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Modern Folk Art

MODERN STYLE

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”

Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.

Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chaircrafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.

It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.

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Style: Modern
Bill Haskell Signed Carved Wood Turned Olive Wood Vase
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful work with elegant shape by California master woodturner artist Bill Haskell. The piece is signed and noted "Olive" on the base. Would be...
Category

20th Century American Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Pipa Reale in Bronzo Arte Bamun Camerun Africa Terzo Quarto del XX Secolo
By Non-Standard Furniture and Lighting
Located in Milano, IT
Pipa reale in bronzo. Arte bamun, Camerun regione di Foumban.
Category

1980s Cameroonian Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Bronze

Hawaiian Artist Signed Hand Carved Wood Turned Vessel Garniture Sculpture
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderfully designed and unusually shaped wood-turned vessel/ sculpture. Signed by the artists with pressed signature and noted: "magnolia wood. carved in Hawaii". From a collection of wood...
Category

20th Century American Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Antoine Durenne, Sommevoire Foundry, Rare and important set of four iron torches
Located in Nice, Cote d Azur
Antoine Durenne (1882-1895), Sommevoire Foundry, Rare and important quintet of four cast iron torches decorated with odalisque children perched on cant...
Category

1860s French Antique Modern Folk Art

Materials

Iron

Bob Matheny Allied Crafstmen of San Diego Sculpture, 2013
Located in Cathedral City, CA
Bob Matheny Allied Crafstmen of San Diego Sculpture, 2013 This unique sculpture, titled "Public Art That is Daring & Daringly Odd", signed and dated 2013 on the bottom, executed by ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Folk Art

Materials

Metal, Tin

Collection of 2 Moor Heads "Pop Women", Handmade in Italy, 2019, Unique Design
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 Modern Folk Art

Materials

Gold Leaf

Ceramic mask by Accolay, France, active between 1947 and 1983
Located in Paris, FR
Mask by Accolay Pottery, active between 1945 and 1983, signed
Category

20th Century French Modern Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Beautiful sculpture by Pol Spilliaert
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Splendide sculpture par Pol Spilliaert en marbre noir de Belgique. Superbe présence, très jolie ronde bosse. Chaque pan de la sculpture est travaillée. Elle provient de son atelier.
Category

1970s Belgian Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Belgian Black Marble

2 Moor Heads "Futuristic Women", Handmade in Italy, 2019, Unique Design
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 Modern Folk Art

Materials

Gold Leaf

Warren MacKenzie Signed Studio Pottery Ceramic Tenmoku Glazed Footed Bowl
Located in Studio City, CA
A gorgeous work by 20th century master American and renowned Minnesota studio potter/artist Warren MacKenzie. The three-footed tenmoku glazed bowl is signed/ stamped along the foot rim by MacKenzie and features a unique decorative pattern. The dark, rich glaze radiates in the light. This work would a great addition to any Warren Mackenzie or modern pottery/ ceramic collection or eye-catching stand-alone accent piece in about any setting. A student of both famed ceramic artists Bernard Leach and Shoji Hamada, Mackenzie is credited with bringing the functional Japanese Mingei tradition and craft to the United States and spreading it through his own art and teaching mentorship during his long tenure at the University of Minnesota. Along with being named a Regent’s Professor, and a fellow of the International Academy of Ceramics, the highly decorated and awarded MacKenzie was the first to receive the Minnesota Governor’s Award in Crafts in 1986. He later received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Minnesota Crafts Council in 1997 and a year later he was honored with the Gold Medal from the American Crafts Council. His work can be found in numerous collections and museums including: The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York The Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. The National Folk Art Museum in Tokyo, Japan The Victoria and Albert Museum in London, England Contemporary American Crafts...
Category

20th Century American Modern Folk Art

Materials

Stoneware

Ceramic girl with squirrel Ronzan style - Lenci - Essevi
Located in Lugo, IT
Ceramic girl with squirrel. Left hand fingers not perfect. Good condition. Thanks
Category

1950s Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Moor Heads Vases "Galaxy with Gold", Handmade in Italy, 2019, Unique Design
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 Modern Folk Art

