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
195
1,305
88
29
55
420
830
117
216
291
187
25
10
25
28
25
25
34
49
28
18
26,174
14,113
9,217
5,418
3,956
3,056
2,292
1,734
1,422
1,337
1,157
1,148
1,023
934
892
673
654
589
759
339
290
163
148
857
497
613
428
333
272
235
Height
to
Width
to
1,422
1,383
1,394
25
17
13
9
8
Style: Folk Art
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
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
Mexican Burnished Clay Mother and Child Oaxacan Sculpture Mixtec Ceramic
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
Maricela Gómez López, a hardworking mother and artist portrays her life through her work. Living and growing up in Santo Domingo Yanhuitlán, a small town in central Mexico, the role ...
Category
2010s Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
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 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
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
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
One-of -a-Kind Rooster Sculpture - France, Circa 1960s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Impressive and characterful unique cockerel sculpture made of very heavy iron pieces.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Folk Art Decorative Objects
Chubac Albert, Large Painted Sculpture, Signed, Dated and Numbered
Located in Nice, Cote d
Azur
Chubac Albert (1925-2008), Sculpture,
Large iron sculpture painted in primary colors,
Signed, dated 1991 and numbered 3/3, France.
Measures : Hei...
Category
1990s French Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Butt Nose Chest Piece 1 by Dale Wolfield
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An archival piece from contemporary artist, Dale Wolfield. Wolfield is a New York native currently creating her one of a kind pieces in the Hudson Valley. She self describes her art ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Leather, Clay, Stoneware
Special Tramp Art Box of Drawers
Located in Mt Kisco, NY
An especially sweet four-drawer hand-carved "tramp art" box. The top is decorated with a symbolic heart and arrow, a common design element in Tramp Art. The drawers are embellished with porcelain knobs. Carved ladies boots...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
David Segel 1970s 3-D Wooden Double Kiot Folk Art Sculpture
By David Segel
Located in Monrovia, CA
David Segel 3-D wooden folk art / Gothic sculpture, signed, titled and numbered ''RIBALD #1
David Segel, well known Artist of Venice, Ca and throughout Paris, France has hand-scul...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Vintage Small Black Olive Pot
Located in Ventura, CA
Vintage Small Black Olive Pot - 19th Century
Discover the timeless charm of our Vintage Small Black Olive Pot, a testament to the beauty of rustic elegance. Crafted with meticulou...
Category
19th Century European Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Vintage 15 Milk, Wine, Bottle Carrier
Located in Napa, CA
Vintage 15 slot metal milk/wine bottle carrier from Belgium with a twine handle. Vintage condition.
Category
Early 20th Century Belgian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
White Candelabra with Bird Figurine
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Enrich your decor with our exquisite vintage white ceramic candelabra, a showcase of intricate design and remarkable craftsmanship. This piece features a branch-like structure, adorn...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Maritime Architectural Element
Located in Stamford, CT
A maritime architectural element of painted and carved wood representing Neptune.
Category
19th Century English Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Earthenware Hungarian Pottery, circa 1900s
Located in Ventura, CA
Earthenware Hungarian Pottery, circa 1900s
Discover the enchanting charm of this antique Hungarian Folk Art pottery, a genuine earthenware treasure th...
Category
Early 20th Century Hungarian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Earthenware
African Tribal Folk Art Basket
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Antique African wooden storage crate, hand-carved African Tribal motifs on wood and leather woven bottom.
Interested Folk Art Tribal African handcrafted cr...
Category
Early 20th Century Kenyan Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Leather, Wood
Chinese Carved Wooden Figure of Bearded Immortal Holding a Staff
Located in Asheville, NC
This statue of "Man Who Never Dies" otherwise known as an immortal, his attribute is to hold staff in one hand and the sacred peach in other. It is composed of rose colored Chinese w...
Category
20th Century Chinese Folk Art Decorative Objects
$950 Sale Price
20% Off
Late 20th Century Vintage Boho Hand Painted Metal Cache Pot
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Infuse your space with artistic flair using this vintage boho hand-painted metal cache pot. Crafted with intricate detail and vibrant colors, this piece exudes a captivating charm re...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Folk Art Cork Collection
Located in Seattle, WA
Folk Art Cork Manufacturer's Display piece with samples of all sizes and shapes of cork available for sale. Corks are arranged in geometric shapes and mounted on a velvet-covered bo...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Cork, Velvet, Wood
$3,700
Vintage Boho Hand Carved Wooden Unicorn
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Add a touch of mythical charm and folk art elegance to your decor with this exquisite vintage unicorn sculpture. Hand-carved from a single piece of wood, this piece showcases beautif...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Mexican Colorful Folk Art Ceramic Vase Tecuanes Dance Vessel
By Los Castillo
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
Beautiful Mexican ceramic vase made with cooked clay and decorated with acrylic paint.
The vessel represents the traditional dance for the good...
