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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
A Modern Wool Carpet, Rug, Wool Five by Seven Feet Nine Inches
Located in Manhasset, NY
A Modern Wool Carpet, Rug, Wool Five by Seven Feet Nine Inches By Kaleen. A fine thick wool pile having a geometric design of blue and green colors.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Micki Schloessingk Salt Glazed Studio Pottery Lidded Vessel
Located in Bishop s Stortford, Hertfordshire
A fine vintage British studio pottery lidded vessel by renowned potter Micki Schloessingk (b. 1949) and made in Swansea, Wales. The stoneware vessel is of tall slightly graduated cyl...
Category

Late 20th Century British Modern Folk Art

Materials

Stoneware

Ceramic vide-poche by Roger Capron, France, 1970 s
Located in Paris, FR
Vide-poche by Roger Capron, black ceramic, signed
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Porada Custom Giove Mirror by Tarcisio Colzani
Located in Basildon, London
Introducing the stunning Custom Giove Mirror by Porada. This classic piece boasts a sleek and modern design, crafted with high quality materials. The frame is made from luxurious Can...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Glass, Walnut

Limited Edition Devotion Omnia Gray Rug
Located in Milan, IT
Combining the traditional weaving and modern technology, this elegant limited edition rug is entirely hand-tufted in India from refined bamboo silk...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Textile

Vintage 1958 Jos. Schiltz Large 73" Lighted Brewing Beer Advertisement Bar Sign
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage 1958 Jos. Schiltz Large 73" Lighted Brewing Beer Advertisement Bar Sign. Item features a large impressive size, fluorescent lighted bulb interior, wonderful color, original l...
Category

1950s Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Metal

White Pearl Resin Tic Tac Toe by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Our Tic Tac Toe is a beautiful, modern and fun take on the classic game. The three dimensional pieces are handmade in white pearl resin, and board is in black pearl resin. It will be...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Folk Art

Materials

Resin

"Long Lost" Is a Unique Spiritual Icon Painting Created in 2007
Located in Copenhagen, DK
An original signed acrylic painting on canvas by Danish-Grenadian artist Boris de Freitas (1969-) titled "long lost", 2007.
Category

Early 2000s Danish Modern Folk Art

Materials

Acrylic

"Time to Go" by Michael Kagan Signed Print ed. 4/75 2021
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
“Time to Go” by Michael Kagan, 2021, edition of 75 Archival pigment print on cotton paper. This print sold out instantly online. A great piece ready for your collection. Micha...
Category

2010s American Modern Folk Art

Materials

Paper

2 Cats and a Bone, Outsider Artist Drew, 2021
Located in Hastings, GB
This piece is titled 2 Cats and a Bone, painted in 2020 during lockdown and using an abandoned car park sign as the medium. Measuring 152cm wide x 84cm Height Drew is an 'Outsid...
Category

2010s British Modern Folk Art

Materials

Metal

Mel Smilow Mid Century Modern Abstract Grid Oil on Canvas Assemblage 1988
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Mel Smilow, 1988, an assemblage of cut foam blocks in an array of modern abstract image of shapes assembled in a grid pattern, covered in a gray purple and dark blue acrylic. Trimmed...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic, Foam, Pine

1997 Geometric Painting Hexagonal Frame Signed E. Powell, Victor Vasarely Style
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A one of a kind geometric op art painting featuring nested triangles within a hexagon. Bold blue, green, and red stripes alternate in direction to create depth and movement, evoking ...
Category

1990s Unknown Modern Folk Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

The Rug Company Square Chains Rug
Located in Basildon, London
The Square Chains Rug by The Rug Company adds a touch of modern sophistication to any interior. Expertly handcrafted from the finest materials, it features a striking geometric patte...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Stoneware Silhouette Sculpture
Located in Denton, TX
Stoneware silhouette double sided sculpture.
Category

