk. Immerse yourself in the rich, earthy to...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Sahara Dreams Antique White & Honey Yellow 240X300 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
An exquisite tapestry of Moroccan inspiration and contemporary allure ! Crafted with an all-wool construction in rural India, this handknotted rug transforms eclectic patterns into a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Cultural Odyssey Cola & Dark Brown 240x300 cm Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Embark on a visual journey with this Hand Knotted Rug , a tapestry of cultural echoes that transcend time. Like ancient tales inscribed in geometric poetry, this rug's complex design...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Serenity Sway Ebony Dark Ivory 180x270 cm Hand Tufted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Upgrade your living space with the enchanting allure of this rug from our exclusive Transcend collection, a masterpiece that seamlessly blends statement and subtlety. This rug isn't ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Tonal Bliss Natural Brown & Tawny Brown 180X270 cm Handknotted 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

Whispering Winds Light Coral & Teacup Rose 240X300 cm Handknotted 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

Prism Portico Soft Mint Medium Fawn 180x270 cm Hand Tufted Rug
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

Ethereal Essence Antique White Glacier Gray 180x270 cm Hand Tufted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Step into the epitome of luxury with this exquisite wool and viscose carpet from our Caliedo collection. Crafted with an unwavering commitment ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Radiant Ripple Medium Gold Mushroom 180x270 cm Hand Tufted Rugs
Located in Milano, IT
Presenting this exclusive rug from our starry Genesis collection isn't just a decor piece, it's a transformative masterpiece that holds the power to redefine the view and value of an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

CalmCraft Ashwood & Honey 200X300 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Embark on a journey of artistic expression with our Modern Rug. Crafted by skilled artisans in rural India, this hand-knotted masterpiece blends wool and bamboo silk to create a tact...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

Cascade Carnival Skyline Blue Dark Denim 180x270 cm Hand Tufted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Embark on a journey of elevated elegance with this rug from our exclusive Genesis collection. What sets this rug apart is the unique embossing technique known as "gultarash," creatin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Linear Alabaster Natural White & Caviar 240X300 cm Hand Knotted Rug
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

Nuanced Oasis Frost Gray & White Sand 240X300 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Can a rug be the key to transforming your space into a haven of tranquility? Introducing this hand-knotted marvel designed to elevate any room. With a soothing tone-on-tone palette,...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

Serendipity Weave Antique White & Soft Gray 180x270 cm Handknotted Rug
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

Tranquil Turmoil Dark Ivory & Stucco 180X270 Cm Modern Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Embark on a journey through time and design with this hand-knotted marvel reflecting the gradual descent into disorder seen in civilizations. Yet, within its intricate patterns lies...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

Ephemeral Echoes Blue Surf & Forest Green 300X450 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Picture the gradual decline of civilizations reflected in the patterns of 'Ephemeral Echoes,' a mesmerizing hand-knotted rug that speaks to the delicate dance between disorder and tr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Cubist Charm Classic Gray Apricot 180x270 cm Hand Tufted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Unveil the timeless elegance of this handmade rug from our Caliedo collection in your living room. Picture a captivating weave of classic gray and apricot, entangled in a pattern tha...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Honey Hues Copper & Soft Gold 180X270 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Join us on this visual journey with our enchanting hand-knotted rug, akin to a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity ! Like a sunlit desert landscape, the ground color in capti...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Lunar Mosaic Beige & Ebony 240x300 cm Hand Knotted 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

Eternal Harmony Marble & Celadon 240X300 cm handknotted rug
Located in Milano, IT
Seeking to elevate your space with a modern touch and a touch of tranquility? Wondering how to effortlessly tie together various decor elements while adding warmth and comfort to you...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

Eternal Harmony Charcoal Slate & Natural Camel 240X300 cm Handtufted Rug
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

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.

Recently Viewed

View All