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
Italian Faience 18th Century Majolica Riser with Annunciation
Located in Milano, MI
From Central Italy a 18th century Majolica Riser consisting of a flat circular dish with raised edge, resting on a base with a simple shape. The ...
Category
Mid-18th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
Antique Large Swedish Stone Mortar, circa 1800
By Skultuna
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This large and heavy mortar made in stone are perfect for display and interior. Made in Sweden ca 1800s. This unique piece has its origin in the middle of Sweden and its was made wit...
Category
Early 1800s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone
Antique Scandinavian Very Large Wooden Basket Dark Bent Wood ca 1850s
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Very large Antique Scandinavian basket made from bent wood.
We suppose it´s from circa last half of the 19th century.
The basket is assembled with iron pieces and nails and has a d...
Category
Late 19th Century Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Folk Art Stone Candle Holder, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Folk Art Stone Candle Holder, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989.
Additional information:
Materials: Stone
Color: Beige
Period: 1980s
Item Type: Vintage, Antique or Pre-...
Category
20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone
19th C Bronze German Sheppard Doorstop
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th C bronze German sheppard doorstop. Great condition.
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
$760 Sale Price
20% Off
A pair of Traditional Rustic Swedish Wooden Candlestick holder from Taserud
Located in Skarpnäck, SE
A beautifully matched pair of traditional Swedish handcrafted two-armed wooden candlesticks, known as “Taserudsstaken,” originating from the Arvika region of Dalarna, Sweden. Rooted ...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Oak
Antique Wooden and Cardboard Apothecary Pharmacy Storage Jar for Valerian Root
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1900s wooden and cardboard apothecary pharmacy storage jar or box for Valerian Root. Nice addition to your room or just for use it on your desk. Found at an estate sale...
Category
Early 1900s German Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Plywood, Paper
Vintage Chicken Folk Art Wicker Wood Bamboo Lidded Basket Handwoven Kitchen 1960
Located in Miami, FL
Collectible 1960s kitchen decoration figural Wicker hand-woven lidded Basket. Hen Sitting on nest. Hen is the lid with attached red wood comb and beak and Red Button Eyes the tail is bamboo. The basket itself has a double layer so that the hen has a firm place to sit.
The Basket is in good vintage condition with some marks, dryness, some normal breaks to the wicker.
Measures 11.25 inches high, basket is 9 inches round.
Vintage Chicken Basket...
Category
Mid-20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Bamboo, Wicker, Plastic
19th Century antique rustic Swedish tray bowl with original paint
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedishantique wooden tray/ Serving bowl with untouched original paint from Luleå Norrbotten, Northern Sweden.
A farmers handcrafted tray or serving bowl or centerpiece...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Soapstone Hand-Carved Bust of Brahma with Four Faces
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
This bust is a beautiful representation of lord Brahma.
Brahma is a part of the holy trinity of Hinduism along with Vishnu the Preserver and Shiva the destroyer.
He is depicted in Hi...
Category
20th Century Thai Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Soapstone
Set of five Swedish Root Basket from 19th-20th century
Located in Farsta, SE
Set of five Swedish Root Basket from 19th-20th century
Beautiful baskets made from pine and spruce roots.
Height: 7-14 cm/2.7-5.5inch
Diameter: 19-34 cm/-7.413.3 inch
Category
1850s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine, Spruce
Antique Swedish Wooden basket backpack 1800
s Handmade Folk Craft
Located in Forest, BE
Swedish antique pine and birch wooden backpack storage box. It was use to pickup the berries in the woods. Fine quality of birch bentwood. It is a true piece from the early 19 centur...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Birch, Pine
Small mid 19th century Swedish painted pine decorative box
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Small mid 19th century Swedish painted pine strong box circa 1842.
Beautiful small Scandinavian strong box, presented with scraped back paint to reveal original. Feintly still bari...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Early 19th Century Norwegian Folk Art Birch Butter Box with Carved Female Finial
Located in Kastrup, DK
Folk art: Norwegian lidded box (butter box) crafted in birch with rich woodcarving.
The lid finial carved as a seated woman.