1970s Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Stoneware

Original Hornsleth Painting "Butterflies ART" By Kristian Von Hornsleth
Located in Lejre, DK
Original painting by Kristian von Hornsleth in mixed media on canvas from 2021 titled "Butterflies ART". The painting measures approx. 106 x 140 cm and i...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Folk Art

Materials

Canvas

Alma Ibacache 3D Debossed Painted Copper Metal Wall Art Brazilian Lumberjack
Located in Philadelphia, PA
(Believed to be) Alma Ibacache 3D Debossed Painted Copper Metal Wall Art "Brazilian Lumberjack". Believed to be Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 39" H x 27.5" W x 2" D.
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Folk Art

Materials

Copper

Mary Rich Islamic Influence Gold Lustre Patterned Porcelain Studio Pottery Bowl
Located in Bishop s Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stylish studio pottery porcelain miniature teapot with Islamic influence design in rich gilding on a green coloured ground by renowned potter Mary Rich (b.1940) and dating from the 20th Century. The small barrel...
Category

20th Century English Modern Folk Art

Materials

Porcelain

Hand Built Sculptural Wood Fired Triangular Form Signed Studio Pottery Dish
Located in Bishop s Stortford, Hertfordshire
A truly wonderful design piece, and one of my favourite pieces, is this hand-built wood fired three cornered triangular studio pottery dish of scul...
Category

20th Century British Modern Folk Art

Materials

Stoneware

Wave Hand-Tufted Rug in Yellow by Verner Panton
Located in Horsens, DK
Seven colored rectangular rug with organic pattern designed by Verner Panton. Material: 100% New Zealand's wool Hand-tufted Color: Yellow.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Large Rug by Paola Lenti
Located in Basildon, London
Introducing the Large Rug by Paola Lenti, a luxurious addition to any living space. Crafted with high quality materials and exquisite attention to detail, this rug exudes elegance an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Fabric

Inside Painted Crystal, "After Rain" Snuff Bottle by Fu Guoshun, 2014
Located in Tainan, TW
Fu Guoshun was born at Hebei in 1954. He was complimented as a Master of Chinese arts and crafts in 2012. It is the highest honor for an inside painting artist. There are only ten artists who earned this glory. He is also the director of China International Painting and Calligraphy Association, vice chairman of China Snuff Bottle Professional Committee, and vice-chairman of Hebei Inside painted snuff bottle Association. Since 1977, he has been studying the art of inside painting under Wang Xisan. Fu Guoshun is one of the best artists in Ji school. Mr Fu Guoshun's inside paintings are exquisite. His works include landscapes, figures, animals, flowers, and birds to calligraphy with comprehensive skills. In addition, his professions are known for their elegance, flexibility, and light. With the three superb skills of poetry, calligraphy, and painting, there are only a handful of artists who can match up in the field of snuff bottles. It is difficult to find other artists who could compare his paintings from an artistic perspective when it comes to inside painted snuff bottles...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Folk Art

Materials

Crystal

"Stoned" Reitha Sedel Virginia Artist Vintage Moody Portrait Painting
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia Artist Reitha Fivel Sedel (1918 - 1991) “Stoned”, Acrylic on Canvas. Featuring moody turquoises and blues, a portrait of three male figures. Each male figure has long bro...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Small ceramic vase by Ruelland, France, 1960 s
Located in Paris, FR
small ceramic round vase by Ruelland, signed
Category

1960s French Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

"Tenderness" Native American Painting by Carol Theroux (USA 1930-2021)
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing "Tenderness" Native American Painting by Carol Theroux (USA 1930-2021), a captivating piece of art that encapsulates the profound ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wood, Paper

Chloé Noir, Black Cotton Silk Velvet Large Women Belt
By Chloé
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Chloé Noir, black cotton silk velvet large women belt. Categories : Women Category: Accessories Sub-category: Belts Designer: Chloé Condition: Very goo...
Category

20th Century French Modern Folk Art

Materials

Cotton

Large Toulouse Lautrec by Peter Max in Peach Pink, Signed and Framed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is the largest of the Toulouse Lautrec portraits by famed artist Peter Max in peach pink. Professionally framed, signed and numbered.
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Paper

