Ira Hudson
Early 20th Century American Decoys
Wood
Recent Sales
Vintage 1910s American Folk Art Decoys
Pine
Vintage 1940s American Folk Art Decoys
Wood
People Also Browsed
2010s English Modern Sofas
Upholstery
Early 20th Century French Folk Art Wall Mirrors
Wood, Mirror
Late 20th Century American Taxidermy
Animal Skin
Antique Late 19th Century English Early Victorian Fireplaces and Mantels
Iron
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Brass
Vintage 1910s French Industrial Apothecary Cabinets
Oak
20th Century Canadian Country Cabinets
Wood
Antique Early 1800s Spanish French Provincial Side Chairs
Poplar
Vintage 1970s American Hollywood Regency Benches
Faux Bamboo, Wood
Antique 1890s American Adirondack Native American Objects
Wood
Antique 19th Century English Early Victorian Sofas
Leather
Vintage 1960s Swedish Gustavian Dining Room Tables
Wood
Antique 1890s American Folk Art Decorative Baskets
Cane, Oak
Antique Late 19th Century American Folk Art Primitives
Oak, Paint, Reed
Antique 18th Century English Georgian Desks
Mahogany
Antique Early 18th Century English William and Mary Dining Room Tables
Walnut
Finding the Right Decoys for You
Vintage, new and antique decoys have become fashionable decor in modern homes.
The history of decoy ducks, shorebirds, geese and other waterfowl as part of the folk art tradition stretches back thousands of years. Tule duck decoys made between 400 B.C. and 100 A.D. by Indigenous people for use in hunting have been found in Nevada that are similar to decoys still in use today.
Waterfowl decoys are now often made of plastic and foam, but vintage duck decoys from the mid-19th to early 20th century were frequently made of wood. Canvas duck decoys were popularized from the 1920s to ’40s as a lightweight alternative. These folk art pieces feature hand-painted feathers and long, flat bodies, lending themselves well to display in living rooms on shelves and in cabinets.
One of the fascinating aspects of handcrafted waterfowl decoys is their regional variation to match the local birds. For example, German decoys are regularly decorated with green and gray paints, making them look like mallard ducks. Scandinavian decoys are typically black and white, resembling the common eider.
Either option could be a rustic treasure for one’s home, adding a touch of eclectic art to any room. Browse antique, new and vintage decoys on 1stDibs today.
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