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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Jaipur Rugs 8X10 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool Ivory Modern Moroccan Tribal Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Step into the serene elegance of 'Cobblestone Whispers,' a hand-knotted rug. Much like a stroll on freshly fallen snow, this rug features a ground color of white, with a light peach ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

1950's French Modernist/ Cubist Painting Signed, French Clock Tower
Located in Cirencester, GB
Artist/ School: Benard Labbe Title: The Old Church Medium: oil painting on board, unframed Size: board: 8.75 x 7.25 inches Provenance: priv...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Other

Lynn Basa, Abstract, Encaustic Painting, Black, White, Canvas, Wax, 1990s
Located in Manhasset, NY
Lynn Basa Encaustic black and white stripe panel "Three Ways of Looking Black" (signed and dated) 2013, Encaustic on Panel. This is part of our extensive ...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wood

1950's French Modernist/ Cubist Painting signed, French Chateau
Located in Cirencester, GB
French Chateau by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century) signed original watercolor/ gouache painting on artist paper, unframed size: 13 x 15 inches condition: very good and rea...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Other

Sheep Moneybox Pop Art, Lilac, 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

1950's Modernist Painting, Portrait of Figure on Gold
Located in Cirencester, GB
Gold man by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century), stamped verso original watercolor/gouache painting on paper overall size: 111.75 x 8.5 inches condition: very good and ready...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Other

1950's Modernist Painting, Lady Reflection in Mirror
Located in Cirencester, GB
Mirror reflection by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century), stamped verso original gouache/watercolour painting on board overall size: 11 x 8 inches condition: very good and re...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Other

1950's French Modernist Painting Signed
Located in Cirencester, GB
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century). signed original watercolour/ gouache painting on paper, unframed. Size: 11.5 x 9.5 inches. Co...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Other

1950's Signed Modernist Painting, Fine Drawing of Historic Fountain
Located in Cirencester, GB
Historic fountain by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century), stamped verso original gouache/watercolor painting on artist paper overall size: 25.5 x 19.5 inches condition: very ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Other

1950's Modernist Signed Painting, The Two Trees In Field
Located in Cirencester, GB
The Two Trees by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century), signed, stamped verso original watercolour/gouache painting on paper overall size: 14.5 x 11.5 inches condition: very g...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Other

1950's Modernist Signed Painting, Figures in French Town
Located in Cirencester, GB
French buildings by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century), signed, stamped verso original watercolor/ gouache painting on paper , overall size: 19.75 x 16.5 inches condition: ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Other

Jaipur Rugs 10X13 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool And Bamboo Silk Ivory Modern 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

Studio Ceramic Ribbed Goblet Vase
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A tall, stoneware ribbed cylindrical vase with imperfect forest green glaze on the body's ribbed portion. This would easily fit in sitting empty on a shelf as a decorative object, or...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware

Albert Chubac, Composition, Mixed-media on paper, Stamped, circa 1960, France.
Located in Nice, Cote d' Azur
Albert Chubac, Composition, Mixed-media on paper, Stamped, circa 1960, France. Measures: Height 1m73, width 70 cm, depth 1 cm. Albert Chubac was born in Geneva in 1920. After studying decorative...
Category

1960s French Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Paper

Balance Bliss Gold Fusion & Linen White 180x270 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
What happens when design transcends the ordinary and embodies a realm of perpetual harmony? Enter this exquisite hand-knotted rug, a testament to the timeless artistry thriving in ru...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Kayo Lennar "New York" Collage
Located in Astoria, NY
Kayo Lennar (French/American, b. 1923), "New York," collage, June 2008, signed and dated on reverse. Image: 21" H x 17" W; frame: 22.5" H x 18.5" W. Proven...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Folk Art

Materials

Paper

Misty Drifts Antique White & Light Sea Mist 170x240 cm Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Stunning hand knotted rug featuring a gorgeous flowy pattern in soothing hues, where antique white gracefully merges with light sea mist tones, creating a sophisticated ambiance. The...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Handmade Ceramic Accessories Ladybug Yellow
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

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

Jaipur Rugs 8X10 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool And Bamboo Silk Beige & Brown Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Immerse yourself in the contemporary allure of this hand-knotted rug , meticulously crafted in rural India. The natural gray base meets a liquorice border, framing geometric designs ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Nightfall Noir Deep Navy & Deep Navy 180x270 cm Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
The artistic beauty is a sublime addition to any living space, seamlessly blending aesthetic charm with unparalleled comfort. Elevating the ambiance, this rug not only enhances the v...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Crossroads Elegance Medium Gray & Snow White 195X295 cm Hand Tufted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Artistry meets architecture in this hand-tufted rug from the collection - Concoction, a modern masterpiece by Shantanu Garg. Inspired by Garg's fusion of Indian design and global aes...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

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

Neutral Dunes Light Camel & Light Camel 180x270 cm Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
This rug is a splendid embodiment of timeless elegance and contemporary design, creating a sophisticated focal point for any living space. This rectangular rug features a captivating...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Jute

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

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

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 inspired by the elements of water, air, fire and earth, is born from the concept of play as an existential condition. The FIRE board, as the all collection, is made of epoxy eco resin. The edge of the boards are surrounded by an assembled frame made of wood, while the pawns are also made of resin, decorated one by one with the symbol of fire. The game boards are accompanied by an elegant packaging made by hand in cotton and linen. The product includes: - The board -open with magnets between the two sides: cm 27 x 28,8 x 0,8 H close: cm 27 x 14,4 x 0,8 - 30 customized pawns (diameter. cm 2 x 0,5) - pawn's case (cm 14,4 x 5,2 x 2,6 H) - 4 dice...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Epoxy Resin