Handmade Ceramic Accessories Dragonfly 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

Ethereal Equilibrium London Fog Twilight Blue 150x240 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
How does one encapsulate the essence of harmony and equilibrium within the confines of a rug? Behold the Hand Knotted masterpiece, crafted in the heart of rural India. Every inch spe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Gabriele Puetz Pillow Pillar Nichts Vintage German Art Pottery Sculpture # 5/7
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Gabriele Pütz vintage abstract realism ceramic artwork made in Germany, 1982. This work is made of a round clay tower / pillar with pillow edge details. On the body of the tower is w...
Category

1980s German Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic, Clay

Lagar Celso Painting of Seated Model, Watercolor, Signed
Located in København, Copenhagen
Lagar Celso (Spain, 1891-1966): Seated model, watercolor, signed. Measures: 22x28 cm. Price example: A painting by Lagar Celso was sold at Subastas Segre in Madrid, December 19, 20...
Category

20th Century Spanish Modern Folk Art

Signed Jan Il Yang Visual Abstract Wall Art with Gold Frame
Located in Medina, OH
Beautiful signed Jan Il Yang visual abstract art piece. In its original gorgeous gold frame in great condition. Jan Yang uses a metallic gold foil in his artwork which gives it a ve...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Metal

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

Albert Chubac, Composition, Mixed-media on paper, Stamped, circa 1960, France.
Located in Nice, Cote d Azur
Albert Chubac, Composition, Mixed-media on paper, Stamped, circa 1960, France. Measures: Height 1m73, width 70 cm, depth 1 cm. Albert Chubac was born in Geneva in 1920. After studying decorative...
Category

1960s French Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Paper

Modern Backgammon Board Game Handmade Epoxy Resin Handpainted Limited Edition
Located in Milan, IT
The Backgammon Board is a handmade limited collection (100 pieces) designed by the young Milan based Valeria Molinari for Dilmos Edizioni. The project, composed of four boards inspir...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Epoxy Resin

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
Jaipur Rugs 8X10 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool And Silk Grey Black Modern Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of this hand-knotted rug that paints a canvas of serenity and reflection. The ashwood ground and honey border evoke a palette of nature's tr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Indonesian Stone Coin, Extra-Large
Located in New York, NY
A large hand-carved stone coin from Indonesia, round center. Smooth finish in flat white. Mounted on a 18" x 8" black metal stand.
Category

Early 2000s Indonesian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Stone

William Umbreit, Shovel, American, circa 1974
Located in New York, NY
William Umbreit was born in East Orange, New Jersey, in 1935. After serving in the United States Army from 1954-56, he was honorably discharged in 1962. Umbreit received a BSA from N...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Iron

Beautiful Work of Wim Heesakkers Made in The 70s
Located in Oirlo, LI
Beautiful Work of Wim Heesakkers Made in The 70s This is a beautiful work by Wim Heesakkers, marked with a signature on the back. Painter/sculptor Wim Heesakkers (1950) is self-tau...
Category

20th Century Dutch Modern Folk Art

Materials

Glass, Paper

Jaipur Rugs 10X14 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool Bamboo Silk Beige Brown Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Step into modern elegance with our hand-knotted rug, harmonizing soft gray and antique white in a contemporary masterpiece. It blends mesh textures and creates a serene atmosphere. T...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

"Sharp is the Action" Mask Sculpture by Dave Root, High-Fire Stoneware, Signed
Located in Kansas City, MO
From a series of masks and heads, "Sharp is the Action" is a tabletop sculpture inspired by the masks and heads made throughout Oceania. Landing in the nebulous zone between ceremony...
Category