Materials

Gold Leaf

Doug Ayers Signed California Artist Large Organic Wood Turned Weed Vase
Located in Studio City, CA
A very beautifully made, organic wood turned weed vase by famed American / California (Mendocino, CA) artist/ sculptor Doug Ayers. Signed and dated by Ayers on the base. Ayers ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Matt Moor Head Vase, Handmade in Sicily, Gold Leaf, Colors Customizable
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 Modern Folk Art

Materials

Gold Leaf

Contemporary Acrylic on Paper Multi-Color Painting, Signed KALM
Located in Miami, FL
Contemporary art piece using spray paint and acrylic dots on paper. Signed KALM.
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Folk Art

Materials

Paper

Sheep Moneybox Pop Art, 22K Gold, Made in Italy, 2022, New Collection
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
These splendid ceramic creations are born from the artistic laboratory of Mosche Bianche. The piggy bank, a means that has always been used to remind us of the importance of savi...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Koi Fish Installation Figure by Robert "Bob" Matheny
Located in San Diego, CA
Koi Fish installation figure by Southern California Artist Robert "Bob" Matheny. This piece was acquired at Robert Matheny’s estate. The piece is 16” in...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic, Wood

Collection of 4 Vases Moor Head, Handmade in Italy, 2019, Unique Design
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 Modern Folk Art

Materials

Gold Leaf

Moor Heads Vases "Mars with gold", Handmade in Italy, 2019, Home Decor
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 Modern Folk Art

Materials

Gold Leaf

Collection of 2 Moor Heads "Mars x 2", Handmade in Italy, 2019, Unique Design
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 Modern Folk Art

Materials

Gold Leaf

Sheep Moneybox Pop Art, Set of 2 Pieces, Made in Italy, 2022, New Collection
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
These splendid ceramic creations are born from the artistic laboratory of Mosche Bianche. The piggy bank, a means that has always been used to remind us of the importance of savi...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

21st Century Penelope Washcloth Holder in Canvas Leather Handmade in Italy
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Penelope collection now has its own wash clothes holder. Perfect also for sunglasses and sunscreen, the resistant and waterproof leather joined with the ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Leather, Canvas

21st Century Euclide Coffee Table in Wood Calf Leather
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
A new collection joined the Pinetti family. Euclide with its geometric look is an elegant side table crafted with wood structure and entirely covered in recycled leather. This lovel...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Leather, Wood

21st Century Tata Italian Magazine Holder in Wood Leather
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
This masterfully hand-woven basket belongs to our iconic Almeria collection. Made of eco-friendly leather, that is washable, resistant to light and water, it's suitable for indoor an...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Leather, Wood

Anne A. E. Hirondelle Signed Large Modern Ceramic Pottery Glazed Vessel Teapot
By Anne Hirondelle
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderfully colored and glazed, rather unique piece by renowned American Pacific Northwest Coast potter Anne Hirondelle who in 1993 was a recipient of a National Endowment for the ...
Category

20th Century American Modern Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Midcentury Mercedes Mb300 Sedan Windup on Stand by Prameta with Driver Keyc1958
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous articulated Mercedes MB300 sedan by Prameta. Green sedan sits mounted on a stand. Key for winding the clockwork mechanism is in the form of a chauffeur. In excellent vintage...
Category

1950s German Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Metal

Exceptional Life Size Wicker and Bamboo Racing Motorcycle
Located in Hastings, GB
A superb sculpture in the form of a racing motorcycle, using wicker rattan and bamboo the detailing on this piece is fantastic, even down to the rear inter...
Category

1980s English Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wicker

Hen in Perpetual Motion, Ceramic Pop Art, White, Handmade in Italy, 2022
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
These splendid ceramic creations are born from the artistic laboratory of Mosche Bianche. In this casket you can keep small objects of value, born as the materialization (and unive...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Sheep Moneybox Pop Art, Yellow, Made in Italy, 2022, New Collection
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
These splendid ceramic creations are born from the artistic laboratory of Mosche Bianche. The piggy bank, a means that has always been used to remind us of the importance of savi...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Sheep Moneybox Pop Art, Set of 2 Pieces, Made in Italy, 2022, Black, Red
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
These splendid ceramic creations are born from the artistic laboratory of Mosche Bianche. The piggy bank, a means that has always been used to remind us of the importance of savi...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Sheep Moneybox Pop Art, Silver, Made in Italy, 2022, New Collection
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
These splendid ceramic creations are born from the artistic laboratory of Mosche Bianche. The piggy bank, a means that has always been used to remind us of the importance of savi...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Sheep Moneybox Pop Art, Grey, Made in Italy, 2022, New Collection
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
These splendid ceramic creations are born from the artistic laboratory of Mosche Bianche. The piggy bank, a means that has always been used to remind us of the importance of savi...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

