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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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

to
68
326
146
368
237
66
1,999
1,062
295
207
193
163
90
87
78
55
40
38
31
23
20
7
1
236
434
11
83
88
1
2
1
2
7
17
27
22
14
248
165
133
126
110
298
195
158
158
139
671
329
513
157
62
28
14
11
Style: Modern
Everidge Stevens Celtic Pottery Newlyn Blue Medallion Funnel Shaped Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stylish Cornish Celtic studio pottery vase decorated in the blue Medallion design by Everidge Stevens and Maggie Fisher and dating from around 1970. Made in Newlyn the vase of tall funnel or chimney shape has a wider rounded base and narrows slightly to a simple rounded open top. The lower body is decorated in matt black with a raised band separating the base from the continuous decorative pattern applied around the body with abstract incised lines decorated in mottled blue coloring with matt black around the upper rim. The vase has an incised D mark to the base along with an original Celtic Pottery...
Category

1970s English Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Pottery

21st Century Olimpia Round Bathroom Set Handmade in Italy in Artic Leather
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Olimpia, in all its beauty. Our small tray, together with a soap dispenser and a toothbrush holder. A complete set with all the bathroom essentials presented here in a round shape...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Brass

Sheep Moneybox Pop Art, Black, Made in Italy, 2022, New Collection
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
These splendid ceramic creations are born from the artistic laboratory of Mosche Bianche. The piggy bank, a means that has always been used to remind us of the importance of savi...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Black Pearl Resin and Wood Tic Tac Toe by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Our Tic Tac Toe is a beautiful, modern and fun take on the classic game. The three dimensional pieces are handmade in black pearl & black resin and the board is made of oak wood vene...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Folk Art

Materials

Resin, Wood

Orange and Black Decorative Ceramic Box by Jean Grison French Art
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Jean Grison Original and decorative ceramic box Signed under the base, realized circa 2000 Elegant orange and black ceramic colors effects Original good condition Meas...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Elsa Benattar Large Glazed Lidded Studio Pottery Bottle Shaped Ewer
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
From a very large collection of 20th and 21st century Studio Pottery we offer this large and stylish Studio Pottery streak tenmoku colored glaze lidded ewer by Elsa Benattar...
Category

Late 20th Century English Modern Folk Art

Materials

Stoneware

Eric James Mellon Studio Pottery Experimental Glazed Cup, 2006
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very fine stoneware cup decorated in experimental glazes by renowned ceramic artist Eric James Mellon (British, 1925-2014) and dated 2006. Trained at the Central School of Arts...
Category

Early 2000s English Modern Folk Art

Materials

Stoneware

Mark Griffiths Large Twin Handled Studio Pottery Vase with Grasses
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very stylish English large twin handled studio vase decorated with wheat like grass stems by Shropshire based potter Mark Griffiths (British b.1956) and dating from the 1970’s. The...
Category

20th Century British Modern Folk Art

Materials

Stoneware

Mary Rich Islamic Influence Gold Lustre Patterned Porcelain Studio Pottery Bowl
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stylish studio pottery porcelain miniature teapot with Islamic influence design in rich gilding on a green coloured ground by renowned potter Mary Rich (b.1940) and dating from the 20th Century. The small barrel...
Category

20th Century English Modern Folk Art

Materials

Porcelain

Contemporary Colorful Nude Woman Chalk Sketch on Gray circa 1960 Signed Ball
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Portrait chalk sketching of a woman reclining nude. This piece features bold greens, blues, oranges, blacks and yellows. Woman is reclining on a fainting sofa, arms behind her head a...
Category

20th Century American Modern Folk Art

Materials

Paper

Moor Heads Vases "Galaxy Electric Blue", Handmade in Italy, 2019, Home Decor
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,...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Gold Leaf

Hermanos Calavera Conquistador in Oiled Walnut by Miguel & Ilse Silva for Wooda
Located in Omro, WI
These handsome but quirky brothers designed by Miguel and Ilse Silva for Wooda are the result of an engaging mix of personality, love, fun and mischievousness. Los Hermanos Calavera(...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Folk Art

Materials

Oak, Walnut, Maple, Hardwood

21st Century Almeria Medium Decorative Basket Handwoven in Italy
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
The Almeria medium basket, a Pinetti timeless icon. A basket that becomes a magazine, blanket, shoes holder or a simple piece of décor, if necessary. P...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Leather