Lid and rim decorated with reliefs of oak leaves, acorns,...
Category
Early 19th Century Norwegian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Birch
Handcrafted Japanese Ceramic Bowl Signed Jin Kobayashi
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Handcrafted Japanese ceramic bowl signed Jin Kobayashi.
Large stoneware plate hand made and hand painted with autumn leaves design.
Hand-carved ge...
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Stoneware
Moorish Heads Vases Collection "Sciacca", Set of 2 Pieces, Handmade in Italy
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
This collection is a work of art that make a statement in modern décor and in the modern cultural art world. It can be used as a vase containing flowers, or as a beautiful centerpiec...
Category
2010s Italian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Gold Leaf
$4,494 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Late 19th Century Fiske Foundry Cast Iron Dog
Located in Santa Monica, CA
J.W. Fiske foundry attributed cast iron Whippet dog. Incredible white paint surface with many different layers of white paint.
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
American Gilt Carved Wood and Poly Chromed Roman Guard Figurehead, Circa 1890
Located in Charleston, SC
American gilt carved wood and poly chromed nautical figurehead of Roman guard in military attire. Late 19th century.
Category
1890s American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood, Giltwood, Paint
Folk Art Hand-Made Iron Rooster
Located in Chicago, IL
A mischievous 20th century American folk art rooster sculpture with a wonderful disposition, and beautiful rusted finish. Perfect indoors or out!
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
American Folk Art Carved Sleeping Cat Sculpture
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage Folk Art sleeping cat figurine was hand-carved from a solid piece of rare Amaranth (or Paduk) wood. Beautiful wood grain is accentuated by the wax finish. The cat has elonga...
Category
Mid-20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Padouk
Carved Stone Female by Michael Chiwandire (1971), Zimbabwe
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This heavy weight polished stone sculpture done by renowned sculptor Michael Chiwandire shows a woman woman figure curled up. Her hair has a striking and raw appearance. The artist's...
Category
20th Century Zimbabwean Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone
Mid Century Folk Art Hand Painted Flower Design Serving Bowl
Located in San Carlos, CA
🌼 Beautiful Vintage Folk Art Pottery Serving Bowl – Signed by Artist 🌼
Add a touch of vintage, Mid Century charm and artistry to your collection or home decor with this gorgeous v...
Category
1960s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
$119 Sale Price
20% Off
Swedish Craft, Bowl, Wood, Sweden, 19th Century
Located in High Point, NC
A wood bowl produced in Sweden, 19th Century.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Swedish MCM Wall Charger by Carl Harry Stalhane for Rorstrand
Located in Redding, CT
Swedish MCM wall charger by Carl Harry Stalhane for Rorstrand . Gorgeous colorful piece of Swedish folk art pottery . It can also be hung as this charger and has a copper wire loop a...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
1960s Handmade Folk Art Decorative Trinket Bowl
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Midcentury Handmade Folk Art decorative trinket keepsake lidded bowl.
Copper inlay Hand carved wood
Unsigned
6 diameter x 2.25 h
Preowned Vintage co...
Category
1960s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Copper
18th Century Swedish Folk Art Box Dated 1752 with Sliding Lid
Located in Stockholm, SE
An exceptional 18th-century Swedish folk art box, dated 1752, showcasing traditional rural craftsmanship. Carved from solid wood, the box features a finely fitted sliding lid and dis...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Birch
German Carved Wooden Figure of Shepherdess with a Sheep
Located in Barntrup, DE
Beautiful hand carved wooden figurine of an adorable girl - shepherdess with a sheep.
Dimensions: Height 35.5 cm / in, width 13 cm / in, ...
Category
1930s German Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
19th Century Huge Antique Swedish Folk Art Wooden Trough with Original Red Paint
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Very large and decorative Antique Swedish wooden trough made ca 1850s to late 1800.
The trough is made from pine wood and comes with its original warm Swedish red paint on the outsi...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
European Folk Art - Naive Trinket Jar in Glazed Terracotta, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Folk Art ceramic trinket jar hand-glazed and decorated naively with floral patterns. Signed - by an un-identified Scandinavian/European ceramist circa 1970-75.
