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
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
VintageScandinavian Folk Art Hand Towel Box in Mixed Woods, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ornate and decorative paper towel box in handcrafted and lacquered wood: teak, oak, mahogany, cherry, walnut etc. It is very practical and offers a cheap ref...
Category
1970s Scandinavian Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
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
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
$16,380
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
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
Swedish Folk Art, Unique 19th Century Farmers Bowl
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
An antique and unique organic wooden bowl. With highly appealing patina, with traces of use. Produced in Sweden, 19th century.
These bowls where ...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
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
"Wallace" Skating at the Park, Fine Craft Painted Rabbit, Canada, Circa 1997
Located in Chatham, ON
"Wallace" Skating at the Park - Fine craft raw wood sculpture with a painted finish highlighted with India ink - made from a solid pine branch with...
Category
Late 20th Century Canadian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Softwood, Paint
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
Vintage Sgraffito
Glaze Decorated Studio Pottery Vase - Signed - 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage studio pottery glazed and sgraffito decorated vase - featuring a wheel thrown terracotta body with a hand painted and scraped abstract pattern of decoration - glossy glaze - ...
Category
Late 20th Century Canadian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
18th Century Swedish Antique Folkart Primitive Rustic Wooden Bowl with Handle
Located in Boden, SE
Small antique rustic primitive Folk art wooden bowl with handle manufactured in Jämtland in Sweden. In Swedish called "Kåsa" It has been used a...
Category
Early 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Birch
18th Century Swedish Antique Wood Trough /Serving bowl dated 1789 sign PPS OIS
Located in Boden, SE
A genuine antique wood trough dated 1789 and signed with ownermarks PPS OIS ,from Hälsingland Northern Sweden
A nearly monumentaly large farmers ...
Category
1780s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Late 19th Century Patinated Bronze Eagle on Black Marble Stand
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large French Eagle on a Belgian Black Marble Stand, circa 1880-1900.
This amazing Eagle sculpture is made in a solid bronze that still has the original patina, with a unbeatable age-...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Belgian Black Marble, Bronze
$1,272 Sale Price
75% Off
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
Vintage Rattan and Twisted Root Woven Hanging Ikebana Basket
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage hand-woven ikebana basket features flattened shape with rounded front, demilune bottom and straight back; the form is convenient for hanging the basket on the wall or displa...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wicker, Rattan, Wood
Spanish Folk Hand-Painted Ice Bucket or Wine Champagne Cooler
Located in Barcelona, ES
Spanish Folk Hand-Painted Ice Bucket Kitchen Pot Cauldron in Cast Iron
Popular cast iron cauldron with hand-painted details. From Galicia at the nor...
Category
Early 20th Century Spanish Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
$1,289 Sale Price
20% Off
Pair of brass and metal figurines with wooden base depicting Knights
Located in Cantù, IT
Pair of Brass and Metal Figurines with Wooden Base Depicting Medieval Knights, 20th century
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Swedish Craft, Bowl, Wood, Sweden, 19th Century
Located in High Point, NC
A small pine bowl produced in Sweden, 19th Century.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Early 19th Century Scandinavian Wood Pouring Bowl
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A fabulous Scandinavian antique pouring bowl that has been turned from one piece of timber and the spout remains intact. Displays beautifully on a coffee table or side table standing...
Category
1810s Scandinavian Antique 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
Equine Decoupage Decorated Dairy Farm Milk Jug
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Whimsical decoupage decorated New England dairy farm lidded milk jug or bottle. Features an equine motif with images and labels of horses over a lacquered g...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
$675 Sale Price
25% Off
Rustic Large Organic Wood Carved Serving Bowl
Located in San Diego, CA
Sculptural large folk art style carved bowl with beautiful natural wood and patina acquired with age. Sculptural, unique and organic piece that works with many styles. Substance in...
Category
1960s English Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Organic Material, Wood
Set of Three Swedish Folk Art Organic Bowls, circa 1970s
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
These three bowls made in Sweden with precision handcraft gives a nice edition to any living room with intention to give an organic simple, but jet complex look. The signs of the woo...
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine, Beech, Fir
Swedish Folk Art, Unique 19th Century Farmers Bowl
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
An antique and unique organic wooden bowl. With highly appealing patina, with traces of use. Produced in Sweden, 19th century.
