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 Swedish 19th Century Blue Glass Candy Bowl or Yoghurt Dish
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Early Swedish 19th Century blue glass candy bowl or dish.
This type of glass bowl was typically used for yoghurt and other dairy products.
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Art Glass
$140 Sale Price
28% Off
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
Antique Swedish Folk Art Hand-Crafted Painted Bowl
Located in Kramfors, SE
Painted folk art bowl from northern Sweden made during the early 1800s, around 1820. The bowl has an oval shape and has been hollowed out by hand from a single large piece of wood. B...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Vintage Majolica Lidded Jar - Eggplant Form - Hand Painted Leaves - 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage majolica hand painted lidded jar - eggplant form - molded ceramic - unsigned - mid 20th century.
Excellent vintage condition - minor manufacturing flaws consistent with hand...
Category
Mid-20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Antique Swedish Folk Art Tea Caddy in Hand-Carved Wood, 19th century
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A fine hand-tooled and ebonized wooden tea canister of Swedish origin - circa 1850-1890. Folk art piece made by an unknown artisan.
Measurements: H: 18 cm, Diameter: 15 cm.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Oak
19th Century Indonesian Red and Black Lacquered Document Box with Brass Handles
Located in Middleburg, VA
This 19th century red and black lacquered Indonesian document box is a beautiful way to keep your important papers tucked away. Made of richly patinated teak with intricate red and b...
Category
19th Century Indonesian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Teak
Vintage Green Painted Wooden Banded Bucket Pail
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Fantastic patina on this primitive basket. Very versatile piece. We see this charming piece used for anything from garden tools to champagne holder as well as fruit piled sitting on ...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
19th Century Swedish Root Wood Bowl
Located in Allerum, SE
19th century Swedish Folk Art root wood bowl, signed IES. Ca 1830s Sweden
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Rare 19th Century Cast Iron Court Jester Folk Art Hanging Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic 19th century wall hanging folk sculpture of the English court jester, looks like the joker. This folky cast sculpture looks like it was somethi...
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
$3,080 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Folk Art Tejne Wood Container Original Blue Paint, Denmark ca 1850s
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Antique Scandinavian wooden container with original dark blue paint which is worn off at places. The side are made of one single piece of wide bent wood, closed will stiches of natur...
Category
Mid-19th Century Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Chinese Checkered Papier-Mâché Box
Located in Chicago, IL
Formed around a simple wooden frame, this papier-mâché storage box is a charming example of Chinese folk art. Crafted with old newspapers and dyed rice paper, the box would have been...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Paper
19th Century Swedish Painted Child Size Vanity Mirror
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A second half of the 19th century Scandinavian vanity mirror for kids. This Little hand painted in "Faux bois" technique mirror has a little...
Category
1860s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Mirror, Pine
19th Century hand painted tine decorative box
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century hand painted tine decorative box circa 1860.
Good quality Swedish tine box, used for storing valuables or foods for secure storage. This example in it's original blue ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine, Paint
Herón Martínez Mendoza Barro Negro Three-Handled Vessel with Applied Birds
By Heron Martinez
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Here is a rare and striking vase or vessel by Mexican artist, Herón Martínez Mendoza (1918-1990). This is a handmade piece that, although is considered folk art, has a very modernist...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Clay
Folk Art Hand Painted XL Colorful Gourd
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Folk Art Hand Painted XL Colorful Gourd
18 h x 16 diameter
Original vintage unrestored
Refer to images listed
Category
Late 20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Hand Carved Wood Figural Bull Statue
Located in Cincinnati, OH
This skillfully executed hand carved figural bull is fully dimensional and has a rich brown color. The bull is depicted in a standing position atop a shaped wooden plinth. The muscular animal has been finished with realistic detail with particular attention given to the bull's facial features and folds of skin. The plinth itself is slightly domed at the center and bears carved elements which include a large rock and stylized plants.
The bull measures 8" tall and the base is 10.75" x 4.125". It weighs 1lb 15oz. The carved bull is in very good vintage condition with no cracks or signs of wear.
This early 20th century hand carved bull statue...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Antique Unique Large Swedish Genuine Patina Folk Art Wooden Bowl
Located in Kramfors, SE
Unique Swedish folk-art bowl in a very unusual boat like shape. This wooden bowl is large and wide with date “1782” underneath along with a set of initials. An unusual detail is the ...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Large English Cast Iron Scottie Terrier Dog Door Stop Sculpture
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Cast iron sculpture of a Scottie terrier door stop with original black paint. Fantastic patina on this doorstop with great age and wear. Wonderful addition to an existing collection ...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
African Folk Art Hand Carved Sculpture Fork and Spoon
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Hand carved African tribal wood carved sculpture of a men and women,
Africa tribal Art Decor.
Kenyan tribal sculpture featuring an elongated standing man and women with a crown and metal choker.
Very simple modern look carved ethnic sculpture...
Category
20th Century Kenyan Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Italian Folk Maiolica Landscape Pitcher
Located in Atlanta, GA
A hand thrown tin-glazed earthenware pitcher of baluster form with a flared, scalloped rim and a strap handle. The body is decorated with a naive, hand-painted pastoral landscape in...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Earthenware
19th Century Swedish Curtlery box / Tray
Located in Boden, SE
A charming early 19th Century two-section Cuterly tray with a handled -divider.
