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Folk Art Decorative Objects

FOLK ART STYLE

Folk art is a genre of art that shares the creator’s traditions, offering not just an artistic display but an opportunity to learn about a culture. Antique, new and vintage folk art typically reflects a heritage or location. It can include utilitarian objects and handmade art as diverse as weather vanes, duck decoys, portraiture and paintings, carnival art and quilts.

Quilts are a quintessential part of American folk art but their roots are international, with quilting dating back to Ancient Egypt. The practice spread to Europe and was especially prominent in the Middle Ages, with one of the oldest surviving examples being the Tristan quilt made in Sicily in the 14th century. They were made as bedcovers and clothing, including as a layer for knights to wear beneath their armor. Native American folk art includes functional objects reflecting their heritage, such as baskets, textiles and wooden pieces.

Elsewhere, the vast range of work associated with Mexican folk art includes masks made by Mexican craftspeople for traditional celebrations and ceremonial dances. Mexican masks are part of the country’s folk-art traditions that go back thousands of years and play a role in festivals and theater.

Works in the folk art tradition are valuable because of the skills involved, like weaving, hand-carving wood and even stonework. Many folk artists are self-taught, while some train as apprentices within their community. By using available materials and taking a personal approach to their creations, artists ensure each piece is unique and conveys a story.

During the Great Depression, artistic materials in America were hard to come by, so artisans used discarded wood from cigar boxes and shipping crates to make highly stylized, notched pieces — most often picture frames and boxes — that are today sought after by collectors. This folk art style is called tramp art and was popular from roughly 1870 until the 1940s.

Folk art brings vibrant culture and traditions into your home. Browse an extensive collection of antique, new and vintage folk art on 1stDibs.

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Style: Folk Art
Set of Three Javelina Barro De Pina
Located in San Antonio, TX
Set of three Mexican graduating hand-molded and glazed Michoacan banks with design referencing javelina (peccaries), circa 21st century, Guanajato, Mexico. 10.5" x depth 16" x 12" /...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

19th Century Gilt and Gesso Frame attributed to President James Polk Estate
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Early 19th century gilt and gesso picture frame. Found at an estate sale in Columbia, Tennessee. Objects from the sale were attributed to President James K. Polk's estate. Fantastic ...
Category

19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Gesso, Wood

Polychrome Lucky Fish Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand-carved from reclaimed wood, this colorful koi fish is a traditional symbol of harmony, wealth and luck. The rustic fish is carved with a squat, rounded body, the scales and fins...
Category

20th Century Chinese Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine

Two Vintage Virginia Metalcrafters Solid Brass Leaves, Gloxinia and Calathea
Located in Doraville, GA
Two heavy vintage solid brass leaves, manufactured in Waynesboro, Virginia by Virginia MetalCrafters. The leaves were designed by Oskar Hansen, are hand made, hand finished and of th...
Category

1960s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Set of four vintage Deer Antlers 1900 on Hand-Carved Wood, Blackforest-Austia
Located in Vienna, AT
Set of four vintage deer antlers from 1900, incorporated into a carved wooden plaque, elegantly flanked by oak leaves. A fine example of traditional Central European craftsmanship, c...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Antler, Nutwood

Early 20th Century French Hand-Carved Wood Folk Art Duck Decoy
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Early 20th Century Hand-Carved Folk Art Duck Decoy. The duck features wonderful patina throughout including paint. Wonderful collectable piece to add to a grouping.
Category

Early 20th Century French Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Paint

Folk Art Hunter Carving, circa 1930s
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Hand-carved wooden Folk Art hunter with a sheet metal hat. Original red, white and black paint surface.
Category

1930s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Sheet Metal

American Splint Wicker Pie Picnic Basket Hinged Lid Handles, early 20th c.
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Antique or vintage woven pie, picnic, or market basket features a traditional rectangular shape with reinforced rim, hinged lid, wooden shelf insert, and twin solid wood handles. The rim is formed by carved bent ash splints, and the lid is reinforced with carved solid wood elements. The handles and wooden trim on the lid add not only visual interest, but also structural stability and ease of use to the piece; the insert allows for the additional functionality. The basket is in very good antique or vintage condition with beautiful, age-appropriate patina on wood; its convenient size and shape and sturdy construction allow it to be used both as a decor piece and as decorative storage. Sculptural basket with elegant traditional form, high quality craftsmanship, and statement piece presence will make a perfect addition to a wide range of interiors, from Traditional to Organic Modern, Modernist, Transitional, Japandi, Scandinavian Modern, Collected, Modern Country, or Contemporary, or a great gift to a collector or a design enthusiast. Provenance: the basket was acquired from a collector's estate in Finger Lakes area of Western New York state. We are offering another early American basket...
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wicker, Ash, Wood

