Rustic Antiquities
RUSTIC STYLE
For some, the phrase “rustic style” suggests a house like “La Pitchoune,” the late chef Julia Child’s cottage in Provence, with its exposed wooden beams and well-worn antique furniture. For others, rustic furnishings and decor prompt images of a place like the Lake Placid Lodge in Upstate New York, with its stone fireplaces and knotty pine paneling. Indeed, rustic furniture design takes many forms: twig furniture, a plank trestle table, a hand-stitched quilt, a chandelier made of deer antlers.
The rustic style originated in the late 1800s in England, where it was heavily influenced by Romanticism. By the 20th century, it had spread to the United States, adopted by wealthy New Yorkers and the National Park Service alike. Although there are many categories of rustic furniture, one of the most popular and familiar manifestations of the style is Adirondack furniture and the low-slung 1903 Thomas Lee Adirondack chair.
Rustic design is perhaps mostly about texture and humble materials: hand-hewn reclaimed wood, woven rush seating, wrought iron, coarse stone and weathered metal. As a decor, it exudes warmth and honesty, while a single piece of countrified design adds an intriguing visual counterpoint in a sleek, modern environment.
Easily identifiable by its rough textures, earthy colors and natural materials, rustic wares help bring the beauty of the outdoors inside.
As you can see on 1stDibs, vintage rustic chairs, dining tables and other pieces of rustic furniture offer endless inspiration.
to
24
25
9
7
5
5
4
3
3
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
5
20
17
2
1
13
8
4
3
2
25
23
22
1
1
25
25
25
1
Style: Rustic
Japanese Antique Stone Display Stand / Objet / Before 1868s / Wabi-Sabi Mingei
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is an old stone stand in Japan.
I don't know the details if it was used as a stand for beating straw, but it seems to be before the end of the Edo period.
The round silhouette...
Category
Mid-19th Century Japanese Antique Rustic Antiquities
Materials
Stone
Chinese Woven River Basket, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Centuries ago, a woven reed fisherman’s basket such as this would have been common in rural China as an everyday item, used until it became worn through. This example from the mid-19...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Rustic Antiquities
Materials
Reed
Chinese Woven Bamboo Flower Basket, c. 1940s
Located in Chicago, IL
Woven with precious scale and delicate artistry, this small flower basket from the early 20th century is a lovely example of traditional Chinese basketry. The basket is woven of thin...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Rustic Antiquities
Materials
Bamboo
Antique Large Blanket Chest
Located in New York, NY
Antique blanket chest with beautiful remnants of the original color. The original hardware is intact. Used to store handwoven blankets from Sumatra. Circa 1950.
This blanket chest w...
Category
1950s Indonesian Vintage Rustic Antiquities
Materials
Wood, Reclaimed Wood, Paint
Chinese Black Lacquer Woven Basket, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Dated to the early 20th-century, this rustic basket is tightly woven of reeds or bamboo and coated in a putty-like mixture of lacquer and sawdust known as thayo. The thayo coating pr...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Rustic Antiquities
Materials
Wire
Chinese Dou Rice Measure, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This rustic container was made over a hundred years ago to measure and hold a dou of rice, a traditional Chinese unit of volume. The rice measure has a square form with tapered sides...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Rustic Antiquities
Materials
Elm
Petite Chinese Gathering Basket, c. 1940s
Located in Chicago, IL
Woven with precious scale and delicate artistry, this petite bamboo basket from the early 20th century is a beautiful example of traditional Chinese basketry. Hand-crafted in southwe...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Rustic Antiquities
Materials
Bamboo
Vintage Chinese Woven Bamboo Tray Basket
Located in Chicago, IL
This shallow basket of hand-woven bamboo is a beautiful example of traditional Chinese basketry. Used for harvesting grain or as a kitchen vessel for food prep, the large, round tray...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Rustic Antiquities
Materials
Bamboo
Chinese Woven Bamboo Flower Basket, c. 1940s
Located in Chicago, IL
Woven with precious scale and delicate artistry, this small flower basket from the early 20th century is a charming example of traditional Chinese basketry. The basket is woven of th...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Rustic Antiquities
Materials
Bamboo
Petite Chinese Sticky Rice Basket
Located in Chicago, IL
This woven basket from Guizhou province celebrates the beautiful simplicity of a hand-woven object. Expertly woven of thin bamboo strips, the little basket was originally used for pr...
