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
Greenlandica, wooden sculpture of a male figure. Greenlandic craftsmanship.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Greenlandica, wooden sculpture of a male figure.
Greenlandic craftsmanship. Hand-carved.
Signed ZA and dated '66 (1966).
In excellent condition.
Dimensions: H 21.0 cm x D 10.0 cm.
Category
1960s Greenlandic Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Contemporary Hunting Dog Painted Iron Sculpture by José Jerónimo
Located in Coimbra, PT
Hunting Dog by José Jerónimo single piece of art.
Iron sculpture with use of tools and other objects.
Dimensions 22,00 x 10,00 x 42,00 cm
Private collection.
Category
Late 20th Century Portuguese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal, Iron
Sheryl C. Benjamin "Musk Ox" Carved Raspberry Alabaster Stone Table Sculpture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Sheryl Cannold Benjamin (American, 1924 - 2023) "Musk Ox" Carved Raspberry Alabaster Stone Large Table Sculpture on Laminated Pedestal Base, Approx 110 lbs. Circa Late 20th Century. ...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Alabaster
Wooden African Mortar and Pestle
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Handcrafted in Africa, wooden footed mortar and pestle.
Great patina this kind of Moroccan mortar are used to grind spices.
Nicely carved, the wood has some cracks on the bottom.
...
Category
19th Century African Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
$950 / set
Gertrud Kudielka for Hjort. Unique ceramic vase. Motif of bird on branch
Located in København, Copenhagen
Gertrud Kudielka for Hjort, Bornholm.
Unique ceramic vase. Motif of bird on branch.
White glazed hand-painted stoneware.
Mid 1900s.
Marked.
In perfect condition.
Dimensions: Height 1...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Stoneware
Large Bamana Marionette Figure of Charming Police Man, African Figure
Located in Buffalo, NY
Large Bamana marionette figure of a charming police man. African figure retains original paint, amazing patina, also retains original fabric wrap. (outfit).
Category
20th Century African Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Abstract Statue of a Woman
Located in Redding, CT
Mid-Century Modern abstract statue of a woman. Finely sculpted figure of a woman with her arms wrapped around herself in a sitting position. The scul...
Category
1950s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Cement
Folk Art Studio Pottery Bunny
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Folk Art Studio Pottery Bunny - We shop a lot and this bunny is one of our favorite finds. A precious little thing with a great spirit and energy. A compl...
Category
20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
Vintage Handcrafted and Carved Wood Box Leaf Motif, Jewelry Box, Keepsake Box
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage handmade beautifully carved wooden box, jewelry box or keepsake box.
The Inside has 2 compartments which measure 3.38 x 3.38 inches.
No makers mark.
A-916-335
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood, Walnut
Giovanni De Simone platter
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is a wonderful vintage example of Giovanni De Simone's work! It was created and hand-painted by the artist himself. It's signed and dated on the verso. This piece was rendered b...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery, Paint
$960 Sale Price
20% Off
18th Century Pencil Box with King Christian VII Monogramme
Located in Copenhagen, K
Beautifully carved wooden box with the carving inscription of King Christian VII, and anno 1780.
Category
Late 18th Century Danish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
$960 Sale Price
49% Off
Carved Bantam Wearing a Crown
Located in Greenwich, CT
An early 19th century French carved bantam sporting a crown, well carved in pine. Good detailing to face, plumage, tail feathers and feet. Possibly originally from a ring toss game...
Category
19th Century French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Ceramic Square Bottle Vase with Naive-Style Motifs in Brown Glaze
Located in Grythyttan, SE
Exuding a distinctive charm, this square-shaped bottle vase features rounded corners and is adorned with captivating painted motifs in brown, beige, and black glazes. The vase's brow...
Category
Late 20th Century Swedish Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Earthenware
Staffordshire Pearlware
John Wesley
Bust
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Staffordshire pottery pearlware bust with a religious theme which features John Wesley, resting on a plinth base. Decorated 'in the round', decoration to front and reverse. Open bott...
Category
1820s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
Javanese Solid Teak Storage Box with Engravings Mid-20th Century
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This teak storage box comes for the Island of Java, Indonesia. Dating to the Mid-20th Century it was crafted from a single block of teak. It features ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Indonesian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Teak
Staffordshire Prattware Long Case Clock Model
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Staffordshire Pottery Prattware model which features a long case clock with floral decoration to the front, stood directly on the ground, no base. Flatback, decorated only to the fro...
