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
200
1,300
88
29
54
414
832
117
214
292
191
25
10
25
28
25
26
34
48
28
19
26,304
14,184
9,294
5,454
3,974
3,099
2,294
1,738
1,417
1,337
1,160
1,156
1,027
937
887
676
667
592
756
339
290
162
147
855
494
605
432
337
267
230
Height
to
Width
to
1,417
1,378
1,389
25
17
13
9
8
Style: Folk Art
Angel playin the violin
Located in MIJDRECHT, NL
Angele playing the violin.
Hand carved and hand painted.
Orginal violin stick missing.
There is a hole in the left hand, where a new stick can be inserted.
Category
Early 20th Century Dutch Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
$583 Sale Price
24% Off
Folk Art Wheel Turned Pot with Applied Decoration - Signed - Canada - Circa 1974
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage folk art glazed studio pottery vase/pot with applied floral decoration - small size - signed & dated on the base - Canada - circa 1974.
Excellent vintage condition - no loss...
Category
Mid-20th Century Canadian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Antique Swedish Wooden Kitchen Cabinet 1846 Handmade Folk Craft great condition
Located in Forest, BE
Swedish antique pine hand build wooden kitchen cabinet. Made to be used as a dough plater storage to the left side and a storage to the right side. Fine quality of wood. It is a true...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Very Unusual Large Northern Swedish Wooden Bowl in Birch Root from the Mid 1700s
Located in Kramfors, SE
Very unusual large bowl from northern Sweden. This antique wooden bowl has an organic shape and is made from hollowing a large piece of birch root. It has an early date underneath, 1...
Category
Mid-18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Birch
Pair of Folk Art Engraved
Applied Style Four Light Copper Candle Sconces
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Folk Art Engraved
Applied Style Four Light Copper Candle Sconces
This pair of early 20th-century Western Folk Art engraved and applied-style four-light copper candle ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Copper
Moorish Heads Vases "Catania Dark Green", Handmade in Italy, 2019, Unique Design
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
$1,099 Sale Price / item
20% Off
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 Life Size Stoneware Vase for Indoor or Outdoor made in France
Located in Antwerp, BE
Large Antique Vase with a very nice patina during the years of use. This antique vase, Made in France, its weathered surface and faded hues whispering tales of its rich history. Its ...
Category
1870s French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Assembly Line Folk Art Whirligig
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Amazing eight man assembly line whirligig. Attributed to an auto worker in Detroit. Fantastic original dry paint surface. Crank turns and figures move pe...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Antique Swedish Wooden bowl 1800
s Handmade Folk Craft nice details
Located in Forest, BE
Swedish antique birch hand made wooden bowl. Made to be used as a dining dish / plate. Fine quality of handwork. this is are true piece from the early 19 century. Beautiful patina o...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Birch
Hand Carved and Hand Painted Wooden Sculpture of a Hunter with Dog
Located in Barntrup, DE
A masterfully carved and hand painted wooden sculpture of a hunter with his dog and gun. This adorable sculpture, beautifully crafted in detail, will decorate any room or make a grea...
Category
1970s German Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
19th Century Swedish Antique Rare Unique Rustic Folk Art Wooden Bowl Dated 1864
Located in Boden, SE
19th century antique rustic rare Swedish Wooden bowl from Dalarna Northern Sweden.
Dated 1864
The surfaces are naturally patinated due tue age,
You can see the use of time.
A tru...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Fantastic Original Painted and Carved 19th Century Indian Plaque
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This wonderful original old surface plaque has a great old patina and a hand-carved and painted Indian chief. The Indian is in full original clothes with the feathers in his head. Wi...
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
$1,760 Sale Price
20% Off
19th Century Swedish Antique Rustic Rare Wooden Bowl
Located in Boden, SE
An exceptional large rare 19th century primitive Swedish carved wooden knot bowl. Shows a dry textured finish showing a stunning aged patina. A truly remarkable piece.