Category
20th Century Chinese Rustic Antiquities
Materials
Bamboo
Petite Chinese Gathering Basket, c. 1940s
Located in Chicago, IL
Woven with precious scale and delicate artistry, this petite bamboo basket from the early 20th century is a beautiful example of traditional Chinese basketry. Hand-crafted in southwe...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Rustic Antiquities
Materials
Bamboo
Petite Chinese Bamboo Flower Basket, c. 1940s
Located in Chicago, IL
Woven with precious scale and delicate artistry, this petite flower basket from the early 20th century is a lovely example of traditional Chinese basketry. The small basket is woven ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Rustic Antiquities
Materials
Bamboo
Petite Chinese Gathering Basket, c. 1940s
Located in Chicago, IL
Woven with precious scale and delicate artistry, this petite bamboo basket from the early 20th century is a beautiful example of traditional Chinese basketry. Hand-crafted in southwe...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Rustic Antiquities
Materials
Bamboo
Antique Chinese Water Bucket, Early 20th Century
Located in Chappaqua, NY
Antique Chinese Water Bucket, early 20th century. Cylindrical form with carved handle. Original iron fittings.
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Rustic Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Chinese Woven River Basket, circa 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
Centuries ago, a woven reed fisherman’s basket such as this would have been common in rural China as an everyday item, used until it became worn through. This hand-woven example rema...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Rustic Antiquities
Materials
Reed, Wood
Provincial Chinese Trunk Mortar, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This large wooden mortar dates to the late 19th century and was originally used for crushing rice, grain, spices and other foodstuffs. Carved from a single tree trunk, the mortar has...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Rustic Antiquities
Materials
Iron
Petite Chinese Gathering Basket, c. 1940s
Located in Chicago, IL
Woven with precious scale and delicate artistry, this petite bamboo basket from the early 20th century is a beautiful example of traditional Chinese basketry. Hand-crafted in southwe...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Rustic Antiquities
Materials
Bamboo
Chinese Black Lacquer Woven Plate, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This small woven tray from the early 20th century celebrates the beautiful simplicity of a hand-woven object. The round plate is shaped from tightly woven reeds or bamboo and finishe...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Rustic Antiquities
Materials
Rattan
Petite Chinese Gathering Basket, c. 1940s
Located in Chicago, IL
Woven with precious scale and delicate artistry, this petite bamboo basket from the early 20th century is a beautiful example of traditional Chinese basketry. Hand-crafted in southwe...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Rustic Antiquities
Materials
Bamboo
Chinese Woven Bamboo Flower Basket, c. 1940s
Located in Chicago, IL
Woven with precious scale and delicate artistry, this small flower basket from the early 20th century is a lovely example of traditional Chinese basketry. The basket is woven of thin...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Rustic Antiquities
Materials
Bamboo
Chinese Wooden Headrest, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Made of Chinese northern elmwood, this smooth block of wood was once used by an upper-class woman as a headrest. The soft curve and height of the block not only supported her head an...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Rustic Antiquities
Materials
Elm
Chinese Split Bamboo Headrest, circa 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Crafted from lengths of split bamboo, this headrest enabled contour comfort, quite luxurious for 19th century, China. Lightweight and low-profile, it was the perfect accessory for a ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Rustic Antiquities
Materials
Bamboo
Chinese Bent Handle Fisherman
s Basket, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Basket making is an ancient and humble craft, but in the hands of a skilled weaver a simple willow basket becomes a truly beautiful statement. The artisan’s mastery is evident in thi...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Rustic Antiquities
Materials
Wood, Willow
19th Century Pair of Carved Turkish Bins
Located in Wainscott, NY
This pair of cylindrical storage bins exemplifies traditional Ottoman craftsmanship from the 19th century. Both containers are constructed from wood and feature fitted lids secured w...
Category
19th Century Turkish Antique Rustic Antiquities
Materials
Wood
$1,200 / set
Chinese Slatted Bamboo Headrest, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Made out of dexterous lengths of sliced bamboo this headrest enabled contour comfort—quite luxurious for 19th-century China. Lightweight and low-profile, it was the perfect accessory...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Rustic Antiquities
Materials
Bamboo
Related Items
Japanese Antique Ceramic Vase - Japandi Wabi-Sabi
Located in Chiba, Chiba
A Japanese antique ceramic vase with a calm, understated presence shaped by time.
Although an older piece, it remains in good condition with no cracks or chips, retaining the integri...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Rustic Antiquities
Materials
Pottery
Mid-20th Century Chinese Woven Reed Basket
Located in Chicago, IL
A mid-20th century Chinese woven reed gathering basket with a thick bentwood handle attached with simple iron straps, and covered in lacquered fa...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Rustic Antiquities
Materials
Reed
Wooden Flower Stand, Japanese Antique, Wabi-Sabi, Mingei
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This is an antique wooden flower stand from the Meiji period.
At the time, it was used as a workbench by craftsmen.
There are small marks on it, probably from using a hammer.
A clo...
Category
Early 20th Century Rustic Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Chinese Rice Barrel
Located in San Francisco, CA
A decorative wooden Chinese rice barrel.
Category
Early 20th Century Rustic Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Japanese Old Iron Block 1950s-1970s / Display stand Wabi Sabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an old Japanese iron block, estimated to have been made in the early Showa period (1950s–1970s). At the time, it was used in ironworks as an anvil or workbench. Decades of us...