Decorative Folk Art Handcrafted Exotic Wood Lacquered Belly Flower Vase
Located in Miami, FL
Decorative Folk Art handcrafted exotic wood lacquered belly flower vase. A-762-335   
Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

The Virgin Mary Bust Virgin Mary House Replica Compressed Marble Powder No:II
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
This sculpture depicts the Virgin Mary, who is known as the mother of Jesus in Christian mythology. Weighing 1.5 kg, this sculpture is produced from pressed marble powder and made us...
Category

2010s Turkish Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Statuary Marble

Tonala Mexico Angel Figurine Candle Holder Folk Art Hand-painted 1960s
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Charming vintage Tonala pottery figurine or candleholder is decorated with hand-painted decor of traditional flowers and leaves with bands of geometric decor. Angel's face has a thou...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

Midcentury Brass and Copper Pelican Sculpture
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Amusing mixed metal pelican sculpture crafted in brass, copper, and silvered metal in a distinctive and captivating composition that combines technique ...
Category

20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

Vintage Boho Cut Branches Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning example of rustic folk art, this lidded box is a captivating celebration of natural materials. The entire piece is masterfully constructed from a mosaic of cross-cut tree ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Tribal ethnic colorful carved wall hanging
Located in Ferndale, MI
No idea on origins or age of this piece . As an object the colors and the tall narrow form attracted me .
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Vintage Cotton Elephant Covered in Indian Textiles
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage cotton elephant, covered in Indian textiles, retailed in the 1950s by Harrods. Interior frame composed of wire and straw. Textiles originally s...
Category

1950s English Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wire

Ayyanar India carved and polychrome wood horse - 20th
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Ayyanar India carved and polychrome wood horse Measures:100cmx23cm H117cm Material:Wood Wear Consistent with age and use
Category

20th Century Indian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Midcentury Pair of Italian Terracotta Lions
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of midcentury Italian lions, male and female crafted in terracotta with a white glaze and painted details looking quite friendly.
Category

20th Century Italian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

Gilt Burmese Musician Figure, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This seated Burmese figure captures a musician in eternal song. The wooden figure is hand-carved with a seated posture, legs crossed and arms outstretch...
Category

Early 20th Century Burmese Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Wood

Bottlecap Basket
Located in Darnestown, MD
This fabulous Bottle Cap Basket is true folk art. It is made of caps from Coca Cola; 7 Up and Dr. Pepper. The wood bottom makes the piece especially...
Category

1950s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Antique Traditional Malaysian Hand-Carved Folk Art Carafe, Early 1900s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Antique traditional Southeast Asian ceramic Labu Sayong water cooler carafe bottle vase with hand-carved graphic and organic decorations. Dark blackish brown gourd shaped shiny piece...
Category

Early 20th Century Malaysian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Clay, Pottery, Ceramic

Early 20th Century French Hand-Carved Wood Folk Art Duck Decoy
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Early 20th Century Hand-Carved Folk Art Duck Decoy. The duck 's head is movable and the body features wonderful patina throughout including traces of the original paint. Wonderful co...
Category

Early 20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Paint

Near Pair of Japanese Jizai Kagi Wood Koi Folk Art Sculptures
Located in Atlanta, GA
A near pair of wood koi fish from Japan circa 1860-90s of late Meiji Period. Hand-carved from solid wood, these sculptures are known as Jizai Kagi in Japane...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

Swedish Folk Art, Unique Blue Colored 19th Century Large Farmers Bowl
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
An large antique and unique organic wooden bowl. With highly appealing patina, with traces of use. This one in a unique blue painted color thats be...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Italian majolica pottery figure of traditional Pulcinella, hand modelled in clay
Located in Central England, GB
This superb, large, and highly decorative late 19th-century Italian naïve majolica pottery figure is hand modelled in clay, which is painted and glazed in bold colours. It depicts t...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Clay

Large Mexican Folk Art Pottery Sculpture of a Female Depicting Life Death
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This large and striking Folk Art pottery sculpture is unsigned, but believed to have been done in Mexico or South America in a contemporary Folk Art style. The sculpture is a study of a young woman of color wearing a brightly printed dress and accessorized with large deep red rose earrings...
Category

Late 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pottery

Pair Large English Prattware Figures of Autumn Winter Hand Painted Circa 1790
Located in Katonah, NY
This pair of large English Prattware figures, hand-painted in Staffordshire around 1790, represents Autumn and Winter through the distinctive charm of late 18th-century folk pottery....
Category