Measurements: H: 1...
Category
1970s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta
Large Early 20th Century Belgian Oak Folk Art Eagle Sculpture
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Early 20th century Belgian oak Folk Art eagle sculpture.
Category
1920s Belgian Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Oak
Collectible spectacular rare big box, casket, tramp art, folk art, 1885, Austria
Located in Wien, AT
This incredibly rare box is made in the famous austrian tramp art around 1880 to 1890, its a extraordinary richly decorated example of these boxes.
The object is rectangular in shap...
Category
1880s Austrian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Antique Swedish Folk Art Wooden Trough, Late 1800s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Antique Swedish Folk Art Wooden Trough, Late 1800s.
Hand carved wooden tray from Sweden late 19th century. These handmade troughs were common in Scandinavia in this time as a kitche...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Scandinavian Cake Copper Pan, Early 19th Century
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
An Early 19th Century Scandinavian copper cake mold. The handle and the feet are also in copper. If desired, this antique cake pan could easily be pol...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Copper
Vintage Sarawak Studio Pottery Vase - Incised Design - Malaysia - Late 20th C.
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage Sarawak studio pottery vase - hand crafted/wheel thrown - incised/carved decoration to the exterior - finished with a grey/brown glaze over the clay body - non-glazed interio...
Category
Late 20th Century Malaysian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Copper Kinetic Sculpture
Burning Bush
by Joppa, Hand-Crafted Art
Located in Round Top, TX
Joppa is a contemporary folk artist whose creative work includes the use of piano components and finishes learned from the restoration of pianos, his "day job".
Joppa has shown his ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Copper, Lead
19th Century Swedish Dough Bowl with Original Red Paint
Located in Valby, 84
This rare 19th-century Swedish allmoge dough bowl (dejtrug) is a remarkable example of traditional Scandinavian rural craftsmanship. Hand-carved from a single piece of wood, it retai...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood, Paint
19th Century Swedish Wooden bowl dated 1868
Located in Boden, SE
18th century Swedish Antique Rustic wooden bowl with nice patina from Dalarna Northern Sweden.
The bowl has an oval shape.
The surfaces are naturall...
Category
1860s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Pair Handmade Painted Acrobatic Papier Mache Clowns Mexico Attr Jeanne Valentine
By Jeanne Valentine
Located in Topeka, KS
Fabulous handmade & hand painted vintage acrobatic Papier Mache clowns from Mexico attributed to Jeanne Valentine a pair. Beautiful condition, keeping...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Paste, Paint, Paper
Vintage Folk Art Set of 3 Carved Sitting Cat Sculptures
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage set of Folk Art sitting cat figurines was hand-carved from solid pieces of wood. The cats have elongated, minimal features, accentuated with hand-painted details on the face...
Category
20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
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
Rare Asian camphorwood jewelry box from the 1950s
Located in Cantù, IT
Rare Asian camphorwood jewelry box from the 1950s
Category
20th Century Central Asian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Late 19th Century Sheet Iron and Metal Trotting Horse Weathervane
Located in Incline Village, NV
Late 19th century sheet iron and metal "Trotting Horse" weathervane. It has a nice weathered color and patina and is very authentic with six "healthy" bullet holes to boot.
I basica...
Category
1890s Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Sheet Metal
Vintage Swedish, decorated, bent wooden box. Handpainted
Kurbits
style.
Located in Skarpnäck, SE
A beautiful vintage bent wooden box known as a "Svepask" from Sweden. This item can be dated to 1947 and derives from Gagnef in the Dalarna region. It has been decorated with a tradi...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Bentwood
19th Century big antique country genuine rustic folk Art Wooden bowl
Located in Boden, SE
Very beautiful and decorative wooden bowl made out of pine wood produced in Northern Sweden Sweden.In a very charmy condition with some older repairs adding a lot of character.
These...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Swedish Craft, Bowl, Wood, Sweden, 19th Century
Located in High Point, NC
A hand-painted wood bowl produced in Sweden, 19th century.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Scandinavian 18th Century Folk Art Hat Or Wick Box
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large Danish wooden hat or wig box of wood with original painting.