It has a lovely gray original color & stunning patina.
You can use it in your home in many different w...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
19th Century Swedish antique rustic Folk Art Wooden tray bowl original color
Located in Boden, SE
An large antique and unique organic wooden bowl / wooden tray. With highly appealing patina, with traces of use. This one in a unique blue painted color thats been patinated during i...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Southeast Asian Painted Offering Box
Located in Chicago, IL
This footed offering box from southeast Asia brings vibrant color and folk charm to modern interiors as a vide-poche or catch-all dish. The vintage box is shaped of hand-turned wood ...
Category
20th Century Southeast Asian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
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
Wood
Mid-Century American Folk Art Wood Articulated Man Figure
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a Folk Art wooden articulated man, circa the 1950s. This nearly 5-foot tall, handcrafted piece, epitomizing Mid-century American craftsmanship, is made ...
Category
1950s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Hardwood
Vintage 1970
s Hand Painted Pair Of Folk Art Pottery - Signed by Artist
Located in San Carlos, CA
For Sale: Stunning 1970's Vintage Folk Art Pottery Vases
Add a touch of vintage charm to your home with this gorgeous pair of 1970's folk art pottery vases. Both vases showcase a di...
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
$112 Sale Price
53% Off
Large Sculpture Made of Handwoven Palm Leaves
Located in West Hollywood, CA
These large hand-woven palm sculptures are made from natural palm and provide rustic, organic modern, contemporary design for any home decor. Their unique w...
Category
2010s Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Palmwood
$1,950 / item
Mid 18th century Swedish pine chest decorated with labyrinth
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 18th century Swedish pine chest decorated with labyrinth circa 1730.
Rare and beautiful Swedish pine chest. Traces of original paint to the outside with decorative metal strap...
Category
Mid-18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
19th Century Carved Pine Articulated Artists Lay Figure or Mannequin
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
13" Carved pine artists articulated mannequin or lay figure of a male with carved facial features.
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Vintage Brown Nautical Sailing Ship Wood Box with Hinged Lid
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A vintage nautical theme jewelry or trinket box. This small rectangular brown box will be a great accent on a coffee table, dressing table, or on a bookshelf. It is created from wood...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
$262 Sale Price
25% Off
Genuine Unusual Antique Northern Swedish Faux Paint Long Case Clock
Located in Kramfors, SE
Genuine long case clock from Sweden made during the first years of the 19th century, around 1810. The clock is unusual and genuine, from the village ...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Burmese Yun Lacquer Cup, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This delicate cup from the late 19th century is a lovely example of the Burmese art of lacquer (pan yun). Shaped from coiled bamboo and finished with cinnabar-red lacquer (hinthabada...
Category
Late 19th Century Burmese Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Bamboo
19th Century French Folk Art Storage Basket
Located in Allerum, SE
Unusually large 19th century French folk art storage basket. coiled construction with straw and bark. Ca 1890 France.
Category
19th Century French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Straw
Cast Bronze Bull Bowl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Verdigris patinated bronze bowl with four mounted bull heads around the rim which serve as decor and handles. Marked "Hatti - Made in Turkey"
Dimensions
11" diameter x 5.75" height...
Category
Mid-20th Century Turkish Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Early 19th Century Rectangular Delft Tile with Rabbit
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Charming delft blue and white tile featuring a running rabbit. We see this piece displayed on a table or shelf and would make a wonderful addition to any collector of these desirabl...
Category
Early 19th Century Dutch Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Delft, Paint
Antique Swedish genuine Folk Art Country Cutlery box dated 1857 Original paint
Located in Boden, SE
A charming mid 19th Century two-section Cuterly tray with a handled -divider.
The Tray is dated 1857 & signed KJD
It has a lovely original color & stunning patina.
You can use it in...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Circa 1930
s English Hand-Carved Terrier
Located in High Point, NC
Circa 1930's hand-carved terrier dog from England. The terrier is very sassy, wearing a top hat. Charming carving with nice proportions and a lavish coat of fur. This little guy w...
Category
1930s English Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Fruitwood
Mahogany Jewelry Box with Mirror
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Mahogany box with inlaid mother of pearl and mirror, on small round brass feet.
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Mahogany, Mother-of-Pearl
$312 Sale Price
26% Off
Antique Genuine Swedish Pine Long Case Clock with Unusual Original Blue Paint
Located in Kramfors, SE
Genuine antique long case clock from northern Sweden. The clock is made around 1820 with a very well-made and elegant case in painted pine. The...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Apache American Indian Basket Woven Devils Grass
Located in Los Angeles, CA
American Indian Apache basket in fine condition.This is in a star pattern and quite large tray or large bowl type basket.This is a rare pattern & fine basket.
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Hemp
$1,420 Sale Price
20% Off
Blue Glazed Redware Character Jug Signed, 19th Century
Located in Bishop
s Stortford, Hertfordshire
An antique folk art blue glazed redware pottery pottery jug or flask modelled as a man wears a night gown and night cap with a spout behind the man’s head wi...
