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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.
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Style: Modern
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
$1,048 / set
Ceramic plate by Roger Capron, Vallauris, France, 1960's
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic plate by Roger Capron, Vallauris, France, signed
Category
1960s French Vintage Modern Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Pair of Wooden Native American Busts
By Jose Pinal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A complementary pair of male and female Native American, wooden busts by Jose Pinal, made in Mexico. One form highlights a more subdued disposition with lon...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wood
$450 / set
Life and Warmth Hand-Signed Oil on Canvas Painting by Henri, France
Located in Voorburg, NL
Exquisite oil painting on Canvas, painted and hand-signed by Henri in France. Titled ‘Life and Warmth’ and part of his ‘Life’ collection. Sophisticated and charming painting in beaut...
Category
2010s French Modern Folk Art
Materials
Canvas, Wood, Paint
21st Century Leather and Walnut Wood Backgammon Set Handcrafted in Italy
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Our backgammon set, a must of board games.
Expertly crafted with canaletto walnut wood and dressed on the outside with a textured calfskin leather covering, its interior delivers ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Misshapes Organic Shapes Rug in Blush Color by RAG home
By RAG home
Located in Jakarta Selatan, ID
Misshapes Dune Form explores the beauty of unstructured design through an organic, free-form silhouette inspired by nature’s slow transformations. This sculptural rug blends soft des...
Category
2010s Asian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool, Acrylic
Beautiful Work of Wim Heesakkers Made in The 70s
Located in Oirlo, LI
Beautiful Work of Wim Heesakkers Made in The 70s
This is a beautiful work by Wim Heesakkers, marked with a signature on the back.
Painter/sculptor Wim Heesakkers (1950) is self-tau...
Category
20th Century Dutch Modern Folk Art
Materials
Glass, Paper
Indonesian Stone Coin on Stand, Large
Located in New York, NY
A hand-carved stone coin from Indonesia, white color. Round center. Mounted on a black metal stand. Dimensions: 30 inches in diameter, 3 inches thick. Height: 35 inches (mounted on a...
Category
Early 2000s Indonesian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Stone, Metal
$750 Sale Price
25% Off
Jun Kaneko Signed Monumental Art Studio Pottery Ceramic Wall Sculpture Charger
By Jun Kaneko
Located in Studio City, CA
A truly breathtaking work by renowned Japanese born ceramic master Jun Kaneko. Kaneko studied with Peter Voulkos, Paul Soldner, and Jerry Rothman and was exposed to such artist as Ken Price and John...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Folk Art
Materials
Paint, Ceramic, Stoneware
Baoulé portrait mask, carved wood, lacquer and pigments, circa 1940, Africa.
Located in Nice, Cote d' Azur
Baoulé portrait mask,
carved wood, lacquer and pigments,
circa 1940, Africa.
Height 29 cm, width 17 cm, depth 14 cm.
Category
1940s African Vintage Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Organic Shapes in Blue Misshapes Rug by RAG home
By RAG home
Located in Jakarta Selatan, ID
Mishapes is a fluid exploration of form and intuition where shapes appear to melt, collide, and settle into each other with quiet confidence. This rug embraces asymmetry and softness...
Category
2010s Indonesian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool, Acrylic
$1,170 / item
Bob Matheny Allied Crafstmen of San Diego Sculpture, 2013
By Bob Matheny
Located in Cathedral City, CA
Bob Matheny Allied Crafstmen of San Diego Sculpture, 2013
This unique sculpture, titled "Public Art That is Daring & Daringly Odd", signed and dated 2013 on the bottom, executed by ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Folk Art
Materials
Metal, Tin
Lamp Table Lighthouse Seagull Cornish Granite, Nautical Sea Rock
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
Appealing to the nautical or seaside enthusiast
Characterful table lamp bringing the spirit of the sea into the interior, would be atmospheric in a seaside home.
A large Cornish ...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Modern Folk Art
Materials
Granite
Sinopia di un Sottosera di Agosto' Coral Abstract Mixed Media Painting
Located in Chicago, IL
A mixed media painting by Italian artist Mauro Fornari. This layered abstract features coral and soft peach hues with charcoal accents. Signed ‘Mauro Fornari MMXXIII’ on the bottom l...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Canvas, Wood
Modern Backgammon Board Game Handmade Epoxy Resin Handpainted Limited Edition
Located in Milan, IT
The Backgammon Board is a handmade limited collection (100 pieces) designed by the young Milan based Valeria Molinari for Dilmos Edizioni. The project, composed of four boards inspir...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Epoxy Resin
21st Century Camel Leather and Walnut Wood Backgammon Set Handcrafted in Italy
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Our backgammon set, a must of board games.
