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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
"Rue de Lyon" Abstract Architectural Painting on Canvas by Louis Shields, 2020
Located in Middleburg, VA
A luminous meditation on memory and structure, "Rue dy Lyon" by Louis Shields offers a poetic abstraction of place, where echoes of architectural form rise through veils of pigment a...
Category

2010s American Modern Folk Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic, Paint

Handmade Ceramic Accessories Ladybug Red
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

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

N.07 Hiding with Art
Located in Levent, TR
LIMITED EDITION 30 SIGNED, SERIAL NUMBER AND CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY GUILTY PLEASURE COLLECTION YEAR 2024 “Hiding With Art Folding Screen,” a breathtaking masterpiece born from ...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wood, Paint

Bright Bold Postmodern Cubist Abstract Portrait Painting, Signed
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A fabulous piece for the Postmodern art lover. This piece features cubist lines, bright bold colors and wonderful texture. It depicts a portrait of a figure, and is titled “Japanese Hair Salon...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Folk Art

Materials

Paint, Paper

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

Vintage Warren Fischer Figurative Abstract Painting On Linen Canvas
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Warren Fischer Figurative Abstract Painting on linen canvas Offered for sale is a figurative abstract painting on linen canvas by ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Folk Art

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Linen, Paint

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

Jaipur Rugs 10X14 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool Ivory Modern Moroccan Rug
Located in Milano, IT
This exquisite rug from our Manifest collection is a celebration of nature's simplicity, showcasing an undyed white and natural mink color palette that ex...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

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

Hand-Knotted Wool Rug in Winter White and Snow White, Elegant Minimalist Design
Located in Milano, IT
This 4' x 5' hand-tufted wool rug from Jaipur Rugs features a serene palette of winter white and snow white, designed for a sophisticated minimalist look. Crafted by master artisans,...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Contemporary Handmade Turkish Folk Rug with a Distressed Appeal in Charcoal
Located in New York, NY
A handmade vintage Turkish Sparta rug that has been over dyed charcoal black and given a distressed appeal with hand knotted raised plush piles to form the quirky offset medallion an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

"Mosaic" Rug by Keith Pillow: DAAA Haus in Ebony/Cherry, from Jaipur Rugs.
Located in Milano, IT
This exquisite hand tufted area rug is a modern masterpiece that seamlessly blends artistry and functionality. Crafted from a luxurious blend of 60% wool, 20% cotton, and 20% viscose...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Mid Century Abstract Sculptural Carved Stone Figures by Artist Louise Abrams
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic carved stone depicting multiple configurations of a couple embracing. Handmade and carved by outsider artist Louise Abrams. Beautiful green...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Stone

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

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Still Life by Oris Robertson
By Oris Robertson
Located in Pasadena, TX
Still Life in Oil by Oris Roberstson 1970s Still life of ceramics in a neutral palette by Texas artist Oris Robertson. Oris Robertson was a prolific visual artist, he started...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Paint

Still Life by Oris Robertson
Still Life by Oris Robertson
$2,030 Sale Price
30% Off
"Vijay Path" Ghanaian Movie Poster
Located in Chicago, IL
Vijaypath was a Bollywood action hit in 1994. It's critically acclaimed soundtrack topped charts across the world and became one of the most recognizable in India's history. The film's international success is evident in this hand-painted advertisement...
Category

Late 20th Century Ghanaian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Fabric

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

1970s Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Stoneware

Tall Abstract Cubist Portrait Painting of a Woman in Pink and Black, Signed
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A striking skinny portrait painting of a woman. This piece is tall and skinny and depicts a woman in pink and purple on a matte black background. The lines are cubist or abstract in ...
Category

20th Century American Modern Folk Art

Materials

Paint, Paper

Silk Trellis Ashwood & Honey 180 Round cm Hand Knotted Rug
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

Alma Ibacache 3D Debossed Painted Copper Metal Wall Art Brazilian Lumberjack
Located in Philadelphia, PA
(Believed to be) Alma Ibacache 3D Debossed Painted Copper Metal Wall Art "Brazilian Lumberjack". Believed to be Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 39" H x 27.5" W x 2" D.
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Folk Art

Materials

Copper

African Bantu Art, Expressive, Surrealistic Gouache by Marcel Gotène 1980s
Located in Salzburg, AT
The famous painter, Marcel Gotène (Icon of the contemporary Bantu art) combines surrealistic impressions with modern tapisserie elements. Born in 1935 in Yaba, Republic of Kongo - d...
Category

1980s Congolese Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silver Leaf

Modern Large Square Acrylic Painting on Canvas, France 1990s
Located in Dallas, TX
"Prisoner" painting by Philippe Delhom; named after the English television shows that starred Patrick McGoohan, in the end 1960s in Great Britain. Th...
Category