'Mis-Shapes' Custom Rug with Combination of Orange, Burgundy, Pink, Tosca Blue
Located in Jakarta Selatan, ID
CUSTOM RUG SIZE 7 x 8 with combination of Orange, Burgundy, Pink, Tosca and Blue 'Mis-Shapes' Contemporary irregular abstract shape hand-tufted Viscose wool rug A combinatio...
Category

2010s Indonesian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Sheep Moneybox Pop Art, Set of 3 Pieces, Made in Italy, 2022, New Collection
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
These splendid ceramic creations are born from the artistic laboratory of Mosche Bianche. The piggy bank, a means that has always been used to remind us of the importance of savi...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Advertising Sign for an Optician, from 1920s
Located in Vienna, Austria
Hand painted metal advertising sign for an optician. The shield was attached to the facade on an optician shop and is painted with the same motive on both sides. Signed from the si...
Category

1920s Czech Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Metal

Anne A. E. Hirondelle Signed Large Modern Ceramic Pottery Glazed Vessel Teapot
By Anne Hirondelle
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderfully colored and glazed, rather unique piece by renowned American Pacific Northwest Coast potter Anne Hirondelle who in 1993 was a recipient of a National Endowment for the ...
Category

20th Century American Modern Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Sheep Moneybox Pop Art, 22K Gold, Made in Italy, 2022, New Collection
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
These splendid ceramic creations are born from the artistic laboratory of Mosche Bianche. The piggy bank, a means that has always been used to remind us of the importance of savi...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Folk Art Copper Sculpture Man In Row Boat By S.J. Rossbach Circa 1966
Located in Toledo, OH
Unique Folk Art copper sculpture of a man in a rowboat by S. J. Rossbach circa 1966.
Category

1960s Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Copper

Gorgeous Blue Sellier Silk Scarf by Erre France
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Gorgeous Erre Paris silk scarf in mint pristine condition. Erre Foulards 100% Silk Square 34" x 34” Scarf. Designed by Terry Pheto and Princess Charlene of Monaco. Great gift 100 ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

Ghidini 1961 Fan Mirror in Brass by Studio ITO
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Ghidini 1961 fan mirror in brass by Tomek Rygalik Materials: Brass.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Mirror

Sheep Moneybox Pop Art, Silver, Made in Italy, 2022, New Collection
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
These splendid ceramic creations are born from the artistic laboratory of Mosche Bianche. The piggy bank, a means that has always been used to remind us of the importance of savi...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Sheep Moneybox Pop Art, White, Made in Italy, 2022, New Collection
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
These splendid ceramic creations are born from the artistic laboratory of Mosche Bianche. The piggy bank, a means that has always been used to remind us of the importance of savi...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Collection of 2 Moor Heads "Mars x 2", 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

Chessboard, Contemporary Design, Solid Oak & Valchromat, XXIst Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Chessboard, contemporary design, solid oak & valchromat, XXIst century. Chessboard in solid oak and valchromat, contemporary French cabinetmaking, 21st century. Production time: 4 t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Folk Art

Materials

Oak

Matt Moor Head Men Vase, 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

Russell Russ Graff Signed Hawaiian Artist Inlaid Carved Wood Bird Sculpture
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful. Whimsical piece by Hawain artist Russ Graff. Made from Hawaiian exotic and Kauai inlaid woods and a tree of natural driftwood. Signed an...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Moor Heads Vases "Mars with gold", Handmade in Italy, 2019, Home Decor
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

Maple wood photo frame by Giglio Florence Italy
Located in Lugo, IT
Maple wood photo frame signed Giglio Florence Italy Note the assembly technique (photo) Good condition. Thank you
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wood

"Tenderness" Native American Painting by Carol Theroux (USA 1930-2021)
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing "Tenderness" Native American Painting by Carol Theroux (USA 1930-2021), a captivating piece of art that encapsulates the profound ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wood, Paper

2 Moor Heads "Futuristic 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

Midcentury Abstract Turkish Handmade Striped Flat-Weave in Persimmon Coral, Blue
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Turkish flat-woven Kilim rug handmade during the mid-20th century. 3 offset sections with variating colors in persimmon, orange, coral, and dark blue are attached together ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Moor Heads Vases "Galaxy with Gold", 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