These bowls where very important for many families; t...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Swedish Folk Art, Large Unique Early 19th Century Farmers Bowl Painted Wood
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
An antique and unique organic wooden bowl. With highly appealing patina, faded painting on the bowl makes this a unique and desirable piece. Produced in...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Spanish Hand-Crafted Albarelo Vase in Glazed Terracotta, 1960
Located in Barcelona, ES
Glazed Terracotta vase in shades of green, blue, beige
Traditional spanish glazed ceramic vase "Albarelo" in green and blue pastel colors decoration with brown accents.
It has a mar...
Category
20th Century Spanish Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta, Ceramic, Earthenware
Nantucket Basket with Stencil Decorated Top, by Harry Hilbert, 1995
Located in Nantucket, MA
Nantucket Basket by Harry Hilbert, 1995, a Nantucket purse having a solid mahogany hinged top with colonial or federal style stenciled decoration on ebonized reserve, fine brass hinges minutely inlaid, and tropic wood cross-band inlay around perimeter; double carved wooden swing handles attached with bone mounts; nickel clasp; two tone woven cane wrap on oak staves; signed and dated by wood-burnt stamp on the mahogany bottom. This is a beautiful basket made with astounding craftsmanship by one of the finest artists in the field.
The basket remains in superb, barely used condition. I found one scuff above the stenciled reserve.
Harry Hilbert (1917 – 2010) was an acclaimed Nantucket Basket maker known for his fine inlay and superb craftsmanship. He originally made his baskets as personal gifts, but later sold them through Wayne Pratt...
Category
1990s American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Cane, Wood
Terracotta Articulated Doll Santos Figure Wearing a Bowler Hat
Located in Stamford, CT
Unusual, and quite amusing Mexican terracotta doll figure with articulated limbs. Since it is solid terracotta it is likely this is a mold from which other dolls were made. As a folk...
Category
Early 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Clay, Terracotta
Antique Wooden Pot or Tekhi from Nepal, 1900s
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Antique Wooden Pot or Tekhi, from Nepal, 13" Tall, circa 1900s
Early 20th century wood pot from Nepal, this particular style of wooden container, pot has a r...
Category
Early 20th Century Nepalese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Hardwood
Brass Kondh Sculpture of a Tribal Warrior Riding a Beast
By Konda Tribe
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Wonderful decorative and heavy cast brass of a warrior horse or beast rider.
The horse and warrior are very modern tribal elongated form.
The tribal ho...
Category
Early 20th Century Indian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Antique Swedish Hand-Made Folk Art Pine Flour Box
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique hand-made flour box from Sweden made in folk art during the second half of the 19th century, around 1860 to 1870. These boxes were either hung on the...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Ceramic Sculpture with a Group of Playing Putti
s 19th Century Belgium
Located in Antwerp, BE
Beautiful in detail and charming 19th century unglazed terracotta sculpture. Features a design of three cherubic children with lamps and fruit, playing with two goats on the base of ...
Category
1890s Belgian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta
$1,433 Sale Price
20% Off
Swedish Craft, Bowl, Burl Wood, Sweden, 19th Century
Located in High Point, NC
A burl wood bowl produced in Sweden, 19th century.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Burl
Carved Wood Lion Sculpture by Hector Rascon
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Cool 1990’s hand carved and painted wood lion by renowned New Mexico folk artist Hector Rascon.
Pencil sign on the underside.
In original vintage construction show’s minor wear co...
Category
1990s American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Antique Swedish Forskrin, Folk Art Travel Box from the 1700s, Original Condition
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique folk art box, a so called Forskrin which was used when travelling for storing documents and valuables around the late 1700s. Made in nor...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wrought Iron
Swedish Designer, Bowl, Wood, Iron, 1782
Located in High Point, NC
A wood bowl with metal repair produced in Sweden, 1782.
Category
1780s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
California Studio Organic Pottery Vessel Brush Pot Vase
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Studio organic pottery vessel brush pot vase with incised Geometric pattern.
A very nice California studio pottery earthenware vase with beautiful grayish blue and brown earth tones.
The vase has a wonderful free form design featuring abstract stroke...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
Swedish Maker, Bowl, Wood, 19th Century
Located in High Point, NC
An antique solid wood bowl, produced in Sweden in the 19th century.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
American Papier-Mache Camel Figure
Located in Queens, NY
American life size camel figure standing on a platform base with hollow construction (attr: Luke Saunders Carnival Show, Michigan, Circa 1930)
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood, Paint
Vintage Brazilian Hand-Carved Ironwood Sculpture of Whale and a Shark
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Brazilian hand carved Ironwood sculpture of a whale and a shark.