Jaipur Rugs 8X10 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool & Silk Ivory Modern Abstract Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Are you looking for a handmade rug that can be the transformative touch your space craves? Dive into the exquisite allure of this modern hand-knotted rug . Meticulously crafted in ru...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

Mask by Accolay pottery, France, between 1947 and 1983
Located in Paris, FR
Mask by Accolay pottery, active between 1947 and 1983, signed
Category

20th Century French Modern Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Jaipur Rugs 8X10 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Bamboo Silk Beige And Brown Modern 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

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

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

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

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Epoxy Resin

Jaipur Rugs 6X9 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Bamboo Silk And Zari Ivory Modern 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

African Bantu Art, Expressive, Surrealistic Gouache by Marcel Gotène
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,...
Category

1980s Congolese Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Gold Leaf

Jaipur Rugs 8X10 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool And Silk Blue Modern Abstract Rug
Located in Milano, IT
What happens when the language of design transcends the realms of hand and machine? The answer lies in the Modern Hand-Knotted Rug . Unveiling the raw beauty of unpolished yarn knots...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

Artisan Assemblage Ashwood & Soft Coral 180x270 cm Hand Tufted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Have you ever imagined transforming your living space into a canvas of contemporary art? Introducing our modern, hand-tufted rug, meticulously crafted in rural India. Embracing a bol...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Bela Szeift - Qualifying Race
Located in Branford, CT
Bela Szeift - Qualifying Race 2008. Mixed media. Walercolor and collage on paper. Unframed. 1944 born in Gödöllő Hungary 1959 Transportation Club - Circle of Fine Arts (teacher:...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hungarian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Paper

21st Almeria Wireless Tall Floor Lantern
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Inspired by our iconic Almeria baskets collection, Pinetti introduces a brand new family of lanterns. Wireless and USB rechargeable these lamps are made with hand-woven plastic modu...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Leather, Plastic

Arborium Cashew & Flax 240x300 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Are you ready to bring the mesmerizing essence of the ocean into your home? Introducing Arborium from the Woven Gems collection, a masterpiece born from the collaboration between and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

Olinalá Mexican Traditional Lacquer, Silver Leaf and Oil Painting Art Urns
Located in Mexico City, MX
Three urns, two trays, one gourd. Turned solid cedar wood; maque and lacquer carving; silver leaf; oil painting. Commemoration, ceremony, and veneration of the ancestral are acts...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silver Leaf

Face Sculpture from Vallauris, Stoneware, signed by Isabelle Vigo
Located in Munich, DE
Signed stoneware sculpture by the French sculptor Isabell Vigo. Raw , unglazed stoneware.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Folk Art

Materials

Stoneware

Raoul Raba, yellow sculpture, light wall panel, circa 1970, France.
By Raoul Raba
Located in Nice, Cote d' Azur
Raoul Raba, yellow sculpture, light wall panel, gold lacquered metal, circa 1970, France. Height 144 cm, diameter 124 cm.
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Metal

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
$2,320 Sale Price
20% Off
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
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

Qercus Rubra #1 by Marco Bellini
Located in Geneve, CH
Qercus Rubra #1 by Marco Bellini. Dimensions: 33 H x 44 W cm Materials: Red oak Fire, beeswax. Marco was born in the middle of the rice fields of Vercelli, Italy, during the Y...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Oak

Ceramic mask by Accolay, France, active between 1947 and 1983
Located in Paris, FR
Mask by Accolay Pottery, active between 1945 and 1983, signed
Category

20th Century French Modern Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Jaipur Rugs 6'6X9'10 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool & Silk Ivory Transitional Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Immerse your space in the harmonious dance of this hand-knotted rug that transcends conventional boundaries. Like a contemporary symphony, its dark ivory canvas and nickel border ble...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

Hand-Knotted Jaipur Wool Rug in Classic Gray, Subtle Textural Pattern
Located in Milano, IT
This 8' x 10' hand-knotted rug from Jaipur Rugs, in a soothing classic gray, offers a sophisticated, understated design perfect for versatile interior styling. The rug is meticulousl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Other

Mystical Horizon Aruba Blue & Cloud White 180X163 cm Hand Tufted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
What whispers of inspiration flow through the intricate fibers of this Modern Hand Tufted Rug, lovingly crafted in the rural heartlands of India? Embodying a captivating aura of comp...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Galactic Dreamscape Ashwood & Capri 150x240 cm Handtufted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Like an ethereal painting of the cosmos, this modern rug transports you to a realm where the boundaries between reality and imagination blur. Handma...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Set of 12 Custom Finely Framed Scottish Postcards, Vintage Catherine Reiss Inc
Located in Manhasset, NY
Set of 12 custom framed Scottish postcards, vintage Catherine Reiss Inc. Six framed group of cards with two in each frame.
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Glass, Wood

Handmade Ceramic Accessories Dragonfly 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

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

Modern Relic Undyed White & Medium Tan 270x360 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Embrace the essence of timeless elegance with a touch of unexpected charm. This hand-knotted rug embodies the perfect balance between classic design and modern innovation. Its undyed...
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

Hand Woven Navy/Lilac Modern Blanket Double Sided Patterned Bed Throw Woven inUK
Located in London, GB
For this woven blanket We work closely with a 300 year old mill in Sudbury, Essex, UK. We have the utmost respect for their approach to making fabrics, their knowledge and experience...
Category

2010s English Modern Folk Art

Materials

Cotton

"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

Hand-Knotted Jaipur Wool Rug in Ebony and Charcoal Slate, Ombre Textured Pattern
Located in Milano, IT
This hand-knotted 9' x 12' Jaipur wool rug in deep ebony and charcoal slate exudes a modern, understated elegance. Crafted by skilled artisans, the rug's subtle textural pattern adds...
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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