Sheep Moneybox Pop Art, Yellow, Made in Italy, 2022, New Collection
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
These splendid ceramic creations are born from the artistic laboratory of Mosche Bianche. The piggy bank, a means that has always been used to remind us of the importance of savi...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Koi Fish Installation Figure by Robert "Bob" Matheny
Located in San Diego, CA
Koi Fish installation figure by Southern California Artist Robert "Bob" Matheny. This piece was acquired at Robert Matheny’s estate. The piece is 16” in...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic, Wood

'Smile Through The Chaos', Outsider Artist Drew, 2021
Located in Hastings, GB
This piece is titled Smile Through The Chaos, painted in 2021 during lockdown and using an abandoned car park sign as the medium. Measuring 183cm wide x 93cm Height Drew is an 'Outsider' artist based on the Romney Marsh in Kent.Painting from his self built studio in the rural village of Lydd, Drew's creativity sees the use of found and salvaged materials and media throughout his work. This sustainable creativity sees the recycling of abandoned paints, varnishes and substitute base materials such as metal and wooden panelling...
Category

2010s British Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Sheep Moneybox Pop Art, Green, Made in Italy, 2022, New Collection
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
These splendid ceramic creations are born from the artistic laboratory of Mosche Bianche. The piggy bank, a means that has always been used to remind us of the importance of savi...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Sheep Moneybox Pop Art, Set of 2 Pieces, Made in Italy, 2022, New Collection
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
These splendid ceramic creations are born from the artistic laboratory of Mosche Bianche. The piggy bank, a means that has always been used to remind us of the importance of savi...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Medium Sculpture in Olive Wood by Rectangle Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Medium Sculpture in olive wood by Rectangle Studio Dimensions: 23 x 23 x 33 cm Materials: Solid Olive Wood It is collected from the roots and branches of different olive trees i...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Folk Art

Materials

Olive

Stoneware Silhouette Sculpture
Located in Denton, TX
Stoneware silhouette double sided sculpture.
Category

1970s Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Stoneware

Cardboard Cubist Study of Womans Head
Located in Peekskill, NY
I found this interesting cardboard study in a New York Flea Market almost 50 years ago. It been on the shelf all that time and never gave it a 2nd thought. Its unsigned and I have no idea if its important or not... It is what it is...
Category

Early 20th Century American Modern Folk Art

Materials

Paper

Russell Biles "Wee Baby" Black & Pink Porcelain Figurine
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine porcelain figurine. In the form of a black back doll with pink geometric patterns to the torso that is reminiscent of magma cracks in stone. By Russel Biles. A self-d...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Folk Art

Materials

Porcelain

1950's Modernist Painting, Landscape of a French Town
Located in Cirencester, GB
French town. by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century), stamped verso. Original watercolour/gouache painting on paper. Overall size: 9.5 x 12.5 inches. Condition: very good and ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Other

Large Mural of the Szechenyi Chain Bridge in Budapest Hungary
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous large painting, wall mural of the Chain Bridge in Budapest Hungary. 10 feet x 4 feet with all the trimmings that surrounds the Danube River. Bridge was mostly destroyed by f...
Category

1960s Hungarian Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Canvas, Paint

2011 Tai Ping & Edward Fields Nomad Collection Aria I 10x10 ft Wool Area Rug
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Aria I Wool Rug from the Nomad Collection, designed by Edward Fields for the Tai Ping Carpet Company. It was hand-tufted in China in 2011 us...
Category

2010s Chinese Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Terracota Glazed Anthropomorphic Sculpture Male and Female signed by Artist
Located in Van Nuys, CA
The male figure is cone-shaped, with arms gently cradling his hands to his stomach, embodying introspection. His surface features bold, abstract patterns and a glossy glaze. The fem...
Category

1960s Unknown Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Terracotta

Ghidini 1961 Mirror with Little Vase in Brass by Elisa Giovanni
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Mirror with decor and brass frame. A classic Renaissance monofora is the form that inspired the mirror. The arc is defined by brass profile rounded at the bottom, just like on a wind...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Brass