Hand carved Brazilian sculpture hand crafted in amazing detail from one of...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Round hand-carved Italian gray marble pesto mortar from the 19th century
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Round hand-carved Italian gray marble pesto mortar from the 19th century
Category
1860s Italian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
$1,253 Sale Price
30% Off
Early Stone Mortar, 18th–19th Century
Located in London, London
Early Stone Mortar, 18th–19th Century
A beautifully worn hand-carved stone mortar, likely 18th or early 19th century. Hewn from a single block of stone, the piece shows the irregula...
Category
19th Century Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone
American Folk Art Metal Basket of Beaded Fruit, Early 20th Century
Located in Downingtown, PA
American Folk Art metal basket of beaded fruit,
Basket early 20th Century, fruit 1940s-60s.
The dramatic early 20th Century metal openwork basket cont...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Swedish Craft, Bowl, Wood, Sweden, 19th Century
Located in High Point, NC
A wooden bowl produced in Sweden, 19th Century.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Large Antique Swedish Folk Art Trough Bowl / 19th Century Rustic Decorative Dish
Located in Karis, Nyland
An antique wooden trough from 19th-century Sweden, hand-carved and uniquely authentic, featuring an ownership mark on the base. This piece carries many signs of its age, with an incr...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood, Pine
$1,241 Sale Price
20% Off
Moorish Heads Vases Collection "Licata", 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
$5,015 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Rare Genuine Antique Swedish Large Root Bowl
Located in Kramfors, SE
Rare genuine root bowl from northern Sweden made during the first few years of the 19th century, around 1810 to 1820. The bowl is in untouched condition with an attractive patina. Th...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Swedish Craft, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1900
Located in High Point, NC
A yellow-glazed earthenware vase designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1900.
Category
Early 1900s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Earthenware
Christmas Antique English Iron Clock Dial Face - Rare Holy Family Dial - Working
Located in Belper, Derbyshire
A Rare and lovely antique iron clock dial dating from around 1850. It features a charming painting of the Holy Family, Jesus, Mary and Joseph to the arch. Beautifully painted in the ...
Category
19th Century British Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Iron
Set of Vintage Shoe Forms Mounted on Iron Base
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of three wooden child size shoe forms mounted on an iron base.
Category
Early 1900s North American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
$280 Sale Price
70% Off
Big Clay Jar from 1800 Sweden in Warm Tones
Located in Forest, BE
Interesting jar from the 19th century. Coming from Sweden and used by folks in the countryside. Warm tones glaze, with nice details to the foot. Very good condition.
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Clay
Timber rabbit carved early 20th century
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A nice folk art carved polychrome timber rabit..Female… Beautiful pink, white, and black colors carved with very long ears and a great pair of eyelashes.. part of a collection that we are selling… We have one more of these timber rabbits..
Category
1950s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
candleholder from the Erzgebirge by Emil A. Schalling
Located in Kiel, SH
Typical angel clock candleholder by Emil A. Schalling from Erzgebirge, germany. The candleholder is in a used condition with some signs of age and use. The "Erzgebirge" is well known...
Category
1980s European Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Swedish Craft, Bowl, Wood, Sweden, 1814
Located in High Point, NC
A wooden bowl produced in Sweden in 1814.
“M 1814” engraving on side
Category
1810s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Circa 1900 Hand-Carved Pine Horse
Located in High Point, NC
Circa 1900 hand carved pine horse. This is a wonderful piece of folk art, and may have been a glorious rocking horse when it was made. The horse was painted at one time, as there a...
Category
Early 1900s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Swedish Craft, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1900
Located in High Point, NC
An unglazed terra-cotta earthenware vase designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1900.
Category
Early 1900s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Earthenware
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
Rustic Large Folk Art Handled Natural Organic Wood Carved Bowl, 1800s
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful bowl with beautiful natural wood grain and glowing colorful patina acquired with age. This piece has a very organic, wabi-sabi feel to it.
From a collection of older w...
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Large Antique Southeast Asian Thai Carved Polychrome Rabbit Folk Art Sculpture
Located in Forney, TX
A large whimsical hand carved and painted antique Southeast Asian wooden hare sculpture with incised detailing, polychrome decoration and beautifully aged patina.
Hand-crafted in th...
Category
Early 20th Century Asian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood, Paint
$3,112 Sale Price
29% 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.
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