1990s French Modern Folk Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic, Paint

Martin Sumers (1922-2012), Untitled, 1999 Figural Oil on Board
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Martin Sumers, “Untitled”, 1999. Vibrant and electric Teals, Greens, Blues, Oranges and Peaches set within a Gold frame. Oil on Board Dimensions: Frame: 26”H x 16.25”w x 2”D Sit...
Category

1990s American Modern Folk Art

Materials

Paint

Wall Painting ''Amber Flower'' Stay
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Wall Painting “Amber Flower” Stay by Malerba The “Amber Flower” wall painting from the Stay collection by Malerba is an elegant decorative accessory suitable for the living ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wood

2011 Tai Ping & Edward Fields Aria I Nomad Collection Hand Tufted 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

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

Vintage 1958 Jos. Schiltz Large 73" Lighted Brewing Beer Advertisement Bar Sign
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage 1958 Jos. Schiltz Large 73" Lighted Brewing Beer Advertisement Bar Sign. Item features a large impressive size, fluorescent lighted bulb interior, wonderful color, original l...
Category

1950s Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Metal

Limited Edition Devotion Omnia Gray Rug
Located in Milan, IT
Combining the traditional weaving and modern technology, this elegant limited edition rug is entirely hand-tufted in India from refined bamboo silk...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Textile

Ceramic vide-poche by Roger Capron, France, 1970's
Located in Paris, FR
Vide-poche by Roger Capron, black ceramic, signed
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Handmade Ceramic Accessories Scorpion Sand
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

Exceptional Life Size Wicker and Bamboo Racing Motorcycle
Located in Hastings, GB
A superb sculpture in the form of a racing motorcycle, using wicker rattan and bamboo the detailing on this piece is fantastic, even down to the rear inter...
Category

1980s English Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wicker

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

Celestial Equinox Ebony & Cinnabar 150x240 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
How does one capture the essence of perpetual balance in design? Explore the enigmatic allure of this hand-knotted rug, meticulously crafted in rural India. Adorned with designs osci...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Jaipur Rugs 6X9 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool Ivory Modern Moroccan & Tribal Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Do you wish to create a design statement that effortlessly adapts to various decor styles while retaining its unique character? Then this exquisite rug from our Manifest collection i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

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

Infinity Horizon Capri & Peacock Blue 150x240 cm Hand Tufted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Embark on a celestial journey with this modern hand-tufted rug, a tapestry of the cosmos. Like a masterpiece painting, it envisions an unseen world where pastel hues merge with elusi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Jaipur Rugs 6X9 Feet Hand Tufted Carpet Wool Ivory Modern Floral & Tropical 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

Handmade Magenta Ceramic Bowl With Handles
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Exquisite magenta ceramic bowl with gracefully curved handles. A striking blend of form and function. Measurements: 4” h x 14” w
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Elf Doby from Harry Potter series in real life size
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Elf Doby from Harry Potter series hand carved from a walnut tree in real life size.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Slovak Modern Folk Art

Materials

Walnut

Inside Painted Crystal, "Rainy Day" Snuff Bottle by Zhang Zenlou, 2012
Located in Tainan, TW
Zhang Zenglou was born in Hebei Province in 1956. He is a master of contemporary Chinese inside painted snuff bottle in Ji school. He is cu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Folk Art

Materials

Rock Crystal

James Dewoody original art, circa 1980s. "Lexington Avenue at 48th Street"
Located in Houston, TX
James Dewoody original art, circa 1980s. "Lexington Avenue at 48th Street" Numbered in graphite, lower left AP 6 Signed Dewoodys work is currently on d...
Category

1980s North American Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wood, Paper

Hallway Runner Beige Area Rug
Located in Basildon, London
The Hallway Runner Beige Area Rug adds a touch of elegance and comfort to any hallway. Its neutral color and high-quality materials make it a versatile...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Folk Art

Materials

Fabric

Hallway Runner Beige Area Rug
Hallway Runner Beige Area Rug
$543 Sale Price
50% Off
Gabriele Puetz Pillow Pillar 'Nichts' Vintage German Art Pottery Sculpture # 5/7
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Gabriele Pütz vintage abstract realism ceramic artwork made in Germany, 1982. This work is made of a round clay tower / pillar with pillow edge details. On the body of the tower is w...
Category

1980s German Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic, Clay

Modern Backgammon Travel Game Handmade Epoxy Resin Handpainted Limited Edition
Located in Milan, IT
The Backgammon Board is a handmade limited edition collection (100 pieces) designed by the young Milan based Valeria Molinari for Dilmos. The project, composed of four boards inspire...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Epoxy Resin