Expertly crafted with canaletto walnut wood and dressed on the outside with a textured calfskin leather covering, its interior delivers ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Elegant Bronze Horse Sculpture by Cocky Duijvesteijn, Signed and Numbered
Located in Voorburg, NL
A truly eye-catching bronze sculpture named ‘a Horse’, designed and made by Dutch Sculpture Artist Cocky Duijvesteijn van der Gun. Number 2 of 8 ever made, signed by the artist and n...
Category
Late 20th Century Dutch Modern Folk Art
Materials
Bronze
Large Ceramic Sculpture
Located in Munich, DE
Creative phantasy sculpture signed by the artist
Category
Mid-20th Century French Modern Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
$3,157
Collection of 2 Moor Heads "Pop Women", Handmade in Italy, 2019, Unique Design
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
This collection is a work of art that make a statement in modern décor and in the modern cultural art world. It can be used as a vase containing flowers, or as a beautiful centerpiec...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Gold Leaf
$2,811 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Set of 3 Moor Heads, Handmade in Italy, 2022. BESPOKE possibility. Sicily
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
This collection is a work of art that make a statement in modern décor and in the modern cultural art world. It can be used as a vase containing flowers, or as a beautiful centerpiec...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Gold Leaf
$3,097 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Cast Bronze Sculpture of Lounging Woman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This cast bronze sculpture depicts a woman, captured in a moment after she just finished a swim at her favourite lake. She’s gazing upon the view, reclining on a rock as she air drie...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Folk Art
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Masonic Lodge Rotating Sign Liberty Hall Strict Order Candle Holders
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Wimbledon-Furniture
Wimbledon-Furniture is delighted to offer for sale this vintage Masonic Lodge rotating wood sign with brass candle holders
A g...
Category
20th Century English Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wood
$312 Sale Price
30% Off
David Heminsley 'Scottish, 1927-2007' Studio Pottery Lidded Conserve Jar
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very finely made studio pottery lidded conserve jar decorated in tenmoku glazes with a ribbon and bow pattern applied around the body of the jar by Scottish based potter David Hemi...
Category
20th Century Scottish Modern Folk Art
Materials
Stoneware
Peter Hayes Mother and Child Raku Fired Studio Pottery Sculpture
By Peter Hayes
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very stylish studio pottery sculpture titled Mother and Child by renowned potter Peter Hayes and made around 1996. The sculpture is mounted on a rectangular slate base and is abstr...
Category
Late 20th Century English Modern Folk Art
Materials
Pottery
Ceramic owl vide-poche by Accolay, France, 1960's
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic owl vide-poche by Accolay
perfect condition
Category
1960s French Vintage Modern Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Scandinavian modern sculpture of a bird in metal and copper, wooden base
Located in Brussels, BE
Scandinavian modern sculpture of a bird in metal and copper, wooden base
Category
1980s Scandinavian Vintage Modern Folk Art
Materials
Metal, Copper
Ceramic vide de poche by Chambost
Located in Paris, FR
Green ceramic vide de poche by Chambost
Category
1960s French Vintage Modern Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
20Thc Murano Glass Apple & Pear Bookends, Pair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These hand made glass apple & pear bookends in fine condition. The deep blue & clear color. Pear is 6'high and the apple is 4" x 4"wide.
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Art Glass
$476 Sale Price
20% Off
Small ceramic vase by Ruelland, France, 1960's
Located in Paris, FR
Small ceramic vase by Ruelland, signed
Category
1960s French Vintage Modern Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Vitrix Hot Glass Studio Sculpture by Thomas Kelly
By Thomas Kelly
Located in North Miami, FL
“Rainbow” Heechee Probe with black glass spine abstract
Sculpture
By Thomas Kelly.
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Folk Art
Materials
Blown Glass
Silk Trellis Ashwood & Honey 180 Round cm Hand Knotted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
This handwoven rug is a luxurious and sleek masterpiece, making it an exceptional addition to your living space. This rectangular rug boasts a sophisticated design in an exquisite co...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Unique Geometric Two-Tone Wood & Silk, Earthy Tones Sculptural Vase by Awaré
Located in Geneve, CH
Corps Céleste III unique sculpture by Awaré
Dimensions: L 35 x H 54cm
Materials: Plane tree, naturel dyed silk, pigment, oxidation
Awaré is the meeting of the sculptor Jérôme Pereira and the artist Sylvia Eustache...
