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.
to
198
1,297
88
29
54
415
828
117
214
292
187
25
10
25
28
25
26
34
49
28
18
26,261
14,186
9,271
5,442
3,962
3,077
2,289
1,735
1,414
1,337
1,156
1,150
1,022
935
888
673
656
593
754
340
288
163
148
850
496
607
427
332
268
231
Height
to
Width
to
1,414
1,375
1,386
25
17
13
9
8
Style: Folk Art
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
$1,500 / set
Vintage Boho Crackle Glaze Vase
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Add a touch of worldly, artisanal charm to your home with this beautiful vintage hand-painted vase. This piece showcases a classic baluster form, brought to life by vibrant, hand-pai...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
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
Swedish Hand-Carved Wooden Candelabra, 1940s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Sculptural Nordic folk art three-arm candelabra made and decorated entirely by hand from solid wood in the 1940s. A modernist style piece handmade using traditional Swedish folk art ...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
American Folk Art Carved Painted Wood Cat Sculpture
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage whimsical and playful American Folk Art carved wood sculpture features a hand carved and hand-painted seated cat with large expressive eyes and surprised look on its face. Th...
Category
Mid-20th Century American 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
$1,437 Sale Price
20% Off
Large Tramp Art Hinge Lid Box
Located in Mt Kisco, NY
A handcrafted Tramp Art box or small chest. A detailed design on four tapered feet. The interior is lined with white quilted fabric and the lid is fitted with a large finial. The bot...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Pair of 1920s Cast Iron Duck Figures with Folk Charm and Patinated Finish
Located in Atlanta, GA
With their gently stylized forms and expressive, contrasting gestures, this pair of early 20th-century cast iron ducks embodies the quiet charm of vernacular folk design. One duck bo...
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
French Zinc Horse Head, circa 1930
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
French zinc horse head, circa 1930
Category
Early 20th Century European Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Zinc
Set of 2 Vintage Handmade Ceramic Riekko Bird Whistles from Finland, 1970s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Set of 2 Vintage Handmade Ceramic Riekko Bird Whistles from Punainen Paja and Lintupaja, Finland, 1970s
Category
20th Century Finnish Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Vintage Boho Shell Encrusted Parrot
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Bring a touch of whimsical coastal charm to your space with this stunning vintage shell-encrusted parrot! Meticulously crafted with an array of real shells in beautiful pinks, orange...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Shell, Wood
Very Large Mochaware Bowl with Cable Decoration England Circa 1830
Located in Katonah, NY
We are pleased to offer this exceptionally large and rare mid-19th century English mochaware bowl. Each piece of mochaware is unique. Made in England ci...
Category
1830s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Creamware
Vintage Handmade Ceramic Fish Whistle from Finland, 1970s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage Handmade Ceramic Fish Whistle from Finland, 1970s
Category
20th Century Finnish Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
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
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
19th Century Original Folk Art Painted Chest of Drawers
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th Century original Folk Art painted chest of drawers.
A Very attractive painted pine chest of drawers, it is decorated with flowers on the top and sides, the drawer fronts and ...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Paint
Early 20th Century Oak Splint Basket
Located in Chicago, IL
A wonderful early 20th century hand-woven oak splint gathering basket with a single bent oak handle, a double banded rim, and a lovely wonky shape. Found in Wisconsin.
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Oak
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
Vintage Boho Figurative Studio Pottery Vase
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Unleash a dose of playful charm with this truly unique vintage studio pottery vase. A delightful testament to artisan craftsmanship, this piece takes on an endearing figurative form,...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Clay, Pottery
Antônio Julião. Wood Sculpture
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Exceptional sculpture made by artist Antônio Julião, one of the great exponents of Brazilian popular art. This piece of museological importance was made in the 1970's and is one of the richest sculptures made by said artist, where he generously sculptured several tropical animals...
Category
1970s Brazilian Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
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
19th Century 33" French Articulated Carved Wood Artists
Mannequin or Lay Figure
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
33" tall posable, articulated carved wood figure of a male, used for learning figure drawing in art classes and studios.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Genuine Antique Swedish Wooden Bowl Made by Hand with Original Blue Paint
Located in Kramfors, SE
Genuine antique wooden bowl from Sweden made by hand around 1840 to 1850. Oval shape in original condition with natural distress and patina after 200 years of use. There is a smaller...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Scandinavian Ceramic Microcosmos Pen-Holder w. Blue Tits on a Birch Branch
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A naturalistic pen-holder in the shape of this glazed ceramic micro cosmos with a blue tit family (Parus caeruleus) going on with life on an old 'tired' birch wood branch with cracks...