2010s American Modern Folk Art

Materials

Stoneware

Velvet Ripples Ashwood Jamaican Aqua 270x360 cm Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
The design of this handcrafted rug from our Unstring By Kavi collection is a testament to commitment to artisanal excellence. The Ashwood base provides a neutral and grounding founda...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Wall Painting Blue Rose Stay
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Wall Painting “Blue Rose” Stay by Malerba The “Blue Rose” wall painting from the Stay collection by Malerba is an elegant decorative accessory suitable for the living room, ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Wall Painting Amber Flower Stay
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Wall Painting “Amber Flower” Stay by Malerba The “Amber Flower” wall painting from the Stay collection by Malerba is an elegant decorative accessory suitable for the living ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Geo-Tribal Dreams Ashley Blue Ashley Blue 180x270 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Step into a world of modern nomad luxury. This hand-knotted masterpiece, crafted from the finest all-wool, reimagines the rich tapestry of Moroccan design with a contemporary twist. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Wall Painting Yellow Flower Stay
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Wall Painting “Yellow Flower” Stay by Malerba The “Yellow Flower” wall painting from the Stay collection by Malerba is an elegant decorative accessory suitable for the livin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Smile Through The Chaos , Outsider Artist Drew, 2021
Located in Hastings, GB
This piece is titled Smile Through The Chaos, painted in 2021 during lockdown and using an abandoned car park sign as the medium. Measuring 183cm wide x 93cm Height Drew is an 'Outsider' artist based on the Romney Marsh in Kent.Painting from his self built studio in the rural village of Lydd, Drew's creativity sees the use of found and salvaged materials and media throughout his work. This sustainable creativity sees the recycling of abandoned paints, varnishes and substitute base materials such as metal and wooden panelling...
Category

2010s British Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wood

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

Alphenberg Tundra Rug
Located in Basildon, London
Introducing the beautiful Tundra Rug by Alphenberg, a luxurious addition to any home. Crafted with the finest quality leather, this rug boasts a unique texture that will elevate any ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Folk Art

Materials

Leather

Matt Moor Head Men 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

Wall Painting Red Rose Stay
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Wall Painting “Red Rose” Stay by Malerba The “Red Rose” wall painting from the Stay collection by Malerba is an elegant decorative accessory...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Raoul Raba, yellow sculpture, light wall panel, circa 1970, France.
Located in Nice, Cote d Azur
Raoul Raba, yellow sculpture, light wall panel, gold lacquered metal, circa 1970, France. Height 144 cm, diameter 124 cm.
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Metal

Rat Dog Sculpture in Fiberglass by Finn Stone
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
We love this piece! Number 2 from an edition of 2, the other was sold recently on Saatchi online, and honestly we don't mind rat dog hanging around, he eats no...
Category

2010s English Modern Folk Art

Materials

Fiberglass

Sheep Moneybox Pop Art, Lilac, 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 3 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

Sheep Moneybox Pop Art, Pastel Blue, 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

Vintage Warren Fischer Figurative Abstract Painting On Linen Canvas
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Warren Fischer Figurative Abstract Painting on linen canvas Offered for sale is a figurative abstract painting on linen canvas by ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Folk Art

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Linen, Paint

Albert Chubac Painting, Mixed-media on paper, circa 1960, France.
Located in Nice, Cote d Azur
Albert Chubac Painting, Mixed-media on paper, circa 1960, France. Measures: Height 88 cm, width 62 cm, depth 1 cm. Albert Chubac was born in Geneva in 1920. After studying decorative...
Category

1960s French Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Paper

"Vijay Path" Ghanaian Movie Poster
Located in Chicago, IL
Vijaypath was a Bollywood action hit in 1994. It's critically acclaimed soundtrack topped charts across the world and became one of the most recognizable in India's history. The film's international success is evident in this hand-painted advertisement...
Category

Late 20th Century Ghanaian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Fabric

Jaipur Rugs 6X9 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool Beige Brown Modern Moroccan Rug
Located in Milano, IT
An alluring piece that weaves a tale of consistency and timeless charm through its exquisite patterns. Much like the dedication needed to manifest a vision, the rug unfolds a narrati...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

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.

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