Category
2010s Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Acrylic, Clay
19th Century Swedish Folk Art Turned Bowl
Located in Bozeman, MT
Unusual 19th century Swedish Folk Art turned bowl with serrated edge. ca 1850 Sweden.
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Beaded Ndebele Ceremonial Doll
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 is a ceremonial doll...
Category
Mid-20th Century South African Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Cotton, Wood, Twine
Fine 19th Century Swedish Folk Art Turned Bowl
Located in Bozeman, MT
Fine early 19th century Swedish Folk Art turned bowl in Its original colour with leaf motifs and a great patina to the surface. Ca 1820 Sweden.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Mexican Burnished Clay Chicken Kitchen Hen Egg Basket Decoration Hen Brown
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
This Mexican ceramic hen is an egg basket/container, perfect to keep eggs fresh -- a utilitarian kitchen piece by artist Manuel Reyes. Made with clay from Oaxaca and Zacatecas, painted with oxides from the region. Done with the hand-modeled technique and cooked in traditional wood-fired oven. Reyes has been constantly innovating with his hen collection, making this one of his most iconic works.
Ceramic artist, sculptor and painter, Manuel Reyes (Mexico City, 1972) atended the Escuela Nacional de Artes Plásticas in Xochimilco, México. He was later mentored by Royer Von Guten, Joy Laville...
Category
2010s Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
$520 Sale Price
20% Off
19th Century Swedish Table Top Box
Located in Bozeman, MT
Charming 19th century table top box in it's original finish, ca 1850 Sweden.
Category
19th Century European Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Handcrafted Ceramic Vase, "Stray Dogs" by "Elamorylabelleza" , Spain, 2022
Located in Madrid, ES
This handmade vase was designed and made by the collaboration of Spanish designers Carlos Jiménez, better known as `“Del Amor y la Belleza”´´, and Ranma.
The vase is made of ceramic ...
Category
2010s Spanish Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Clay, Paint
19th Century Swedish Folk Art Wooden Funnel
Located in Bozeman, MT
Antique early 19th century folk art wooden funnel carved out of one piece of wood. Ca 1800 Sweden.
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Mexican Burnished Clay Romance Torso Heart Couple Statue Contemporary Oaxaca
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
Lovers Torso, a contemporary rustic Mexican sculpture by Manuel David Reyes. This soft piece is one-of-a-kind, made with clay and natural pigments from ...
Category
2010s Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Alphaious Campbell Wood Carved Profile of a Man
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Alphaious Campbell carved wood wall hanging, c.1987. The painted folk art piece showcases various profiles of a bearded man.
Dimensions
9" width x 32.5" height
Condition
Excellent...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Pivoting Carved Wood Gull on Marble Base
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A wonderful carved wood bird in flight mounted on a bronze arm painted black which attaches to a marble base. The person we acquired this sculpture from claimed that it belonged to h...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
19th Century Monumental English Harvest Basket
Located in Buchanan, MI
19th century monumental English harvest basket, great at the foot of a bed or amazing coffee table.
Category
19th Century English Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Rattan
1880s Rustic Copper Cauldron – Handcrafted Swedish Pot with Handles
Located in Stockholm, SE
Cauldron, anonymous,
Sweden. 1880s.
Copper cauldron.
Dimensions:
H: 22 cm
D: 59 cm
Category
1880s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Copper
Hand Carved Goan Indian Elephant
Located in Dallas, TX
Hand painted and carved wooden Indian elephant from Goa.
Intricate detailing.
Category
19th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Len Norman, American 20th Century the Prestidigitator Whirligig
Located in Buchanan, MI
Len Norman, American 20th century) the prestidigitator. Assembled and painted whirligig depicting a magician and body sawing act
Measures: 23" x 27" x 12".
Category
20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Twisted Iron Folk Art Candleholder, France, circa 1920s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Unusual Folk Art candleholder made of twisted iron, painted silver. Triangular base, adorned with a cross.
Category
Early 20th Century French Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
One Pair of Charming Wooden Shoe Moulds Mounted as Bookends Great Character.
Located in Buchanan, MI
One pair of charming wooden shoe moulds mounted as bookends, comes with four leather bound books. Feel free to call with further questions. Would look great in a private library
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Steel
Set Of Three Indian Folk Art Figures
Located in Asheville, NC
Set of three Indian figures vividly painted. They appear to be kneeling in prayer two have their hair in buns and the third wears a crown. It is likely that the third blue figure is ...
Category
20th Century Indian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
$1,800 / set
Decorative Re Painted 19th Century Wine Box, Trug
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Decorative re painted 19th century wine box, trug.
A delightful piece painted over, advertising Roy Hugo Butcher.
The Carrier is made in pine and painted ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Christian School Candle House
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
This charming heavy iron candle house was made as a table centerpiece for a Private Prep School. It was designed to look like the school icon, the to...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
$245 / item
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