Category
Late 20th Century Scandinavian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Pair of French Mid Century Folk Art Iron Cockerel/Rooster Candlesticks C1970s
Located in Trensacq, FR
A fabulous pair iron Cockerel/Rooster candlesticks in the style of Jean Touret and Les Artisans de Marolles C1970s France. Hand forged zoomorphic, Folk Art, one-of-a-kind set of can...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Steel, Iron
Vintage Coastal Shell Encrusted Toucan
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Capture the essence of coastal charm and tropical whimsy with this delightful vintage toucan sculpture. Expertly handcrafted, this unique piece features a vibrant toucan figure metic...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Fourteen Birds by Guy Taplin
Located in Basildon, GB
An original piece of English folk-art sculpture by the acclaimed British sculptor Guy Taplin (b. 1939). Fourteen birds painted and carved wood mounted to a ...
Category
1990s British Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Driftwood
$10,908
Three Chinese Zodiac Statues - Serpent, Rooster and Goat
Located in Pasadena, CA
A charming trio of hand-painted ceramic figures, each representing an animal from the Chinese zodiac: the Serpent, Rooster, and Goat. Rendered in expressive blue-and-white glaze, the...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
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
Green Lava Vessel 1
By LAKE BELL
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
With a nod to the spontaneity and privileged imperfection that is the human condition, all of my pieces imbue an energy of function and whimsy.
The Green Lava 1 slipware vessel embo...
Category
2010s American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Stoneware
Navajo Indian Weaving Rug
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1930's Navajo Indian weaving eye dazzler weaving in fine condition.
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Hemp
$1,740 Sale Price
20% Off
19th Century Swedish Folk Art Turned Bowl
Located in Bozeman, MT
Fine 19th century Swedish folk art turned bowl in two colors with an great shape and original surface. Ca 1820 - 50 Sweden.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Pair of 19th-century Limewood Carvings of Romantic Tyrolean Scenes
Located in San Francisco, CA
Romance is in the air—make that Alpine air—with these two hand carved wood plaques. They depict a pair of romantic, bucolic scenes, and likely originated from Switzerland or the Tyro...
Category
19th Century Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Vintage decorative Asian ceramic rice wine jar
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Elevate your home decor with this exquisite early 20th-century decorative rice wine jar from Asia, most probably China. Expertly crafted from glazed terr...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta
18th Century French or Italian Santo Nativity Figure
Located in Nantucket, MA
18th century French or Italian Santo Nativity figure, a hand carved and painted fruitwood figure for a Christmas Creche or Krippe. Excellent and delicate details to the head and hands. The half figure stands on a dowel set into platform base, dressed in original fine linen robe...
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Linen, Fruitwood
Navajo Woven Eye Dazzler Weaving Rug
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Navajo Indian weaving eye dazzler in fantastic colors in very good condition.In black ,grey and red colors .
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Hemp
Mexican Burnished Clay Chicken Kitchen Hen Egg Basket Decoration Hen Black
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
This Mexican ceramic hen is an egg basket, perfect to keep eggs fresh -- a utilitarian kitchen piece by artist Manuel Reyes. Made with clay from Oaxaca and Zacatecas, painted with ox...
Category
2010s Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
19th Century Collection of 9 Swedish Boxes in Birch Bark
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A collection of 9 Swedish carved small Folk Art boxes made in birch bark and pine wood from the Scandinavian country side. These 19th Century/Early 20th Century small collectibles we...
Category
1890s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood, Paint, Birch
Antique Trap Art Keepsake Layered Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Decorated with multiple geometric layers of hand cut wood, featuring a hinged lid opening to a spacious storage with lock (included).
Small mirror inside under the lid.
Velvet gree...
Category
Early 19th Century European Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Mirror, Wood
Fringed Navajo Weaving Rug
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fine weaving resembles a Germantown weaving but were not sure of its origin.It is in pristine condition and very unusual color and pattern.
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wool
$1,036 Sale Price
20% Off
Mexican Tonala Hand Painted Colorful Pottery Dove
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Mexican Tonala hand painted pottery dove Folk Art.
Rita Tilleya Yelapa Mexico hand painted ceramic bird dove.
Warm earth tone polychrome color...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Colorful Semi Precious Stone Rectangular Jewelry or Trinket Box with Lid
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A beautiful colorful decorative box with lid created from Carrara marble and inlaid with a variety of semi-precious stones. The sides are inlaid with a variety of stones in abstract ...
Category
20th Century Indian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone
$2,250 Sale Price
25% Off
19th Century English Tobacco Jar
Located in Chicago, IL
A piece that bridges the line between function and quiet artistry, this 19th-century English tobacco jar carries the charm of something handmade, meant to be lived with. Its barrel f...
Category
19th Century English Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Maple, Walnut
Swedish Craft, Wooden Bowl, Sweden, 17th Century
Located in High Point, NC
A wooden bowl designed and produced in Sweden in 1668.
“1668” inscription on bottom
Category
17th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Mexican Ceramic Jug Vase Fishes 1994 Dolores Porras Folk Art Decorative Vessel
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
Dolores Porras Enríquez is widely known throughout Mexico and the world for being the creator of a technique rooted in the land of Oaxaca: pottery in natural color, glazed and decora...