Original Framed Acrylic Painting on Wood Panel by K. Hall
Located in Malibu, CA
Original work of art, framed, acrylic painting on wood panel. "The Mistress", by artist Kimball Hall. Incorporates primary colors in a highly stylized cubist work of art. Created in ...
Category

1990s American Modern Folk Art

Materials

Hardwood

Painting 'October in the Cantina' by Sergio Agostini, Italy, 1960
By Sergio Agostini
Located in New York, NY
"Ottobre in Cantina" Painting, oil on canvas by Italian artist Sergio Agostini, Rome, 1960. Signed on lower left with sticker from original exhibition at Galleria L'88 on Via M...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Canvas

Signed Jan Il Yang Visual Abstract Wall Art with Gold Frame
Located in Medina, OH
Beautiful signed Jan Il Yang visual abstract art piece. In its original gorgeous gold frame in great condition. Jan Yang uses a metallic gold foil in his artwork which gives it a ve...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Metal

Tatra Truck Model from 1980s
Located in Vienna, Austria
Tatra truck model, large dimensioned in steel. The truck is made by a person, who worked his adult life for the company Tatra. In his retirement he build of all the Tatra trucks a...
Category

1980s Slovak Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Metal

Tatra Truck Model from 1980s
Tatra Truck Model from 1980s
$1,048 Sale Price
37% Off
'Rat Dog' Sculpture in Fiberglass by Finn Stone
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
We love this piece! Number 2 from an edition of 2, the other was sold recently on Saatchi online, and honestly we don't mind rat dog hanging around, he eats no...
Category

2010s English Modern Folk Art

Materials

Fiberglass

1950's French Modernist/ Cubist Painting Signed, Pianist & Violin Duet
Located in Cirencester, GB
The Pianist & Violin Duet by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century) signed original watercolour/ gouache painting on paper, unframed size: 11.75 x 8.75 inches condition: very go...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Other

Tribal Ceremonial Silver Ornament/Neckrings, Sculpture, Miao, Guizhou, Plus Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a great and important ceremonial neck rings ware by the people of the Minorities of China, the Golden triangle ,Mongolia and Tibet. These pieces were made of low content of s...
Category

20th Century Chinese Modern Folk Art

Materials

Metal

Lidya Buzio Signed New York Artist Hand Painted Pottery Ceramic Vessel Vase 1980
By Lidya Buzio
Located in Studio City, CA
A truly wonderful and whimsical work by Uruguayan-born American ceramist Lidya Buzio. This work was done when she was at her most prolific during her time in New York in the 1970s/ 1980s. Buzio is best known for her uniquely hand painted scenes of New York rooftops...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Terracotta

1997 Geometric Painting Hexagonal Frame Signed E. Powell, Victor Vasarely Style
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A one of a kind geometric op art painting featuring nested triangles within a hexagon. Bold blue, green, and red stripes alternate in direction to create depth and movement, evoking ...
Category

1990s Unknown Modern Folk Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Hand-Knotted Wool Rug in Deep Charcoal and Forest Green, Subtle Geometric Design
Located in Milano, IT
Bring understated sophistication to your space with this 10' x 14' hand-knotted wool rug from Jaipur Rugs, featuring a deep charcoal and forest green palette. The rug's subtle geomet...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Jute, Hemp

1950's French Modernist / Cubist Painting Signed, Bright Colour Shapes
Located in Cirencester, GB
Colourful shapes. by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century). Signed original watercolour/ gouache mounted painting on paper board, unframed Size: 8.5 x 5.75 inches. Condition: v...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Other

Inside Painted Crystal, "Scholars in Jiangnan" Snuff Bottle by Li Yingtao 2016
Located in Tainan, TW
Li Yingtao, an owner of Yizhenzhai, was born in Hengshui City in 1963. He was praised as a Chinese master of splashing color in inside painting, a Master of Arts and crafts in Hebei Province, and the founder of splashing color techniques in inside painting. By now, he has been teaching and passing down this technique to his students. Mr, Li Yingtao is one of the most outstanding disciples of the master of Chinese arts and crafts...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Folk Art

Materials

Rock Crystal

Nina M. Groves Master Quilter Small Geometric Wall Hanging Quilt
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A small wall hanging quilt by master quilter Nina M. Groves known for her famous Quilt barn trail which had designs of them painted on over 1000 bar...
Category

20th Century American Modern Folk Art

Materials

Fabric

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