Old cracks oc...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Moorish Heads Vases Collection "Ragusa", Set of 3 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
$4,300 Sale Price / set
20% Off
19th Century, Swedish Antique Rustic Wooden Bowl with Handle
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish antique handmade wood bowl with handle from the first half of the 19th century. The bowl with handle from northern Sweden i...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Monumental Antique Architectural Wood Carving Perched Eagle Bird
Located in Forney, TX
I think it's safe to say you have never seen a bird this big before!
A rare, nearly 8ft tall, one-of-a-kind antique architectural hand carved wood sculptural element, in the form ...
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
19th Century Swedish antique rustic Folk Art Wooden box with original color
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish folk art wooden box from Piteå, Norbotten Northern Sweden
The wooden box has untouched original color.
The box is stable in construction.
Nice storage inside.
Ha...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Antique Swedish Painted Pine Long Case Clock with Original Clock Mechanism
Located in Kramfors, SE
Long case clock with red original paint from the mid 1800s. The clock is made in painted pine and dated with the year 1847. Originates from Hälsingl...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Nantucket "Double Lollipop" Basket, circa 1900
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique and extremely rare Nantucket "double lollipop" basket, circa 1900, a shallow oval swing handled basket with carved wooden staves, handle and bottom plate, and cane weave. The...
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Cane, Wood
Large Hand Carved Duck Sculpture by Miguel Ruelas
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice large hand carved duck sculpture by Miguel Ruelas, circa 1980s. The detail, craftsmanship and painting in this piece is lifelike and truly amaz...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood, Paint
$960 Sale Price
20% Off
Hand Carved Folk Art Wooden Duck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Folk Art hand carved wooden duck - a wonderful piece! One of our favorite pieces, the life size shape and graceful angle of the neck give the p...
Category
20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Swedish Folk Art, Unique 19th Century Farmers Bowls set of 2
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Set of two antique and unique organic wooden bowls. With highly appealing patina, with traces of use. Produced in Sweden, 19th century.
These bowls where very important for many fam...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Rooster Weathervane
Located in Chicago, IL
A charming early 20th American Folk Art carved pine rooster weathervane with a wonderful silhouette with a large tail, applied wings, and copper legs all supported by an iron rod wit...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Rustic Large Natural Organic Wood Carved Serving Bowl Pointed Handles, 1800s
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful large Folk Art carved bowl with beautiful natural wood grain and glowing colorful patina acquired with age. This piece has a very organic, Wabi-Sabi feel to it. The point...
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Folk Art Yew Burr Sculpture Carved Human Form Life Size
Located in Cheltenham, GB
Exceptional folk art sculpture depicting a human head and body dressed in a waving organic form cloak with a bone eyepiece.
Exceptional patina with strong carved flowing lines produ...
Category
19th Century British Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Yew
Swedish Antique Toy Rocking Horse, All Original, Origin: Sweden, circa 1870
Located in New York, NY
Swedish antique toy rocking horse, origin: Sweden, circa 1870 - 1900.
Beautiful, untouched, original condition including the paint, ...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Antique Swedish Wooden barrel early 1800
s Handmade Folk Craft great condition
Located in Forest, BE
Swedish antique pine hand carved wooden barrel. Made to be used as a grain storage. Fine quality of wood. It is a true piece from the early 19 century. Beautiful patina on the inside...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Eight Curlews by Guy Taplin
Located in Basildon, GB
An original piece of English folk-art sculpture by the acclaimed British sculptor Guy Taplin (b. 1939). Eight individual wooden birds carved and painted, th...
Category
1990s British Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Driftwood
$16,377
Jim Rose - Construct No. 02, Salvaged Steel and Aluminum Industrial Objects
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Jim Rose, known primarily for his steel furniture, was an avid collector and scoured salvage yards for unique, interesting items. Here he has welded together various washers and cyl...
Category
2010s American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal, Steel
Cast Iron Green Painted Rooster Sculpture Door Stop
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Very sturdy cast iron sculpture of a rooster. Could be used on a console or kitchen counter as a decorative centerpiece display or functional as a door stop.