Category
1990s Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Enamel
18th/19th Century Swedish Wabi-Sabi Hand-Carved Birch Bowl
Located in Stockholm, SE
A rare and evocative Swedish hand-carved wooden bowl, dating from the late 18th to early 19th century. Crafted from birch, this rustic vessel embodies the timeless beauty of the wabi...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Birch
Vintage 20th Century Terracotta Girl Bust France 1920s JP.MD marked
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This is an impressive bust made of Plaster and colored like seen in pictures. This beautiful sculpture is hand formed, 20th century. Signed by Artist but can not identify the maker. ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Plaster
Beautiful Sculpture of Goat carved in wood by Israeli Artist
Located in Mexico, DF
Beautiful robust sculpture of a Goat carved from a solid mahogany block by an Israeli artist (the signature in Hebrew letters is illegible).
The goat is st...
Category
Mid-20th Century Israeli Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Mahogany
$2,400 Sale Price
20% Off
American Carousel Ride Container in the Form of a Swan, 1930s
Located in Buffalo, NY
Originally an American carousel ride container in the form of a Swan,
1930s... Would make an amazing garden planter / sculpture
An American metal container, originally made as a ca...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal, Steel
Petite Indonesian Brass Betel Box, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This petite brass box was originally part of an early 20th century betel box set from Indonesia, one of several small containers that held the individual ingredients of a betel quid....
Category
Early 20th Century Indonesian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Antique Carved Wood Horse India Polychrome Ceremonial Temple Sculpture 19th C.
Located in Glenford, NY
Antique carved Indian ceremonial temple sculpture of a large parade horse from the late 19th or early 20th Century. The wooden body, mane, tail, saddle and reins are carved in high r...
Category
1890s Indian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood, Paint
Vintage Glazed
Decorated Terracotta Studio Pottery Vase - Circa 1970
s
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage hand painted and glazed wheel thrown terracotta studio pottery vase - incised E in script on the base - circa 1970's.
Excellent vintage condition - no loss - no damage - no ...
Category
Late 20th Century Canadian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Terracotta
Italian Maiolica Haraldic Pharmacy Jar
Located in Atlanta, GA
A tin-glazed earthenware pharmacy jar of waisted cylindrical form, decorated in a rich polychrome palette of cobalt, golden ochre, and soft grey. The front features an elaborate hera...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Earthenware
Italian Maiolica Footed Vessel, 18th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
Hand Thrown Earthenware and Tin Glazed vessel featuring a globular body on a raised foot, a short spout, and a twisted arched handle. Decorated in polychrome maiolica glazes of...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Earthenware
1920s Belgian Decorative Ceramic Bowl
Located in High Point, NC
Delicate and whimsical, this vintage decorative ceramic bowl offers a woodland fantasy. Made in Belgium in the 1920s, the piece is shaped like a basket: but a basket composed of leav...
Category
20th Century Belgian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
$195 Sale Price
35% Off
Antique Swedish Wooden storage box 1865 Handmade Folk Craft
Located in Forest, BE
Swedish antique pine and birch wooden storage box. . Fine quality of bentwood. It is a true piece from the 19 century. Initials are hand painted on the top 1865 and hand engraved und...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Birch, Pine
$527 Sale Price
20% Off
Wabi-Sabi sculptural, monumental Wooden Bowl, Indonesia late 19th century
Located in London, GB
Wabi-Sabi Lombok Wooden Rice Mortar Bowl, Late 19th–Early 20th Century
A monumental hand-carved wooden rice mortar bowl from Lombok, Indonesia, dating from the late 19th to early 20...
Category
1890s Indonesian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Large Mid-Century Burl Wood Bowl, Finland, 1954
Located in Karis, Nyland
A large hand-carved vintage bowl made in Finland in 1954. Crafted from burl wood, the piece shows a bold, organic form with a smooth polished surface that highlights swirling grain a...
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Burl
Vintage Boho Black Forest Carved Boar Head
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Channel the rustic charm and masterful artistry of the European Alps with this exceptional vintage Black Forest boar head. Expertly hand-carved from a single piece of dark, lustrous ...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Swedish 18th Century Bentwood Travel Box or Chest
Located in Buisson, FR
Rare and very beautiful Swedish travel box with stunning patina and hand forged iron details. Working lock and key ( bronze key from the 19th century).
Sweden, circa 1750-1800. Weath...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
$1,407 Sale Price
47% Off
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.
Still Thinking About These?
All Recently ViewedMore Ways To Browse
Vintage Ceramic Mermaid
Vintage Cologne Bottles
Vintage Copper Decor
Vintage Lion Figurine
Vintage Murano Glass Cat
Vintage Pot Plant Holders
West Germany Yellow
White Horse Porcelain
Wood Ram Sculpture
Wooden Carved Dog
Wooden Cow
1920s Royal Copenhagen
1960 Italy Cats
19th Century Bronze Stag
Acrobats Bronze
Alexandrite Murano
Amsterdam Clock
Antique Bronze Hare