Late 18th Century English Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Creamware, Pearlware

Handcrafted Creative Critters Animal Figurine Jewelry Box Tropical Wood, Pair
Located in Miami, FL
A pair of handcrafted animal figures, sculpture, keepsake or jewelry box. Made out of the finest fruitwood and tropical beechwood planks laminate i...
Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Beech, Hardwood, Fruitwood

Vintage Boho Terracotta Pig
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This charming vintage terracotta pig sculpture embodies a whimsical folk art aesthetic, perfect for adding character to any indoor or outdoor space. Cra...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Clay, Terracotta

Beaded Ndebele Ceremonial Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king). As beads become gradually more accessible throughout the 19th century, they began to displace the organic materials used in traditional art and attire. This colorful example of African beadwork...
Category

Mid-20th Century South African Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Cotton, Wood, Fabric

Vintage Carved Wood Articulated Clown Figure
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Chunky hand carving with simple facial detailing a pointed hat. Found in the southern US. Presented on a custom museum stand.
Category

1930s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Exceptional and Unusually Large 19th Century Swedish Folk Art Turned Bowl
Located in Bozeman, MT
Exceptional and unusually large 19th century Swedish / Scandinavian finely turned wooden folk art bowl in Its original finish, signed HE S. circa 1830, Sweden.
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Wet-Cut Mosaic Wall Decoration
Located in Rockaway, NJ
One of a kind original piece of earthenware ceramic featuring several custom and proprietary glaze chemistries, including luster glazing.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Earthenware, Wood

Mattapoisett Basket, by Gladys Ellis, circa 1940s
Located in Nantucket, MA
Early Vintage Mattapoisett Basket, by Gladys Ellis, Mid 20th Century, a hand-crafted basket modeled after a Nantucket purse, having a round disk shape with open top, made of hand-sti...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Other

Mwana Pwo mask Chokwe - Angola African Decortive Wall Art Sculpture
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a Mwana Pwo Mask Chokwe - Angola African Decortive Wall Art Sculpture. Beautiful craftsmanship. Nice original unrestored patina. No information present on th...
Category

1980s Angolan Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Painted 19th Century American Document Box
Located in Hudson, NY
A spectacular and fine, painted and stenciled, pine documentbox. The original blue paint having turned a dark green over time with the varnished finish, typical of Boston pieces. Yo...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Vintage Boho Diecast Wrought Iron Rider on Horseback
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Capture the spirit of adventure and classic equestrian charm with this Vintage Boho Diecast Rider On Horseback. Crafted from durable wrought iron and hand-painted in subtle hues of b...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wrought Iron

19th Century Finely Carved and Gilded Scotsman Counter-Top Tobacco Trade Figures
Located in Nantucket, MA
Mid-19th Century carved and decorated counter-top Tobacconist’s Trade figures, circa 1850. Each with striking detail and beautiful patina, with the original gilding rubbed well into ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Unknown Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Scandinavian hand painted 19th century pine strong box
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Scandinavian hand painted 19th century pine strong box circa 1840. Good example of traditional rustic Swedish woodwork.  Painted in a russet red paint with hand painted cream drags....
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Pair of Carved Pine Toreadors with Red Capes
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Spanish style carved pine life size toreadors with red capes (19th Cent)
Category

19th Century Spanish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine, Wood

ELFRIEDE MEINDL - Folk Art Ceramic Atlantic Fisherman Figure - Canada - C.1970 s
Located in Chatham, ON
ELFRIEDE MEINDL (1926-2020) - Fine vintage folk art ceramic figure of an Atlantic fisherman on a plinth base - small size - featuring elaborate hand made and hand crafted details thr...
Category

Late 20th Century Canadian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Pair of Folk Art Hand Painted Wood Candlesticks
Located in Toronto, CA
This is a wonderful pair of folk art candlesticks from Poland. Probably early twentieth century. Beautifully hand painted with flowers and leaves, the candlestick rest on a trio of b...
Category

Early 20th Century Polish Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Large 19th Century Polychromed Statue of a Burmese Nat Temple Dancer
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Hand-carved wooden sculpture representing a traditional guardian or deity figure, often referred to as the "Lady of Popa," originating from Vietnam or Southeast Asia. This striking p...
Category

Mid-19th Century Burmese Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Teak

Nude glass male dancer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A great looking glass sculpture of a male nude dancer with incredible detail. Please see the work in the hands and feet.
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

19th Century Swedish Folk Art Root Wood Bowl
Located in Bozeman, MT
Rather large 19th century Swedish folk art root wood bowl, signed ANDERS LNS, LAS and dated 1819.
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

