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
Early 20th Century Folk Art Driftwood Dachshund Dog
Located in Nantucket, MA
Early 20th century Folk Art driftwood dachshund, circa 1920, a natural form piece of driftwood that has been augmented with the addition of inset Periwinkle shell eyes, two drilled n...
Category
1920s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Driftwood
$660 Sale Price
20% Off
Folk Art Sculpture of the Head of a Seal, South America, 1930´s
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Folk Art sculpture of the head of a seal. South America 1930´s.
The head is mounted over a brass base, as a way to exhibit it.
The head has several crack as you can see on the pictur...
Category
Mid-20th Century Argentine Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Copper and Wood American Folk Art Boxer Whilrligig
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Spectacular American Folk Art whirligig found in Rockford, IL. Wonderful dry surface paint on boxers. Great working condition.
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
19th Century Swedish Folk Art Turned Bowl
Located in Bozeman, MT
Good 19th century Swedish folk art turned bowl in it's original finish and signed - J.J. Ca 1820-50s Sweden.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Iron Perpetual Motion Folk Art Texas Zoo
Located in Santa Monica, CA
This black and white painted iron perpetual motion object was said to have been used to market the zebra exhibition at the San Antonio Zoo. The zebras...
Category
1950s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
19th Century Indian Carved Wood Object
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
A beautiful Indian wood carving depicting a rider on horseback and a kneeling elephant. Probably second half of the 19th century.
Highly decorative object with wonderful original pa...
Category
19th Century Asian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Small Heavy Hand Forged Iron Bucket This is a lovely small bucket
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Small Heavy Hand Forged Iron Bucket
This is a lovely small bucket, this charming piece has a rounded shape and a hanging ring in the handle
The cauldron is in good well aged con...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Oringinal Wood Carved Relief of a Man Fishing
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Wonderful vintage relief image of man fishing while sleeping against a tree. Hand carved early 20th century.
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Earthenware Hungarian Pottery, circa 1900s
Located in Ventura, CA
Earthenware Hungarian Pottery, circa 1900s
This exquisite piece of European pottery, originating from Hungary, stands as a testament to the artistic ...
Category
Early 20th Century Hungarian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Earthenware
Signed 19th Century Swedish Wooden Bowl
Located in New York, NY
Wooden bowl in a painted pine. Made during the early 19th Century by P. Nordkvist. Beautiful condition.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Patriotic Flag Whirligig
Located in Lancaster, PA
Celebrate American craftsmanship with this charming c. 1940 patriotic whirligig. Crafted from wood and metal, this delightful piece features two men and an American flag, capturing a...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Paint
$3,000
Scandinavian 18th Century Folk Art Carved Watch Holder
Located in Copenhagen, K
Very beautiful and original painted Folk Art watch holder, made for the pocket watch when you were not wearing it.
Category
Late 18th Century Danish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
$1,250 Sale Price
43% Off
Montopolyi Arno Italian Vase with Winged Guardians An unusual piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Montopolyi Arno Italian Vase with Winged Guardians
An unusual piece made in terracotta marked Montopolyi Arno, the vase a very attractive piece relief decorated with plants and 4 ...
Category
1950s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta
Arts and Crafts Oak Basket A very attractive piece of Arts and Craft Folk Art
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Arts and Crafts Oak Basket
A very attractive piece of Arts and Craft Folk Art
The basket is made in Oak with a little carving and brass and copper decoration
It is 8” high, 14” w...
Category
1930s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Oak
19th Century Treen Money Box A fine 19th century treen money box
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th Century Treen Money Box
A fine 19th century treen money box, made in fruitwood with brass feet and handle, the money box is in good condition for its age, lovely colour and pat...
Category
1880s Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Fruitwood
A Cute Labrador Puppy, Door Stop A charming piece for all dog lovers
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Cute Labrador Puppy, Door Stop
A charming piece for all dog lovers, he or she is made in cast iron and in a resting position just right to keep the door in place even on windy day...
Category
1960s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Memphis Style Abstract Free-Standing Welded Steel Sculpture by Jerry Dodd
By Mike Dodd
Located in Buffalo, NY
Memphis style abstract free-standing Welded steel sculpture by Jerry Dodd, his sculptural pieces are painted with enamels and are suitable for display indoors or protected areas outd...
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Steel
Large Zebra Design Floor Vase, Umbrella Stand
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large Zebra Design Floor Vase, Umbrella Stand
This beautiful looking piece is round in shape, and painted, the painted decoration of a Zebra runs all the way around, it is 24” tall ...
Category
1970s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
"The Reader" – Scrap Metal Art Sculpture
Located in North Palm Beach, FL
Crafted from reclaimed industrial components, "The Reader" is a whimsical and expressive folk art sculpture attributed to artist John Duffy, celebrated for his imaginative figures ma...
Category
1960s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Greenlandica, soapstone sculpture. Bowl shaped like a mythical creature
Located in København, Copenhagen
Greenlandica, soapstone sculpture. Bowl shaped like a mythical creature.
Greenland.