Category
Early 20th Century European Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Antique Swedish Wooden butter st1orage box 1800
s Handmade Folk Craft
Located in Forest, BE
Swedish antique pine and birch wooden butter storage box . Fine quality of bentwood. It is a true piece from the early 19 century. Hand graved 1882 inside the lid. Nice addition in...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Birch, Pine
Uredale Glass Paperwight Pebble Shape Star Decoration, North Yorkshire 20th C
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is an unusual hand-made Art-Glass paperweight from Uredale Glass, Masham, North Yorkshire, England which we date to the late 20th century.
The paperweight is hand made in the...
Category
Late 20th Century English Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
19th Century Swedish Antique Rustic Folk Art Wooden Bowl dated 1862
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish folk Art wooden bowl dated 1862 Signed LOS
A stunning antique organic wooden bowl with lovely patina
You can see the use of time.
The bowl has ownershipmarking ...
Category
1860s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Antique Swedish Wooden basket 1800
s Handmade Folk Craft natural color
Located in Forest, BE
Swedish antique pine and birch wooden storage box. It was left with the natural wood who now have a charming patina. Fine quality of bentwood. It is a true piece from the early 19 ce...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Birch, Pine
Old Wooden Tramp Art Box Jewelry Box Trinket Folk Art
Located in Poperinge, BE
Beautiful old tramp art box, jewelry box or trinket, trinket box, made in the first half of the 20th century, Belgium.
Beautiful form of folk art, anyone could make a tramp art obje...
Category
1920s Belgian Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass, Wood
Unusual "Stamp" Rose in Box
Located in Riverdale, NY
Unusual "Stamp" rose in box handcrafted "Rose" made of hundreds of French stamps, circa 1950s. Unusual French novelty in its own glass and brass framed casket.
...
Category
1950s French Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Indonesian Brass Betel Tray, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This open brass box was originally the case of an early 20th century betel box set from Indonesia, filled with small containers that held the individual ingredients of a betel quid. ...
Category
Early 20th Century Indonesian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Antique Swedish Wooden basket 1800
s Handmade Folk Craft Blue and black
Located in Forest, BE
Swedish antique pine and birch wooden storage box. It was painted blue with black edges. Fine quality of bentwood. It is a true piece from the early 19 century. More units could be f...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Birch, Pine
Asian Black and Red Round Box Lacquer Offering Vessel Urn
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
South Asian Burmese black and red lacquer box, offering vessel urn with compartment for storage.
This round lacquer ware box from Burma is made from bamboo and lacquer.
In Burma (now...
Category
Late 20th Century Burmese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Bamboo
French Tramp Art Hand-Carved Wooden Box with Diamond Motifs, circa 1890
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Tramp Art wooden box dating to circa 1890, intricately hand-carved with the layered, notched construction characteristic of the style. The rectangular form is richly ornamen...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Fiberglass Crocodile in White Paint Surface
Located in New York, NY
Modern "Folk Art" crocodile made of cast fiberglass, in distressed white paint surface. Large scale makes this an impressive decorative item, probably circa 1960s. This item is built...
Category
1960s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Jill Johnston Hand-Turned Maple Vessel
By Jill Johnston
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A beautiful hand-turned maple vessel signed on the base Jill Johnston N245 3-99 and maple. It has a ring of inlaid decoration.
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Maple
Tall Handmade Folkloristic Geometric Decor Ceramic Vase
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Unusual tall folkloristic ceramic earth toned vase with hand-carved geometric decor. Triangular burgundy and dusty green shapes on earth colored base ...
