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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Modern Artistry White & Black Berry 240X300 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
The white and blackberry tones of this rug, hand-knotted from wool and bamboo silk, offer a modern aesthetic. The essence of this it lies in its backstory – inspired by the gradual d...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Serenity Waves Skyline Blue & marine blue 180X270cm Hand knotted rug
Located in Milano, IT
Have you ever wished to transform your space effortlessly, creating an atmosphere of serenity and sophistication? Introducing this modern hand-knotted rug , handmade in rural India. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

Serenity Mirage White & Aquatic Toned 240x300 Cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Ever wished to elevate your space with a tone-on-tone masterpiece that instantly uplifts the mood? Meet this hand-knotted rug , meticulously crafted in rural India. In a tone-on-tone...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

Rural Harmony Light Peach & Caramel 240X300 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
A handmade marvel painted in the gentle hues of a Moroccan sunrise! Crafted from sumptuous all-wool fibers, the rug's light peach ground color beautifully contrasts with a border aw...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Urban Zen Marble & Cola 240x300 cm Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Step into a world of refined aesthetics with this handwoven rug from our Aprezo collection. The defining feature of this wool rug is its subtle yet engaging pattern, creating a visua...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Opal Overlays White Antique White 180x270 cm Hand Tufted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Get back to the classics where white reigns supreme. Presenting this rug from our incredible collection Caliedo, this piece is not just a floor carpet, i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Gossamer Gaze Ashwood Silver 180x270 cm Hand Tufted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Transform your space with the minimalistic charm of this stunning rug from our renowned Mythos collection. In a world filled with noise, let the quiet sophistication of this subtle-h...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Blissful Tapestry Caviar & Bright Gold 180X270 Cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Imagine a rug that not only adorns your floors but also transforms the ambiance of your space. Introducing this hand-knotted marvel from rural India that employs a tone-on-tone palet...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Tranquil Fusion Nickel & Light Coffee 240x300 Cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Can a rug redefine the ambiance of your space? Meet this modern, hand-knotted rug . Grounded in a tone-on-tone palette with nickel as its base and a light coffee border, it effortles...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Ritzy Rhombus Ashwood Dark Ivory Rug 180x270 cm Hand Tufted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Meet your space's new style companion, an exquisite rug from our Come Around collection. This hand tufted rug is a statement piece that effortlessly combines sleek savvy with a touch...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Serenity Symphony White & Ebony 240X300 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Immerse your space in the elegance of this modern hand-knotted rug meticulously crafted in rural India. With a soothing tone-on-tone palette, this rug effortlessly uplifts the mood o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

Subdued Opulence Silver & Medium Tan 240X300 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Discover the transformative power of this hand-knotted rug that transcends mere decor. Crafted with care in rural India, its tone-on-tone palette instantly uplifts the mood of any sp...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Rustic Chronicles Classic Gray & Mink 300X420 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
A captivating rug from the Gauri Khan collection - Tattvam! Meticulously handknotted in the heart of rural India, the modern rug seamlessly merges contemporary urban aesthetics with ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Urbane Curve Light Coral Pink Tint 180x270 cm Hand Tufted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Immerse your space in the enchanting allure of this beautiful rug from our exclusive Aprezo collection. The streamlined pattern unfolds like a visual journey, drawing the eyes in wit...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Gilded Grove Clay White 180x270 cm Hand Tufted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Introducing this luxurious wool rug from our Decade collection that blends sophistication and comfort in a stunning curvy embossed pattern. The curvy embossed pattern takes center st...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Serenity Cascade Mushroom & Dark Taupe 180X270 Cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Have you checked this hand-knotted rug , meticulously handmade in rural India? With a tone-on-tone palette, featuring a mushroom ground color and a dark taupe border, this modern rug...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

Urban Cosmo Antique White Warm Spice 180x270 cm Hand Tufted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Indulge in luxury in the most comfortable way with this hand tufted wood rug from our Genesis collection. The color palette of antique white and warm spice doesn't just decorate, it ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Regal Verdancy Forest green & White 300X420 Cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Step into a realm of timeless opulence with 'Regal Verdancy,' a hand-knotted transitional rug that echoes the grandeur of traditional patterns. Crafted with utmost precision in rura...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Soft Embrace Tobacco & Pebble 240X300 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Can a rug transcend its purpose and become a source of joy in your space? Explore the beautiful hand-knotted marvel . The tone-on-tone palette of tobacco and pebble effortlessly upli...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