Approximately from the 1960s.
In excellent condition with a minor chip on the base.
Dimensions: L ...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Soapstone
Round Walnut Box Profusely Carved with Roses A truly magnificent piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Round Walnut Box Profusely Carved with Roses
A truly magnificent piece, you cannot help but admire the skill that was involved to create this one
It would have first been hand turne...
Category
1950s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Walnut
Ferocious Bronze Tiger Statue
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Ferocious bronze tiger statue
A handsome piece made in spelter with a bronzed finish to the animal standing on his rocky plinth
3 dimensional and look...
Category
Late 20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Spelter
Vintage Boho Horse and Rider
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Celebrate movement, strength, and storytelling with this captivating Vintage Boho Horse and Rider Sculpture. Cast in a rich, dark bronze-like metal with fine detail, the sculpture po...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Staffordshire Prattware Long Case Clock Model
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Staffordshire pottery Prattware model which features a long case clock with cherubs above the clock face, stood directly on the ground, no base. Flatback, decorated only to the front...
Category
1820s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Earthenware
Primitive Architectural Carved Wood Mounted Indian Horse Head
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Primitive architectural carved wood mounted Indian horse head
A beautiful piece of folk architecture from the Indian continent, the horse head was usu...
Category
Late 18th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
18/19th Century Bodhisattva
Located in SE
Bodhisattva, a religious sculpture, probably made in India 1750-1850.
The sculpture has been painted and gilded, but with very little remains.
Bodhisattva, in Buddhism, is one who s...
Category
Late 18th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Vintage Boho Shanghai Weave Standing Panda
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Capture hearts with this endearing vintage standing panda figure, a wonderful example of traditional woven handicraft. Meticulously crafted using detailed weaving techniques (often s...
Category
1970s Chinese Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Pair of Australian Aboriginal Wood Sculpture Echidna
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of echidna sculpture carved from wood with found branches made by Australian Aboriginal artist Bob Burruwal (Born 1952-). Bob Burruwal is a celebrated Rembarrnga artist, who l...
Category
Early 2000s Australian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Turquoise Quad Vase
By LAKE BELL
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
With a nod to the spontaneity and privileged imperfection that is the human condition, all of my pieces imbue an energy of function and whimsy.
This coil built brown stoneware clay ...
Category
2010s American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Stoneware
$1,150
Pop Surrealist Sculpture by Robert Brock, circa 1974
Located in Buffalo, NY
Pop surrealist sculpture by Robert Brock, cirac 1974. Laminate and cast plaster
Brock was born in Tacoma, Ohio and was a graduate of the University of Dayton, Dayton Art Institute...
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Laminate, Plaster, Wood
Vintage Boho Shanghai Weave Reclining Panda
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Bring a touch of whimsical charm and global flair to your space with this delightful vintage reclining panda figure. Expertly handcrafted using intricate weaving techniques (often as...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Folk Art "Standing Man" Carved Tree Branch Sculpture After Giocometti
By Giocometti
Located in Buffalo, NY
Charming little tree branch Folk Art sculpture hand-carved in the manner of Giocometti.
Category
1930s Unknown Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Earthenware Hungarian Pottery Hand Painted, circa 1900
s
Located in Ventura, CA
Earthenware Hungarian Pottery Hand Painted, circa 1900's
Discover the timeless charm and artistry of this original hand-painted earthenware pottery, ...
Category
Early 20th Century Hungarian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Earthenware
Vintage Boho Hand Carved Boot
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Discover a truly unique piece of signed folk art with this captivating vintage hand-carved wooden boot, skillfully crafted and dated 1980 by the artisan "Dawson French." Expertly scu...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Helmet Coal Scuttle Planter
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Helmet Coal Scuttle Planter
This bucket is a very attractive helmet shape, it is painted in black with a beaten Brass riveted hooped handles
The Scuttle is in good antique condition, it is clean inside and would make a very unusual planter
The Bucket is 13” tall including the handle, 11” long...
Category
1950s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Vintage Boho Shanghai Weave Ram Basket
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Add a delightful touch of handcrafted charm and function with this vintage woven ram basket. Skillfully constructed using traditional weaving techniques, this piece features an endea...
Category
1970s Chinese Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Vintage Handmade Pottery Musician Single Candle Holder
Located in Seattle, WA
This unique candle holder Art is believed to be Peruvian folk art but not confirmed. It features a Musician with horn instrument and holder for a candle in his hat. This piece has ni...
Category
1970s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Decorated Victorian Pine Blanket Box with Stud-work Design
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Decorated Victorian Pine Blanket Box with Stud-work Design
This is a very attractive pine box, it has been decorated with a tulip design in brass stud work
The pine has darkened w...
Category
19th Century Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Chinese Zun Rooster Vessel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Patinated bronze Chinese Zun vessel. Originally a ritual container to hold wine, this piece could also be used as a decorative vase or sculptural element.
Dimensions
10" width x 4" ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Wire Airplane Sculptures
Located in Darnestown, MD
Wire sculptures of two matching monoplanes. These were made by the same hand as the bicycles listed as item #U120310916064 and automobiles U120310916065. The planes measure 10 1/2" ...