21st Century Igea Sanitizing Box Handmade in Italy
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
An instant touch of class, wherever displayed. A smart solution for your rooms, stores, showrooms, yachts, hotel or meeting rooms; ideal to maintain your environments clean and sanit...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Leather

Handmade Ceramic Accessories Ladybug Red
Located in Lisbon, PT
These handmade decorative accessories combine the traditional Portuguese ceramic and glazing techniques in a modern approach of shapes and color, as they bring such brightness and jo...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Folk Art

Materials

Brass

21st Century Hook Washcloth Basket in Leather Handmade in Italy
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Smaller and smaller. Hook baskets introduced a new dimension in their collection. This cute size is ideal to keep small towels, sunglasses and sunscreen. The attractive contrast bet...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Leather, Fabric

21st Century Italian Tic Tac Toe in Calf Leather with Plexiglass Pieces
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
A beautiful, modern board game that displays elegantly no matter where it is. Our Boston tic tac toe board is a light-hearted, beautiful complement to any table. Crafted of premium I...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Leather, Walnut, Plexiglass

Ghidini 1961 Mirror with Little Vase in Brass by Elisa Giovanni
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Mirror with decor and brass frame. A classic Renaissance monofora is the form that inspired the mirror. The arc is defined by brass profile rounded at the bottom, just like on a wind...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Brass

Mambila Large Female Figure African Sculpture
Located in Sharon, CT
Authentic old piece, retaining some of the original painted surface. Art from the Cameroon tribes played a great role in influencing and inspiring the German Expressionists. Though ...
Category

Early 20th Century Cameroonian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wood

21st Century Almeria Oval Towel and Shoes Handwoven Basket Made in Italy
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Extremely elegant and versatile, part of the Almeria series. Made with eco-friendly, washable and resistant regenerated leather this oval basket is perfect as a wood holder, in a living room or as shoes or towel basket...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Leather

Gorgeous Blue Sellier Silk Scarf by Erre France
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Gorgeous Erre Paris silk scarf in mint pristine condition. Erre Foulards 100% Silk Square 34" x 34” Scarf. Designed by Terry Pheto and Princess Charlene of Monaco. Great gift 100 ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

21st Century Igea Sanitizing Tray with Dispenser Touchless Hanmade in Italy
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
An instant touch of class, wherever displayed. A smart solution for your rooms, stores, showrooms, yachts, hotel or meeting rooms; ideal to maintain your environments clean and sanit...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Leather

Contemporary Colorful Nude Woman Chalk Sketch on Gray circa 1960 Signed Ball
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Portrait chalk sketching of a woman reclining nude. This piece features bold greens, blues, oranges, blacks and yellows. Woman is reclining on a fainting sofa, arms behind her head a...
Category

20th Century American Modern Folk Art

Materials

Paper

Painting October in the Cantina by Sergio Agostini, Italy, 1960
By Sergio Agostini
Located in New York, NY
"Ottobre in Cantina" Painting, oil on canvas by Italian artist Sergio Agostini, Rome, 1960. Signed on lower left with sticker from original exhibition at Galleria L'88 on Via M...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Canvas

21st Century Arianna Labyrinth Game Set in Wood and Leather Handmade in Italy
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
A perfect addition for your game room or the ideal luxury gift? The choice is yours! Arianna, our new wooden square maze is laser cut and finished in genuine leather. Its lines a...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Leather, Wood

21st Century Nadia Washcloth Holder Handmade in Italy
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Nadia collection introduced its own wash clothes holder. Perfect also for sunglasses and sunscreen, the resistant and waterproof leather joined with a co...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Leather, Fabric

21st Century Leather Olimpia Round Bathroom Set Made in Italy
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Olimpia, in all its beauty. A complete set with all the bathroom essentials: A round soap dispenser, a toothbrush holder and a cotton pad holder to...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Brass

Advertising Sign for an Optician, from 1920s
Located in Vienna, Austria
Hand painted metal advertising sign for an optician. The shield was attached to the facade on an optician shop and is painted with the same motive on both sides. Signed from the si...
Category