Category
2010s French Modern Folk Art
Materials
Silk, Wood
Earthy Tones, Organic Faceted Wood & Silk Contemporary Sculptural Vase by Awaré
Located in Geneve, CH
TELLURIC III unique sculpture by Awaré
Dimensions: L 40 x H 60 cm
Materials: Cypress, silk, oxidation
Awaré is the meeting of the sculptor Jérôme Pereira and the artist Sylvia Eustache...
Category
2010s French Modern Folk Art
Materials
Silk, Wood
Peter Voulkos Signed Large California Studio Pottery Stoneware Charger Plate
Located in Studio City, CA
A truly fantastic, large, heavy charger/plate/platter by American master potter/artist Peter Voulkos who is known for his abstract expressionist ceramic pottery pieces and sculptures...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Folk Art
Materials
Stoneware
Paul Northmore Jackson Abstract Colorful Hand Painted Studio Pottery Mug, 1993
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
From an extensive collection of studio pottery we are pleased to offer this fine abstract form studio pottery mug by Cornish based potter Paul Northmore...
Category
1990s English Modern Folk Art
Materials
Pottery
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
Lane Gordon Thorlaksson Canadian Studio Pottery Vase with Stand
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning Canadian studio pottery vase decorated in light blue glazes with an associated pottery stand by Lane Gordon Thorlaksson (Canadian, 1...
Category
1970s Canadian Vintage Modern Folk Art
Materials
Pottery
Small Blue and White Bespoke Zebra Rug
Located in Basildon, London
The Small Blue and White Zebra Rug adds a bold and exotic touch to any room. Its striking zebra pattern and high-quality materials make it a unique and stylish accent piece, perfect ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
$543 Sale Price
85% Off
Moor heads, Collection of 4, Handmade in Sicily, Gold Leaf, Reflex Blue Bespoke
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
This collection is a work of art that make a statement in modern décor and in the modern cultural art world. It can be used as a vase containing flowers, or as a beautiful centerpiec...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Gold Leaf
$6,195 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Hajimo Kato Hand Built Wood Fired Twin Handled Studio Pottery Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A truly wonderful design piece, and one of my favorite, is this Japanese hand-built wood fired twin handled studio pottery vase of sculptural form by Hajimo Kato (b.1947) dating from...
Category
20th Century Japanese Modern Folk Art
Materials
Stoneware
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, Clay, Pottery, Stoneware
Ceramic bear paw by Georges Jouve, France, 1960's
Located in Paris, FR
Black bear paw by Georges Jouve, signed, 1960's
Category
1960s French Vintage Modern Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Luna Hand-Tufted Rug in Grey by Verner Panton
By Verner Panton, Verpan
Located in Horsens, DK
Eight colored rug with organic circle pattern designed by Verner Panton.
Material:
100% New Zealand wool
Hand-tufted
Color:
Tone-in-tone gray.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Brown and White Stoneware Ceramic Pitcher La Borne circa 1990 Pottery
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
La Borne
Original french stoneware ceramic pitcher
Brown and white pottery colors
Signed
Original perfect condition
Measures: h...
Category
1990s French Modern Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Wall Sculpture Wooden Frame Adorned Mosaic Leather Liquid Metal Artglass Backlit
By sicis
Located in London, GB
Wall sculpture with circular wooden frame, adorned with elements in lacquered wood, leather, glass mosaic, art glass and liquid metal.
Backlighting system with sensor.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Metal
Contemporary sandstone ceramics by french artist
Located in SAINT-YRIEIX-SUR-CHARENTE, FR
Contemporary ceramic sculpture by French artist Véra Rybaltchenko. Made from chamotte stoneware with a patina before firing and fired in the kiln. Véra is a prolific artist who has e...
Category
2010s French Modern Folk Art
Materials
Sandstone
Moor heads, Collection of 3, Handmade in Sicily, Gold Leaf, Colors Customizable
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
This collection is a work of art that make a statement in modern décor and in the modern cultural art world. It can be used as a vase containing flowers, or as a beautiful centerpiec...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Gold Leaf
$6,624 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Iron Crucifix Sculpture In The Style Of Regardt Van De Meulen
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very stylish iron work sculpture of Christ hanging on the cross in the manner of Regardt van de Meulen and dating from the 20th/21st century. The crucifix stands on a rectangular w...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Interactive Nostalgia, a 1970s-1990s Comic Book Art Piece
By John Brevard
Located in Coral Gables, FL
These Interactive art pieces are part of a series of 6 pieces, each one being one of a kind. Much like the card collecting of our youth, the compositio...