Category
1930s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wire
3 19th century Hand Made Treen Items, Pounce, Plumb Bob, Bodkin
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
3 19th century Hand Made Treen Items, Pounce, Plumb Bob, Bodkin
An interesting sewing item with a bodkin, needle case and thread winder in one, a Sycamo...
Category
19th Century Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Sycamore
Vintage Boho Studio Pottery Bowl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This remarkable studio pottery bowl is a miniature sculptural masterpiece, defined by its extraordinary applied texture and vivid coloration. The exterior surface is entirely covered...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Clay, Earthenware, Pottery
Vintage Boho Studio Pottery Oval Bowl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This dynamic vintage studio pottery piece offers a vibrant fusion of rustic texture and bold color, perfect for an eclectic or maximalist interior. Hand-formed into an elongated oval...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Clay, Earthenware, Pottery
Venus Pumice Stone Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pumice stone sculpture of a seated woman's figure, 'Venus'
Dimensions
6" width x 5.5" depth x 8.5" height.
Condition
Good vintage condition.
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone
Charming Victorian Hand Carved Pine Stationary Box
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A charming Victorian hand carved pine stationary box
The Box is good quality and in very good condition for its age, the hand carved sloping doors on...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Late 19th Century German Pug Dog, Heavy Terracotta with Brown Carmel Color Glaze
Located in San Francisco, CA
Late 19th century German pug dog. Heavy terracotta with brown carmel color glaze.
Seated, with the head turned, in active pose. Good confirmation and details of the face, ears, coil...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta
$2,695 Sale Price
30% Off
Vintage Boho Sergio Bustamante Paper Mache Bird on Pedestal
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Make a bold artistic statement with this vintage Sergio Bustamante paper mâché bird sculpture, a whimsical yet elegant creation handcrafted in T...
Category
Late 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood, Paper
Vintage Boho Original Studio Pottery Face Vase
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Add whimsy and artisan charm to your collection with this Vintage Boho Original Studio Pottery Face Vase. Boldly sculpted and hand-glazed in rich green with earthy golden highlights,...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Clay, Pottery
Vintage Novelty Waste Paper Basket the Container Is Made in Wood
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Vintage Novelty Waste Paper Basket
The container is made in wood with pictures of books and shelves on all 4 sides, a fun and a very attractive conversation piece
The container...
Category
1960s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Softwood
Vintage Studio Pitcher
Located in Asheville, NC
Vintage studio pitcher. Circa 1970s.
12”H X 7”Diameter
Category
1970s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Clay
Artist’s Model, Bust of a Young Woman on a Slate Block
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Artist’s Model, Bust of a Young Woman on a Slate Block
This is a very attractive hand made piece dating from the middle of the 20th Century, it was discovered in an Art Studio durin...
Category
1960s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Clay
Greenlandica, wooden sculpture of a hunter in profile. Hand-carved. Mid-20th C.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Greenlandica, wooden sculpture of a hunter in profile.
Hand-carved.
Mid-20th century.
In very good condition.
Dimensions: H 12.5 cm x D 8.0 cm x W 7.0 cm.
Category
Mid-20th Century Greenlandic Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Vintage Wooden Letter Opener With Folk Style Art on Handles.
Located in Seattle, WA
Makers Mark Reading “Spindlermuhle” on the Back. Translate From German to a Town in the Czech Republic. Vintage Condition Consistent with Age as Pictured.
Dimensions. 8 W ; 1 1/2 D
Category
1970s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
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
19th Century Swedish Folk Art Root Wood Bowl
Located in Bozeman, MT
Delightful 19th century Swedish folk art root wood bowl, signed JH AKRA LTS and dated 1885.
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
19th Century Swedish Folk Art Bowl
Located in Bozeman, MT
Good 19th century Swedish folk art turned bowl in it's original finish. Sweden, Signed M, 1865.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Earthenware Hungarian Pottery, circa 1900s
Located in Ventura, CA
Earthenware Hungarian Pottery, circa 1900s
This exquisite piece of early 20th century, this antique Hungarian pottery stands as a testament ...
Category
Early 20th Century Hungarian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Earthenware
Rare 20th Century Wood Carving of standing Child with a Book Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare Vintage wood carving of Standing child with holding a book. Sculpture, Hand carved and Handcrafted with Hand Painted Natural Patina, the Sculpture is in good condition
Category
1920s Unknown Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood, Paint, Hardwood
$2,560 Sale Price
20% Off
Set of 5 Large Moss Green Glass Chemist or Pharmacy Jars
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A set of 5 large moss green glass chemist or pharmacy jars
These are wonderful attractive jars from the mid 19th Century, they have been hand blown and labeled Worm Powders, Teet...
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Cut Glass
Vintage Boho Painted Ceramic Vase
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Discover the unique charm of this vintage Boho hand-painted ceramic vase, a captivating piece that brings an artistic and free-spirited touch to any setting. This vase features a del...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
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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