1920s Czech Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Metal

21st Century Olimpia Round Bathroom Set Handmade in Italy in Artic Leather
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Olimpia, in all its beauty. Our small tray, together with a soap dispenser and a toothbrush holder. A complete set with all the bathroom essentials presented here in a round shape...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Abstract Turkish Handmade Striped Flat-Weave in Persimmon Coral, Blue
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Turkish flat-woven Kilim rug handmade during the mid-20th century. 3 offset sections with variating colors in persimmon, orange, coral, and dark blue are attached together ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Muted Melody Gray Brown Gray Brown 180x270 cm Hand Knotted Rugs
Located in Milano, IT
An exquisite creation from our Azalea collection which is hand woven by traditional artisans of India. This rug is not just a carpet, it's an exquisite tapestry that weaves together ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Tribal Ceremonial Silver Ornament/Neckrings, Sculpture, Miao, Guizhou, Plus Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a great and important ceremonial neck rings ware by the people of the Minorities of China, the Golden triangle ,Mongolia and Tibet. These pieces were made of low content of s...
Category

20th Century Chinese Modern Folk Art

Materials

Metal

Elf Doby from Harry Potter series in real life size
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Elf Doby from Harry Potter series hand carved from a walnut tree in real life size.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Slovak Modern Folk Art

Materials

Walnut

Large Mural of the Szechenyi Chain Bridge in Budapest Hungary
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous large painting, wall mural of the Chain Bridge in Budapest Hungary. 10 feet x 4 feet with all the trimmings that surrounds the Danube River. Bridge was mostly destroyed by f...
Category

1960s Hungarian Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Vincent van Gogh, Ege Art Line, Modern Carpet, Cherry Blossom Rug, Signed
Located in Manhasset, NY
Vincent van Gogh, Ege Art Line, Modern Carpet, Cherry Blossom Rug, Signed & Labeled An exceptional 100% wool carpet from 'The 20th Century Masters Collection' by Ege Art Line and pr...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Red Terracotta Sculpture of Seated Nude, circa 1960
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Red Terracotta Sculpture of Seated Nude circa 1960 signed - artist unknown nice color and size small chip near foot
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Terracotta

Tatra Truck Model from 1980s
Located in Vienna, Austria
Tatra truck model, large dimensioned in steel. The truck is made by a person, who worked his adult life for the company Tatra. In his retirement he build of all the Tatra trucks a...
Category

1980s Slovak Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Metal

Tatra Truck Model from 1980s
Tatra Truck Model from 1980s
$1,044 Sale Price
37% Off
Pop Art Niki de Saint Phalle Inflatable Plastics Rhino Collectibles, France 1999
Located in Miami, FL
Pop Art Niki de Saint Phalle inflatable plastics Rhino collectibles, France, 1999. Toys for happiness.
Category

1990s French Modern Folk Art

Materials

Plastic

Bright Bold Postmodern Cubist Abstract Portrait Painting, Signed
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A fabulous piece for the Postmodern art lover. This piece features cubist lines, bright bold colors and wonderful texture. It depicts a portrait of a figure, and is titled “Japanese Hair Salon...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Folk Art

Materials

Paint, Paper

70" Wood Thai Dancer Statue
Located in Pasadena, TX
6ft wood Thai dancer statue Thai deity with mirrored accents throughout. Deity is holding a staff, with arm outstretched. Statue is hand carved.
Category

Early 20th Century Thai Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wood

70" Wood Thai Dancer Statue
70" Wood Thai Dancer Statue
$1,400 Sale Price
30% Off
"Gothic Whisper" Abstract Architectural Painting on Canvas by Louis Shields
Located in Middleburg, VA
An evocative exploration of structure, memory, and silence, "Gothic Whisper" by Louis Shields emerges as a haunting meditation on the remnants of architecture and time. Part of the a...
Category

2010s American Modern Folk Art

Materials

Foil

Modern folk art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern folk art 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 folk art created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include folk art, decorative objects, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern folk art made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original folk art, popular names associated with this style include Pinetti, VG-VGnewtrend, Danese Milano, and Mosche Bianche. 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 folk art differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $75 and tops out at $50,000 while the average work can sell for $1,001.