Jaipur Rugs 6'6X9'10 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool And Bamboo Silk Grey Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Have you caught yourself intrigued by the dance of candlelight on glass, or the mesmerizing patterns seen through a prism? The modern rug draws inspiration from these constantly evol...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

"Sharp is the Action" Mask Sculpture by Dave Root, High-Fire Stoneware, Signed
Located in Kansas City, MO
From a series of masks and heads, "Sharp is the Action" is a tabletop sculpture inspired by the masks and heads made throughout Oceania. Landing in the nebulous zone between ceremony...
Category

2010s American Modern Folk Art

Materials

Stoneware

Pierre Adrien Ekman (1904_1993), painting on wood panel, circa 1960, France.
Located in Nice, Cote d' Azur
Pierre Adrien Ekman (1904_1993), paint and gold leaf on canvas mounted on wood panel, imaginary theater set, circa 1960, France. Height 1m29, widt...
Category

1960s French Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Paint

Origami Bliss Dark Ivory & Oyster 150X210 cm Hand Tufted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Ever wondered if a rug could be a captivating canvas of modern art for your floor? presents a hand-tufted masterpiece, born in the hands of skilled artisans in rural India. This rug ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Inside Painted Crystal, "After Rain" Snuff Bottle by Fu Guoshun, 2014
Located in Tainan, TW
Fu Guoshun was born at Hebei in 1954. He was complimented as a Master of Chinese arts and crafts in 2012. It is the highest honor for an inside painting artist. There are only ten artists who earned this glory. He is also the director of China International Painting and Calligraphy Association, vice chairman of China Snuff Bottle Professional Committee, and vice-chairman of Hebei Inside painted snuff bottle Association. Since 1977, he has been studying the art of inside painting under Wang Xisan. Fu Guoshun is one of the best artists in Ji school. Mr Fu Guoshun's inside paintings are exquisite. His works include landscapes, figures, animals, flowers, and birds to calligraphy with comprehensive skills. In addition, his professions are known for their elegance, flexibility, and light. With the three superb skills of poetry, calligraphy, and painting, there are only a handful of artists who can match up in the field of snuff bottles. It is difficult to find other artists who could compare his paintings from an artistic perspective when it comes to inside painted snuff bottles...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Folk Art

Materials

Crystal

Charismatic Cityscape Deep Navy & Deep Navy 168x240 cm Hand Tufted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Captivated by the vibrant essence of Jaipur, have you ever longed to bring its enchanting allure into your home? Enter the Jaipur Wunderkammer Collection by Matteo Cibic, a testament...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Beautiful sculpture by Pol Spilliaert
By Pol Spilliaert
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Splendide sculpture par Pol Spilliaert en marbre noir de Belgique. Superbe présence, très jolie ronde bosse. Chaque pan de la sculpture est travaillée. Elle provient de son atelier.
Category

1970s Belgian Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Belgian Black Marble

Large Percisionist ModerN Oil Painting on Canvas by Allan Lorne Hecker
By Allan & Co.
Located in Buffalo, NY
Large Percisionist ModerN Oil Painting on Canvas by Canadian artist Allan Lorne Hecker,,Titled "A Calder walking to the park" Hand executed.. Great use of color, TEXTURE and space..
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

Hand-Tufted Wool Rug in Natural Gray and Anthracite Contemporary Abstract Design
Located in Milano, IT
This 5' x 8' hand-tufted rug from Jaipur Rugs features a sophisticated palette of natural gray and anthracite, showcasing an abstract, contemporary design. Made from premium wool, th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

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

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Aboriginal Diptyque Paintings by Raelene Kerinauia
By Raelene Kerinauia
Located in Atlanta, GA
A lovely diptyque paintings by Australian Aboriginal artist Raelene Kerinauia (1962- ). Born in 1962 (Tiwi People), Wurrumiyanga, Mantiyupwi Country, Bathurst Island, Northern Terri...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Australian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Canvas

Lustrous Moonlit Velvet Red & Tea Rose 170x240 cm Handtufted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Ever dreamed of bringing the vibrant spirit of Jaipur into your home? Introducing the Hand Tufted Rug from the Jaipur Wunderkammer Collection by Matteo Cibic. Inspired by Jaipur's un...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Nature's Luminescence Bristol Blue & Bristol Blue 180x270 cm Handtufted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
What if you could bring the ethereal dance of light in nature into your living space? Enter our Handtufted Rug, meticulously crafted to capture the mesmerizing gradient hues inspired...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

"Long Lost" Is a Unique Spiritual Icon Painting Created in 2007
Located in Copenhagen, DK
An original signed acrylic painting on canvas by Danish-Grenadian artist Boris de Freitas (1969-) titled "long lost", 2007.
Category

Early 2000s Danish Modern Folk Art

Materials

Acrylic

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

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

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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