Category
1820s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
Large Patinated Solid Wood Sculpture, Early 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Large patinated solid wood sculpture, early 20th century.
Patinated solid wood sculpture, religious art, early 20th century.
H: 84 cm, W: 25 cm, D: 22 cm
Category
Early 20th Century French Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Vintage Asian Bronze Singing Hammered Bowl
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Asian Hammered Bronze Singing Bowl 1950s.
Asian Bronze Vessel Singing Bowl.
A special collectible piece.
Made from bronze, a good heavy wei...
Category
Mid-20th Century Nepalese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Hand Made Dovetailed Pyrography and Inlaid Lid Keepsake Box with Photo Album
Located in Ferndale, MI
Beautifully made keepsake box. Hinged lid and spine are intricately inlaid with mother of pearl, exotic wood, beads. Backside has pyrographic image burned in. All nicely joined with dovetail detail. Not sure on country of origin. Backside image does show local dress for the area. Vintage photo album...
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Pair of Large Vintage Carved Wooden Panthers
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Stunning Pair of Life Size Vintage Carved Hardwood Panthers in a seated pose. Each cat is intricately carved with expressive faces and glass eyes. These are Southeastern Asia in orig...
Category
Mid-20th Century Asian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Hardwood
$3,900 / set
Faux Malachite Leather Decorative Indian Maharaja Box
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A beautiful unique Indian motif box with a lid. This piece would be fantastic for storing cigars, tv remotes, or miscellaneous items on a dresser or coffee table. The top of the box ...
Category
20th Century Indian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Leather, Faux Leather, Paint
$562 Sale Price
25% Off
Greenlandica, wood sculpture of a male figure. Greenlandic craftsmanship.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Greenlandica, wood sculpture of a male figure.
Greenlandic craftsmanship. Hand-carved.
From the 1960s.
In excellent condition.
Dimensions: H 20.0 cm x W 9.0 cm.
Category
1960s Greenlandic Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Set of Three Beaded Ndebele Fertility Dolls
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king). As beads become gradually more accessible throughout the 19th century, they began to displace the organic materials used in traditional art and attire.
This colorful example of African beadwork...
Category
20th Century South African Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Cotton, Wood
$1,180 / set
19th Century Cast Iron Bacchus Doorstop
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th Century Cast Iron Bacchus Doorstop
Antique Bacchus Cast-Iron Doorstop he is Bearded and has a Great Cornucopia Top this is a rare piece dating f...
Category
19th Century Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Open Round Nantucket Lightship Basket, Attributed to Geo Washington Ray
Located in Nantucket, MA
A small Nantucket lightship gathering basket
with sturdy wooden ears, and a convex interior
bottom with thee concentric lines typical of a
George Washington Ray (1814-1891) made b...
Category
Late 19th Century North American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Cane, Oak
Black and White Hand-Crafted Ceramic Chicken Sculpture, Animal Figurine Folk Art
By Iittala
Located in Miami, FL
Scandinavian Modern Iittala style black and white glazed ceramic chicken, handmade in the USA.
Life-size stylized chicken animal sculpture for any interior design.
A-595-335
Category
1980s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Signed 19th Century Nantucket Lightship Basket by Rowland Folger
Located in Nantucket, MA
7 ½” open round Nantucket lightship basket with
brass ears , “R Folger Maker Nantucket, Mass” is
stenciled on the interior bottom, circa 1875
Rowland Folger (1803-1883).
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Staffordshire Pearlware Piper with Dog Bocage Figure
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Staffordshire pottery pearlware bocage figure with a musical theme which features a boy playing a pipe. His dog by his side, stood on a shaped base. Decorated 'in the round' - decora...
Category
1820s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Set of Antique Handmade Bottles
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1940, we offer this set of antique handmade bottles. The amber bottle has a scratch, but it is not broken. *see pic 3.
Category
1940s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
$500 / set
Porte Dogon Terre/Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Traditional Dogon architecture throughout a Dogon village consists of a series of unique and exceptional mud buildings which the Artist, Victor Anicet, featured in an organic sculptural manner in his Porte Dogon...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Caribbean Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
$1,728 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Pair of World War I Brass Trench Art Shells/Vases, France
Located in London, GB
Pair of French Trench Art vases / shell casings from the World War I vases.