Category
20th Century Unknown Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Clay, Pottery, Stoneware
Early 20th Century Chinese Betrothal or Wedding Basket with Peony and Bird motif
Located in Grythyttan, SE
This early 20th-century bentwood bamboo/rattan/wicker Chinese wedding basket with polychrome paint is marvelously beautiful. The basket It has very beautiful and intricate weaving de...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Bamboo, Wicker
19th Century Swedish Folk Art Adjustable Wooden Candlestick
Located in Valby, 84
This 19th-century Swedish allmoge candlestick represents a long-standing Nordic tradition of functional, handcrafted objects for everyday use. Made from locally sourced wood and moun...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Vintage Wooden Harlequin Jester Figure
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Striking vintage wood sculpture of a stoic harlequin, clad in a diamond-patterned silver and ochre bodysuit with a matching pointed cap. The angular form and muted expression give it...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Paint
Early 20th Century Indonesian Carved Wooden Seated Gentleman
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting a glorious early 20th century Indonesian carved wooden seated gentleman.
This is Beautiful bit of ‘treen’ carved most likel...
Category
Early 20th Century Indonesian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Hardwood
Antique English Pottery Horse with Sponged Decoration Circa 1800
Located in Katonah, NY
This pottery figure of a horse is sponge decorated in shades of pink and brown.
It was made at St. Anthony’s Pottery, located in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England, between 1800 and 1810.
...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
Mexican Hand Painted Colorful Tonala Pottery Ducks Set of Three
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Mexican Tonala hand painted pottery birds Folk Art with brass decoration in the style of Sergio Bustamante.
Vintage Mexican ceramic and brass hand painted Tonala pottery duc...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Swedish Hand-Krafted Turned 19th Century Wooden Folk Art Wooden Bowl in Pine
Located in Örebro, SE
This is a beautiful Swedish hand-carfted 19th century wooden bowl in Wabi Sabi style.
It comes made in pine with lovely patina reflecting its...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
19th Century Faux Bamboo Desk Accessory Brass Ruler
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
19th Century Faux Bamboo Desk Accessory Brass Ruler
Category
19th Century French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
$247 Sale Price
74% Off
Collection of Six Sponge Ware Mush Cups and Saucers
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These amazing extra large 19thc mush cups & saucers sponge ware are in mint condition and great colors.They are so unusual and very rare to find in a collection of six !
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
$1,836 Sale Price / set
26% Off
Antique pair of solid bronze vases, 19th century
Located in Cantù, IT
Antique pair of solid bronze vases, 19th century
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Woven Hinged Lid Picnic Basket with Handles
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage woven picnic basket with solid lid on hinge and handles
This basket is a classic shape and texture and would be a great "cottagecore" addition to many rooms. Unique storage for dog toys...
Category
Mid-20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Set of 3 Antique South German Stoneware Jugs – 19th Century, Handcrafted
Located in Antwerp, BE
Set of 3 Antique South German Stoneware Jugs – 19th Century, Handcrafted
A striking trio of 19th-century handmade stoneware jugs from Southern Germany, each with its own distinct ch...
Category
19th Century German Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Stoneware
Vintage Indian Handcarved Wooden Decorative Box
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Handcarved wooden trinket box with carved geometric shapes, small handmade ornamental indentations and cream white decor on the lid. Rustic organic ...
Category
20th Century Indian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Antique Signed American Folk Art Sewer Tile or Redware Pottery Lion Figurine
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique signed Folk Art lion figurine.
In the form of a recumbent lion.
Signed to the underside. The signature appears to read: 'J Silverthorn'
Made out of a reddish-brown redware or stoneware sewer tile...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Pottery
19th Century Italian / Sicilian Large Hand-Crafted Puppet Marionette
Located in London, GB
19th Century Italian / Sicilian Large Hand-Crafted Puppet Marionette
In the rare form of an Arabic clothed gentle with long turned up moustache. The head, hands and feet are all h...
Category
1870s Italian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
19th Century Indian Brass
Copper Ritual Vessel with Hand-Etched Hindu Deities
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This is a remarkable 19th-century brass and copper vessel showcasing masterful traditional Indian metalwork. The surface is richly decorated with hand-etched and repoussé scenes depi...
Category
19th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Copper
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