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
Tramp Art Box or Chest, Early 20th Century
Located in London, London
Tramp Art Box or Chest, Early 20th Century
Finely detailed tramp art box, hand-carved from layers of chip-carved wood and embellished with brass tacks. The intricate geometric cons...
Category
Early 20th Century French Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Abstract Modernist Wood Inlay / Wooden Marquetry Figure Wall Plaque
Located in Buffalo, NY
Abstract Modernist Wood Inlay / Marquetry Figure wall plaque. Hand executed..Art Deco , African influenced.Several mixed species of exotic woods.
Category
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
1930s Austrian Horse Toy
By Craft and Folk Art Museum
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Beautiful 1930s Austrian horse toy. Wonderful patina.
Category
1920s Austrian Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Bentwood
$2,800
Russian Kovsch in Silver Gilt, Cloisonné Enamel and Silver Pearl
Located in London, GB
Russian kovsch in silver gilt, cloisonne enamel and silver pearl
Russian, 20th Century
Height 7cm, width 12cm, depth 7cm
This kovsch is a meticulously crafted piece, made by marryin...
Category
20th Century Russian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Silver, Enamel
Beetle Cast Iron Shoe Horn or Boot Jack, Powder Coated Chartreuse, circa 1920
s
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Vintage boot jack in cast iron freshly powder coated in bright chartreuse. The cast iron object is as functional as it is decorative. This bright and fun ...
Category
1920s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Moroccan Decorative Fish Sculpture Handbuilt and Handpainted by Potter Houda
Located in Marseille, FR
- Hand built decorative fish sculpture
- made of clay collected from the potter's surroundings.
- decorative motifs painted with a goat hair brush made by the potter to apply natur...
Category
2010s Moroccan Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Clay, Earthenware
$62 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Antique Real Skull of a Rabbit, Germany ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Real Skull of a Rabbit, Germany ca. 1900s
An antique taxidermied skull of the rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) mounted on an ebonized wooden tur...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Bone, Wood
Antique Swedish Small Handmade Folk Art Box
Located in Kramfors, SE
Swedish folk art box made by hand in solid Swedish pine. The box is in original condition with the untouched original paint. Made in northern Sweden around the 1860s. It has most lik...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Early 19th century Swedish hand painted pine blanket box
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 19th century Swedish painted blanket box circa 1816.
Traditional rag painted Swedish box which is initialed and dated 1816. Flat top lid which makes it ideal for doubling up ...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine, Paint
19th Century Tobacconist’s Trade Sign
Located in Greenwich, CT
English carved and polychrome decorated wood tobacconist’s trade sign in the form of a “Turk” wearing a distinctive headdress and dressed in a long robe, this advertising figure rela...
Category
19th Century British Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Swedish Folk Art, Unique Early 19th Century Farmers Bowl Painted Wood
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
An antique and unique organic wooden bowl. With highly appealing patina, and the inside of the bowl with faded painting makes this a unique and desirable piece. Produced in Sweden, e...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
collection of antique wig heads from late 18th - 19th century
Located in Saarbrücken, SL
- rare collection of 3 wide heads from 18th century to 19th century
- antiques from the period 1980-1910
- beautiful patina with traces of old craftsmanship
Category
Early 1900s Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
24" Tall Antique Swedish Large Wooden Horse Carved Hand-Painted 19th Century
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Tall antique Swedish horse in carved wood with original patinated paint in off-white color with blue dots.
Made circa end of the 19th century.
Th...
Category
1890s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Leather, Wood
Large Irregular-Shaped Swedish Root wood Bowl
Located in Houston, TX
Large irregular-shaped Swedish root wood bowl dating to the mid-19th century. Hand-carved from root wood. Retains remnants of old red paint and marker's mark.
Note: Regional differe...
Category
1850s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood, Paint
Folk Art Carved and Painted Owl Decoy, USA, 1900
s
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Folk Art carved and painted owl decoy, USA 1900's
A decorative barn owl carving decoy
Original paint with even wear.
Mounted over a new iron stand.
We have...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Set of two Swedish Root Basket from 19th-20th century
Located in Farsta, SE
Set of two Swedish Root Basket from 19th-20th century
Made from pine and spruce roots, these are very strong yet lightweight, with a beautiful pattern on the bottom.
Height: 12-14....
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine, Spruce
19th C Branding Iron Candlestick
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th C branding iron candlestick, An authentic American wrought iron branding iron, now as a candlestick.
Stands 21-inches high, the base measures 7-inche...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wrought Iron
$716 Sale Price
20% Off
Pair of American Folk Art Tin Clad Pug Dog Bookends
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of American Folk Art Tin Clad Pug dog bookends
USA, circa 1940s
A great pair of hand-crafted, possibly one of kind American Folk Art Tin Clad pug d...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Tin
$1,000 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Figurines by Dr. Harley Niblack
Located in South Charleston, WV
This grouping of 3 figurines and 9 sculpture head figures were obtained directly from Dr. Harley Niblack by the consignor's father (who was also a woodt...
Category
1950s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
$3,590 / set
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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