Category
Late 20th Century Japanese Rustic Antiquities
Materials
Iron
Bleached blanket chest trunk, France, 1940s
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Description:
This exquisite bleached oak chest blanket, crafted in France during the 1940s, is a stunning example of Gothic-inspired design. The chest combines the timeless elegance...
Category
1940s Vintage Rustic Antiquities
Materials
Oak
Antique English Trunk Coffer Blanket Chest Carved Oak Foyer Table Wedding c1820
Located in Shreveport, LA
19th century Antique English Trunk coffer blanket Chest Carved Oak Foyer table.
Direct from England, a wonderfully hand carved English “coffer”,...
Category
1820s British Antique Rustic Antiquities
Materials
Oak
$1,550
H 34.5 in W 48.5 in D 20.5 in
1940s Mid-Century Modern Wicker Picnic Basket, Hand-Woven Bamboo
Located in Valencia, VC
Beautiful vintage Mid-Century picnic basket/case. In very good condition as it was never used.
Lined with a gingham blue and white fabric.
Made by unknown manufacturer in France ...
Category
1940s French Vintage Rustic Antiquities
Materials
Bamboo, Wicker
$499 Sale Price
36% Off
H 8.27 in W 18.51 in D 12.6 in
Early American Tall Blanket Chest with One Drawer
Located in Sheffield, MA
Antique pine American country blanket chest. The wood has great patina and a deep rich warm tone. The tall lift top chest has one dovetailed drawer below with original drawer pulls. ...
Category
19th Century American Antique Rustic Antiquities
Materials
Pine
Japanese Antique Cabinets, Wabi Sabi, Japandi
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This is an antique Japanese-style cabinet made in the Meiji period.
The texture of the black lacquer, smoked with soot from the hearth, has a unique depth and charm that is unlike a...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Rustic Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Japanese old wood stand / Exhibition stand wabi-sabi / primitive wood stand /
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This display stand is made by combining old wooden sleepers with a newly made tabletop.
The top of the display stand is finished with cashew paint, like lacquer, and has a jet blac...
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Rustic Antiquities
Materials
Wood
$1,000
H 41.74 in W 8.86 in D 6.7 in
Japanese Antique Stone Mortar 1860s-1900s / Stone Bowl Object Wabi Sabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an old Japanese stone “yagen” (medicine grinder), believed to have been used during the Meiji period (1860s–1900s).
Though simple in form, it carries with it the silent prese...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Rustic Antiquities
Materials
Stone
$700
H 6.7 in W 10.24 in D 10.24 in
Previously Available Items
Vintage Chinese Woven Bamboo Tray Basket
Located in Chicago, IL
This shallow basket of hand-woven bamboo is a beautiful example of traditional Chinese basketry. Used for harvesting grain or as a kitchen vessel for food prep, the large, round tray...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Rustic Antiquities
Materials
Bamboo
Japanese Antique Large Wooden Mortar / Flowerpot / Wabi-sabi
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is a large Japanese mortar.
The material is Zelkoba, and it seems to be around the Meiji period.
It is characterized by the strong wood grain and black surface of Zelkoba.
It...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Rustic Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Chinese Woven River Basket, circa 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
Centuries ago, a woven reed fisherman’s basket such as this would have been common in rural China as an everyday item, used until it became worn through. This 19th-century example re...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Rustic Antiquities
Materials
Reed, Wood
Chinese Woven River Basket, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Centuries ago, a woven reed fisherman’s basket such as this would have been common in rural China as an everyday item, used until it became worn through. This hand-woven example rema...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Rustic Antiquities
Materials
Wood, Reed
Chinese Woven River Basket, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Centuries ago, a woven reed fisherman’s basket such as this would have been common in rural China as an everyday item, used until it became worn through. This hand-woven example rema...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Rustic Antiquities
Materials
Wood, Willow
Chinese Merchant
s Coin Barrel, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
This early 19th century Chinese merchant's coin barrel is made from slats of wood strapped together with hand wrought iron rings. Its for...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Rustic Antiquities
Materials
Iron
Antique Japanese Pot
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th century Japanese pot with handle. Beautiful black patina.
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Rustic Antiquities
Rustic antiquities for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Rustic antiquities for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage antiquities created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include asian art and furniture, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, hardwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Rustic antiquities made in a specific country, there are Asia, China, and East Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 antiquities differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $388 and tops out at $3,960 while the average work can sell for $980.
Still Thinking About These?
All Recently ViewedMore Ways To Browse
Kojima Shoten
Tigers Eye Snuff Bottle
Wood Carved Tamil Nadu
Yak Horn
Ancient Egypt Amulet
Ancient Jade Artifacts
Antique Japanese Sword Stand
Antique Rickshaw
Asian Wooden Shoes
Bactrian Stone
Burmese Fans
Chinese Opium Pipes
Cloisonne Pots Bonsai Trees
Dragon Mantle
Egyptian Cartonnage
Framed Asian Plate
Han Dynasty Dancer
Ichimatsu Ningyo Doll