Category
2010s American Modern Folk Art
Materials
Canvas
Studio Pottery Glazed Figure of a Resting Bird Signed Heptagon Dated 1976
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An unusual studio pottery glazed figure of a resting bird signed Heptagon to the base and dated 1976. The figure is well potted with its wings resting on its fanned tail feathers and...
Category
1970s English Vintage Modern Folk Art
Materials
Pottery
Bob Fierek Cornish Studio Pottery Bowl with Barnacles
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An impressive Cornish studio pottery bowl applied with barnacle designs by Bob Fierek and dating from the latter 20th century. The bowl is of wide rounded form standing on a narrow r...
Category
20th Century English Modern Folk Art
Materials
Stoneware
Mike Dodd Studio Pottery Green Ash Glazed Teapot and Cover
By Mike Dodd
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stylish English studio pottery teapot and cover decorated in green ash glazes by renowned potter Mike Dodd (British, b. 1943) and dating from t...
Category
20th Century English Modern Folk Art
Materials
Clay
Large Rocking Elephant In Fiberglass Painted By Hand With Inset Resin Jewels
Located in Roma, RM
Eye catching and whimsical, this very limited edition elephant rocker is a spectacular showpiece. Lifelike down to its most minute details, this exquisite piece is equally at home in a child's room, living room or entryway. Made in Germany, between 2000 and 2010, the meticulously detailed elephant is cast in fiberglass which was then been painted by hand. The saddle as well as its straps are also finely detailed. The saddle is gilded, the silver neck and rear saddle straps embellished have a raised scalloped cording painted in antique gold. Inset in each scallop is a large faceted resin jewel alternating red and green. The rendering of the elephant's skin is painstakingly detailed both in the cast of the fiberglass as well as the hand painting. The elephant is mounted on hand forged and hand painted cast iron...
Category
Early 2000s German Modern Folk Art
Materials
Resin, Fiberglass, Paint
Hand Built Sculptural Wood Fired Twin Handled Signed Studio Pottery Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A truly wonderful design piece, and one of my favourite pieces, is this hand-built wood fired twin handled studio pottery vase of sculptural form dating from the 20th century. The st...
Category
20th Century English Modern Folk Art
Materials
Stoneware
Otto Natzler Signed Volcanic Glaze California Studio Pottery Oval Vessel Vase
By Otto Natzler
Located in Studio City, CA
Sublime in its simplicity, oval form, and design. Pale color with distinctive volcanic crater glaze. This is a truly amazing piece. Will give aesthetic pleasure for years to come.
...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Rubenimichi Wood Sculpture ''Sol Negro Fetiche'', Spain, 2015
Located in Madrid, ES
Title: Sol Negro Fetiche
Author: Rubenimichi
Year: 2015
Size: 12 x 12 x 12 cm
Technique: Wood and pyrography.
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Folk Art
Materials
Acrylic, Paper
Collection of 4 Vases Moor Head, Handmade in Italy, 2019, Unique Design
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
This collection is a work of art that make a statement in modern décor and in the modern cultural art world. It can be used as a vase containing flowers, or as a beautiful centerpiec...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Gold Leaf
$8,340 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Olinalá Mexican Traditional Lacquer, Gold Leaf and Oil Painting Art Urns
By ACOOCOORO
Located in Mexico City, MX
Three urns, two trays, one gourd.
Turned solid tzalam (wild tamarind) wood; maque and lacquer carving; gold leaf; oil painting.
Commemoration, ceremony, and veneration of the anc...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Modern Folk Art
Materials
Gold Leaf
Muted Melody Gray Brown & Gray Brown 180x270 cm Hand Knotted Rugs
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
An exquisite creation from our Azalea collection which is hand woven by traditional artisans of India. This rug is not just a carpet, it's an exquisite tapestry that weaves together ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Jean Miotte - Abstract composition
Located in PAU, FR
Painting on canvas by Jean Miotte from 1959
Abstract composition in India ink on canvas without frame (sent rolled).
Dated and signed by the artist.
Unframed: 42.5 x 33 x 1.5 cm
Category
1950s French Vintage Modern Folk Art
Materials
Canvas, Paint
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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