Category
Mid-18th Century Danish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Vintage Folk Art Hand-Carved Wooden Sculpture of a Thinking Man
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful vintage hand-carved wooden sculpture or statue of a thinking man
USA, Circa Mid-20th Century
Measures: 3.5"W x 3.5"D x 15.5"H.
Good original vintage condition.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Charming Handwoven Nantucket Style Basket
Located in Buchanan, MI
Charming Handwoven Nantucket Style Basket
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Rattan
Boston Terrier Heavy Cast Iron Doorstop
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sweet faced Boston Terrier cast iron doorstop. This doorstop is very heavy with great patina. The Boston Terrier hasa very soft look due to the wear.
Category
20th Century North American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
$556 Sale Price
20% Off
Hand Carved 20th Century Wooden Girl with Doll and Cat Figure by ANRI, Italy
By ANRI
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful hand carved wooden Figure, found at an estate sale in Germany. We believe that this piece is from around 1980s, because it's dated at the base like seen in picture. A nice ...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Small Antique Ovoid Mid-Atlantic Redware Pottery Flower Pot
By John Bell
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique redware flowerpot.
Found in Virginia (likely Mid-Atlantic in origin).
Simply a wonderful folky piece of Americana!
Date:
Late 18th or...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
Hand Woven Handled Pima Basket
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This hand woven ,very tightly woven handled basket is in mint condition has handles on each end.So unusual nad great form.
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Hemp
$1,116 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Sicilian Opera dei Pupi Theater Marionette, ca. 1930s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Sicilian Opera dei Pupi Theater Marionette, ca. 1930s
A large Sicilian theater (Opera dei Pupi) marionette, which is made of tin, wood and canvas ca. 1930s.
The Sicilian Pu...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Traditional Bencharong Thai Colorful Hand Painted Ceramic Urn
Located in Rümmingen, BW
This colorful Thai Bencharong Vessel beautifully reflects traditional craftsmanship, featuring intricate hand-painted flowery motifs in vivid shades of red, blue, green, yellow, and ...
Category
Late 20th Century Thai Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Folk Art Jewelry Box from the 1940s in Copper with Women Nude
Located in Berlin, DE
This charming jewelry box from the 1940s was made out of copper
and is hand-dented.
It shows a nudist art of a woman. It is in a beautiful original condition.
A unique piece whic...
Category
1940s German Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Copper
$420 Sale Price
20% Off
Large European Folk Art Carved Wooden Standing Man Carrying a Basket Sculpture
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This large Folk Art wooden sculpture is unsigned, but presumed to have been made in Europe and most likely Italy in circa 1920 in a Folk Art style. This large wooden carved sculpture depicts an elderly bearded man carrying a heavy basket on his back and holding the straps in the front to support the weight. This is quite a tall carving...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Softwood
Antique Himachal Pradesh Zoomorphic Wooden Squeezer, India 1900s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Antique Himachal Pradesh Zoomorphic Wooden Squeezer, India 1900s.
Amazing hand carved tribal wooden animal with piston. Originate from the Himalayan part of India where these Folk A...
Category
Mid-20th Century Indian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Nautical pocket watch holder stand, sailing ship, carved, folk art, 1880 Germany
Located in Wien, AT
Particularly decorative pocket watch holder, made of hand-carved oak wood, manufactured around 1880 in Germany, probably in the Black Forest region.
An exceptionally charming watch ...
Category
1880s German Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Oak
Swedish Folk Art Bulb Vase with Floral Motif by Maggie Wibom for Bo Fajans, 1930
By Bo Fajans
Located in Grythyttan, SE
Swedish Folk Art Bulb Vase with Purple and Mustard Yellow Glaze by Maggie Wibom for Bo Fajans, 1930
Bulb-shaped vase featuring a semi-transparent glaze adorned with minuscule purple ...
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Stoneware
Wood Carved Chinese Restaurant Entry Arch, circa 1940s
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Impressive and grand arch that graced the entry of a Chinese restaurant in the 1940s American Midwest. Impressively carved and double-sided solid wo...
Category
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
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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