Urban Shadows Ashwood Medium Gray 200x300 cm Hand-Knotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Dive into the enchanting dance of design and color with this exquisite hand-knotted rug , part of the Project Error by Kavi collection. Crafted with precision from a sumptuous blend ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Botanic Burst Pink Tint & Lotus 240X300 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Infuse your space with the vivacity of this hand-tufted rug designed to breathe excitement and express the dynamic movement found in nature. This ode to the harbingers of spring boas...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Sublime Radiance Natural Gray & Natural White 180x270 cm Hand Knotted 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

Unpretentious Elegance Classic Gray & Skyline Blue 240X300 Cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Ever wondered how creativity meets craftsmanship in a rug? This modern, hand-knotted masterpiece, crafted in the heart of rural India , answers that question. Unpolished and unpreten...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

Majestic Marrakech Essence Marble & Natural Soot 180X270 cm Handknotted 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

Artisan Dreamscape Dark Frost Gray & Ebony 180X270 cm Handknotted 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

Serene Disarray Beige & Ivory 240X300 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Embark on a visual journey akin to the gradual decline of civilizations with our hand-knotted rug, an ode to modern design. The patterns within this masterpiece create a sense of dis...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Sunset Sorbet Ivory & Purple Ash 240X300 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Envision the epitome of modern elegance with this exquisite Modern Rug , meticulously hand-knotted in the heart of rural India. Crafted from a blend of premium wool and bamboo silk, ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

Cityscape Fusion Essence Classic Gray & Medium Brown 240X300 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Can a rug be a canvas for modern elegance? Discover the answer with this hand-knotted masterpiece . Crafted with precision, it showcases modern abstract patterns, invoking timeless b...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

Modern Mingle Ashwood & Silver 180X270 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Introduce elegance to your living space with the Modern Rug , a perfect combination of traditional and contemporary styles. Skilfully hand-knotted in rural India, this rug is a maste...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Artisan Mesh Serenity Ashwood & Skyline Blue 180X270 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Get ready to be transported on a journey of artistic allure with this Modern Rug , a captivating masterpiece that is handcrafted in rural India. Immerse yourself in the soothing mesh...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

Urban Zen White & Classic Gray 240X300 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Transform your space with the exquisite allure of the modern rug . Hand-knotted with precision in rural India, this masterpiece blends luxurious wool and bamboo silk to craft a stunn...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Tranquil Mirage Antique White & Pumpkin 180X270 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Indulge in the enchanting allure of our Handknotted Wool Rug, where patterns weave an imaginative cosmos that unveils a vibrant and exquisitely detailed garden teeming with Aztec mot...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Urban Serenity Antique White & Classic Gray 240X300cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Immerse your space in the contemporary elegance of 'Urban Serenity,' a hand-knotted rug .. The Antique White ground and Classic Gray border blend seamlessly, creating a canvas adorne...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

Cultural Mosaic Glacier Gray & White 240X300 cm Hand-Knotted 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, exudes luxury and warmth und...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Jute