19Thc Original Red Painted Wood Bowl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 19thc hand turned wood bowl has original red painted surface and in very good condition.The patina is the very best.
Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

19Thc Original Red Painted Wood Bowl
19Thc Original Red Painted Wood Bowl
$1,036 Sale Price
20% Off
A Charming Collection of Painted and Carved Decoy Ducks
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Charming Collection of Painted and Carved Decoy Ducks This is a good group of 4,19th Century French Decoy Ducks, they are carved in wood and the feathers and features are painted...
Category

19th Century Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine

19thC Antique Folk Art Treenware Carved Turned Wood Tea Caddy Box Handpainted
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This striking antique 19th-century treenware tea caddy is a beautiful example of folk art craftsmanship. Skillfully hand-carved and turned from wood, this charming caddy features a r...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Montopolyi Arno Italian Plate with Dragon and Bear An unusual piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Montopolyi Arno Italian Plate with Dragon and Bear An unusual piece made in terracotta marked Montopolyi Arno, the plate is a very attractive piece relief decorated with plants, a b...
Category

1950s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

Nepalese Silver Ritual Ewer with Gilded Repoussé Panels, Late 19th Century
Located in Islamabad, PK
Antique Nepalese Silver Ritual Ewer with Gilded Repoussé Panels Circa late 19th – Late 19th century Kathmandu Valley, Nepal Dimensions: Height: 12 in. (30.5 cm) x Width: 10 in. (25....
Category

Late 19th Century Nepalese Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver

19th Century Swedish Provincial Spice Box
Located in Bozeman, MT
Charming 19th century Swedish provincial spice box in its original condition with two sliding doors and one drawer. The interior contains eight compartments intended for different dr...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine

Antique American Folk Art Tramp Art Carved Box
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique American Folk Art Tramp Art Carved Box, probably Late 19th/Early 20th Century. A decorative box ornamented with layers of classic Tramp Art chip carved borders enclosing velvet ground panels centered by elongated star...
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Early Swedish 19th Century Wooden Folk Art Box with Originally Paint
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A Swedish original painted Folk Art box. From the beginning of the 19th century, most likely used to keep writing supplies and office materials.
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine

Antique terracotta sculpture Boy "Como Papá", Spain, 1900-1930s
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Antique terracotta sculpture Boy "Como Papá", Spain, 1900-1930s. A charming early 1900s hand-painted terracotta figurine of a little boy dressed like his father - oversized boots, c...
Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

Iron Boot Scraper with Ram s Head Finial
Located in Greenwich, CT
A generous iron boot scrape with twisted shaft handle and bronze finial of a ram's head mounted on a heraldic helmet. Decorative scrolled base imprinted with "1928". In the manner...
Category

Early 20th Century English Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron, Bronze

Fabulous Hard Stone Carved Sculpture by Marcus Lyons
Located in Palm Springs, CA
This fabulous sculpture is by noted Palm Springs artist Marcus Lyons (b1949). The signature is indistinct but it is clearly his work. The subject matter is...
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone

Pair Of Hand Carved Wooden African Candle Holders, 1970s
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Pair Of Hand Carved Wooden African Candle Holders, 1970s
Category

1970s African Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Primitive hand carved and handmade Mask
Located in Seattle, WA
This primitive handmade mask sculpture is a true work of art. This possible Folk Art piece is unknown in origin but perfect for those who appreciate the beautify of pottery and the c...
Category

1970s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pottery

Vintage Philippine Rice Baskets, Set of 3
Located in Miami, FL
Offered are three hand-woven baskets with lids acquired in the early 1970s on an excursion to visit the rice paddies in the Philippines. They're ...
Category

1970s Philippine Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wicker

Pair of 19th century folk art stoneware ceramic bottles realised in La Borne
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
La Borne - France Realised circa 1850 Pair of 19th century stoneware ceramic bottles unique pieces Original good condition number one height 25 cm large 12 cm number two heigh...
Category

19th Century French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Found Object Assemblage Sculpture With Speedometer Photographic Inset
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A one-of-a-kind vintage assemblage sculpture blending industrial relics and surreal figuration. Crafted from aged wood, cast metal, and a repurposed speedometer face, this piece feat...
Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Folk Art decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique folk art decorative objects 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 decorative objects created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, folk art, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art decorative objects made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original decorative objects, popular names associated with this style include Mosche Bianche, Jim Rose, Berber Tribes of Morocco, and Tonala Pottery. 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 decorative objects differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $38 and tops out at $225,000 while the average work can sell for $1,105.

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