Trench art objects are holders of soldiers' memories and reminders of th...
Category
Early 20th Century French Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
"Retablo No. 5 (An Attic of Records)" by Patrick Fitzgerald
Located in Chicago, IL
The intricate retablos of contemporary artist Patrick Fitzgerald are his means of paying homage to the musicians that inspired him throughout his life. Derived from Mexican votive...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Other
Gentleman
s Head Money Bank
Located in Copenhagen, K
Very funny money bank in the shape of a dandy gentleman's head.
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Earthenware
Greenlandica. Hand Painted Unique Stoneware Figure, Inuit in Traditional Clothes
Located in København, Copenhagen
Greenlandica. Hand painted unique stoneware figure.
Inuit in traditional hunting clothes.
circa. 1970s.
In perfect condition.
Signed illegibly.
Dimensions: W 9.0 x H 20.5 cm.
Category
1970s Greenlandic Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Stoneware
Large Burl Bowl, Sweden, 1960
s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Large Burl Bowl. Made in Sweden and dated 1964. Hand carved from one piece of birch burl.
A great centerpeice for any table.
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood, Burl
"Harpoonist", 1930s Folk Art - Art Deco Relief Sculpture in Gray Marble
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A remarkable example of folk art sculpture influenced by the stylization of 1930s Art Deco, this bas relief sculpture depicts a man aiming a long harpoon toward his prey below, his body lit up by a nimbus of energy carved from the gray marble. The piece is signed "Knute" on the reverse, and is dated 1936, at Temple University in Philadelphia. The medium is the kind of gray King of Prussia marble...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
1960’s Folk Art Flag Waving on Stand
Located in Charleston, SC
FOLK ART CARVED AND PAINTED WOODEN PATRIOTIC FLAG, single-sided form retaining an old painted surface over gesso. 20th century. Acquired from a folk art collector, where many pieces...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood, Paint
$1,024 Sale Price
20% Off
Folk Art Treenware Vase or Urn of Inlay Wood
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wonderfully hand-crafted greenware vase or urn - the inlay and marquetry is wonderfully intricate and detailed. With a little glass insert, a small tumbler...
Category
20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Large Hand-Carved Tribal Wooden Bowl from the Batak of Sumatra
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Large beautiful and sustainable hand carved wooden bowl with gorgeous leaf design from the Batak of Sumatra, mid-20th century.
Scaramanga's bowls are authentic old hand carved wooden bowls...
Category
Mid-20th Century Indonesian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Refined African metal vase with fine hand-made decorations
Located in Argelato, BO
Rare and refined African metal vase with handmade decorations, an object of great charm capable of furnishing your home space with style and elegance
Category
1880s African Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Vintage Mexican Enamelware
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this vintage Mexican enamelware, circa 1940.
Category
1940s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal, Enamel
Heavy Terra Cotta Folk Art Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Heavy terra cotta Folk Art sculpture, made by a worker from the Modesto brick factory, with unused clay from the day.
Category
1960s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta
Greenlandica, Taki Petersen. Massive sculpture in soapstone. Hunter and seal
Located in København, Copenhagen
Greenlandica, Taki Petersen.
Heavy and massive sculpture in soapstone depicting a hunter and a seal.
In excellent condition.
Signed and dated 80.
Dimensions: H 15.7 cm. x L 13.5 cm.
Category
1980s Greenlandic Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Soapstone
American Folk Art Hand-Carved Rosewood Snake
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Folk Art hand-carved rosewood snake (ca. 1940s, USA). Attractive two-tone rosewood variations (rich brown tones throughout with two contrasting light patches).
Very good, vintage con...
Category
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Rosewood
"Retablo No. 4 (Blackbird)" by Patrick Fitzgerald
Located in Chicago, IL
The intricate retablos of contemporary artist Patrick Fitzgerald are his means of paying homage to the musicians that inspired him throughout his life. Derived from Mexican votive...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Other
Large Vintage Hand Carved Wooden Ouroboros Snake Bowl
Located in Oxnard, CA
Here is a very cool and unique carved wooden bowl with a double Ouroboros motif. It is a large and substantial piece, crafted out of solid Walnut or possibly Rosewood. A great piece ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Walnut
Carved Wood Flower Sculpture
Located in Fairfield, CA
A vintage hand carved wood flower sculpture. Meticulous attention to detail using a variety of woods to create the flower petals, leaves and stem. The varieties of woods used for the...