Ivory Dreamscape Dark Ivory & White 240x300 cm Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Step into the world of refined design with this stunning wool rug from our Thyme collection. The wonder feature of this wool rug is its mellow yet impactful pattern, creating a visua...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Serene Mist Light Smoke Gray Nickel 180Xx270 cm Hand Tufted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
In a world filled with mass-produced decor, this exquisite rug from our Mythos collection stands as a testament to uniqueness.One can find this beauty in various standard sizes and i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Modern Mocha & Mocha 240X300 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
What if your living space could transcend traditional decor boundaries? This all-wool rug, intricately hand-knotted , seamlessly blends contemporary aesthetics with classic Moroccan ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Moonlit Garden White & Soft Beige 240X300 cm Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Step into the realm of serene complexity with this handwoven wool rug from our Viscaya collection. The standout feature of this rug lies in its elaborate pattern, meticulously hand-k...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Coral Waltz Classic Gray & Pink Tint 240x300 cm Hand Tufted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Crafted with meticulous precision, this beautiful rug from our Aprezo collection serves as an exquisite centerpiece for any living space. So, immerse yourself in the gentle sophistic...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Chevron Tranquility Trooper Tapestry 180x270 cm Hand Tufted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Get ready to adorn your floors with more than just a rug, this exquisite hand tufted rug from our Pathways collection is a masterpiece that transcends ordinary floor coverings. One c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Ethereal Transition Soft Gold & Medium Taupe 180x270 cm Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Indulge in the epitome of contemporary chic with this rug from our Manifest collection, where every thread weaves a tale of comfort and style. The pattern on this rug is a visual sym...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Lustrous Loom Sky Blue Bluebell 180x270 cm Hand Tufted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Introduce some serene sophistication into your decor with this beauty from our starry Mythos collection. The color scheme alone is an ode to tranquility, the sky blue hues effortless...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Nomad's Retreat White & Black Olive 180X270 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Embark on a journey of timeless elegance with the our Moroccan-inspired rug, where the all-wool tapestry weaves an analogical narrative of design evolution. Like a canvas of natural ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Flight Risk Portrait. Carved Porcelain Wall Sculpture
By Alex Hodge
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Flight Risk, 2019 by Alex Hodge Carved porcelain 11.5 H in x 8.5 W in x 0.5 D in Unique Her poetic porcelain plates examine and reimagine the history of art in a way that values wom...
Category

2010s American Modern Folk Art

Materials

Porcelain, Paint

Neutral Opulence Liquorice & Natural Beige 240X300 Handknotted 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

Urban Sonata Classic Gray Ashwood 200x300 Cm Hand-Knotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
This modern hand-knotted rug, meticulously crafted from wool and bamboo silk, emanates tales of rural India's skilled artisans. The ground color, a timeless classic gray, seamlessly ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Monochrome Prism 240x300 cm Snow White Black Coffee Hand Tufted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Embark on a journey of visual delight with this beautiful rug from our Cascade collection. This hand tufted rug is a modern masterpiece, featuring a sophisticated take on the geometr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Golden Ashwood Symphony Hand-Knotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Visualize the elegance: stylish, sleek rectangles harmoniously coexist with graceful, perfect circles, all brought together by artful, minimalist lines. It's not just a handknotted c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Luminous Mosaic White Sand Marble 180X270 cm Hand-Knotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Discover the soulful touch of home with this modern rug , a brand deeply rooted in a commitment to quality and innovation. This exclusive creation, woven with passion from bamboo sil...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

Mystic Puzzle Antique White & Forever Blue 240X300 cm Handknotted 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

Lush Symphony Oyster & Peach Bloom 240x300 cm Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
A captivating masterpiece that effortlessly blends vibrant abstractness with luxury, this rug from our Free Verse By Kavi collection is a visual wonder. It introduces a burst of ener...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Harmony in Disarray Nickel & Denim Blue 240x300 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
In the ebb and flow of civilizations, find peace in disorder with this hand-knotted rug that mirrors the gradual decline to chaos. Within its intricate patterns lies a hypnotic sens...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

Ephemeral Metropolis Ebony Slate & Snow White 240X300 cm Handtufted 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

Reflective Azure Caribbean Sky & Antique White 180X270 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Embark on a serene journey with this hand-knotted rug capturing the essence of the vast sky. Its Caribbean sky ground and antique white border paint a tranquil canvas that invites a ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

Arctic Vortex White & Ebony 240x330 cm Hand Tufted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
A masterpiece that seamlessly blends sophistication with nature-inspired aesthetics. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this rug from our Genesis collection is an embodimen...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Whispers of Serenity Antique White Pastel Blue 300X390 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Indulge in the artistry of our hand-knotted rug, a fusion of antique white and pastel blue in a modern design. Inspired by candlelight patterns observed, this rug narrates a tale of ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Abstract Maze Nickel & Granite Green 240X300 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
A hand-knotted rug resembling an intricate maze of creativity! Much like bold and abstract mazes and jigsaws, this modern masterpiece is meticulously crafted in rural India. Made fr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Illusion Nectar Natural Off White & Natural Silver 240x300 cm Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Introducing this luxury rug from our Manifest collection seamlessly blends elegance with natural allure. The rug's foundation is adorned with a soothing natural off-white hue, remini...
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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