Category
1990s American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Antique Folk Art Box with Carved and Painted Cottage Scenes
Located in Atlanta, GA
Incredible Folk Art hand-carved and painted box with a charming cottage with tiled roof on the hinged lid. Three sides feature scenes of trees behind white fences and the box is rais...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Velvet, Wood, Paint
Vintage Boho Monumental Shell Encrusted Cockatoo
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Bring the vibrant spirit of the tropics indoors with this extraordinary, monumental vintage cockatoo sculpture. Standing over three feet tall, this impressive work of folk art is ent...
Category
Late 20th Century Philippine Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Shell, Plaster, Wood
Hand Carved wooden Folk Art traditional Cookie Board. Set of 2
Located in Seattle, WA
This pair of traditional Cookies boards are hand carved with nice patina and character and feature holes on the back for hanging. Vintage Condition as pictured. Listing is for descri...
Category
1970s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Pair of Scottish Ram in Polychrome Wood, 19 Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Superb pair of rams in polychrome carved wood from Scotland-19th century
Very elegant and unique pair of rams which are almost carved at life size which come from a Manor in Scotl...
Category
19th Century Scottish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Hardwood
Greenlandica, Jakob Keke. Sculpture in soapstone.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Greenlandica, Jakob Keke, Kungmiut, East Greenland.
Sculpture in soapstone.
Approximately from the 1970s.
In excellent condition.
Label.
Dimensions: L 14.5 cm x H 7.5 cm x W 5.5 cm.
Category
1970s Greenlandic Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Soapstone
A Treen Sphere Enclosing Needle and Thread Spool
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Treen Sphere Enclosing Needle and Thread Spool
A wonderful piece when unscrewed to open it reveals inside a needle case at the centre and a double thread spool which slips over it...
Category
19th Century Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Olive
Greenlandica, three pieces of soapstone and a black pouch with a keyring.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Greenlandica, three pieces of soapstone and a black pouch with a keyring.
Features a ptarmigan, seal, and hunter.
Artists : Nem Paamiut, Josef Josefsen.
Signed 76 (ptarmigan) and 20...
Category
20th Century Greenlandic Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Soapstone
Greenlandica, old hunter with a seal on his back, sculpture in soapstone.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Greenlandica, an old hunter with a seal on his back.
Sculpture in soapstone.
Mid-20th century.
In good condition with two small chips.
Dimensions: H 15.0 cm x W 3.5 cm.
Category
Mid-20th Century Greenlandic Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Soapstone
Hand Carved Folk Art Willow Wood Angel Figurative Sculpture Poland C.1950
Located in London, GB
Hand Carved Folk Art Willow Wood Angel
Poland C.1950
Willow votive figurine in the form of an angel. Hand painted.
Rustic folk art for a touch of whimsy.
In very good condition co...
Category
Mid-20th Century Polish Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Willow
Chinese Folk Painted Rooster Tray
Located in Chicago, IL
This lacquered serving tray is crafted with a hand-painted panel salvaged from a vintage Chinese cabinet. Selected for its charming folk art decoration, the found panel is painted wi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Large 36" Tall Reclaimed Wood Folk Art Sculpture of a Horse
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice wooden horse sculpture made out of multiple reclaimed wood pieces.
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Reclaimed Wood
Figurine, Skovserkone with Fish Made of Soapstone, Approximately 1960s/1970s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Figurine Skovserkone with fish made of soapstone.
Approximately: 1960s/1970s
In good condition.
Dimensions: L 6.5 x D 3.0 x H 9.0 cm.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Soapstone
Vintage Modernist Sculpture of Oriental Figure, Circa 1960
s, Signed "L.SHORE"
Located in Beirut, LB
This compelling vintage modernist sculpture, circa 1960's, is a beautiful and expressive work of art. The piece portrays a stylized figure of an Oriental man seated in a contemplativ...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Folk Art decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique folk art decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage decorative objects created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, folk art, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art decorative objects made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original decorative objects, popular names associated with this style include Mosche Bianche, Jim Rose, Berber Tribes of Morocco, and Tonala Pottery. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for decorative objects differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $38 and tops out at $225,000 while the average work can sell for $1,105.
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