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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
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

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

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

Faces in My Head, Outsider Artist Drew, 2020
Located in Hastings, GB
This piece is titled Faces In My Head, painted in 2020 during lockdown and using plywood as the medium. Measuring 182cm wide x 75cm 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

Jaipur Rugs 8X10 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool Ivory Modern Moroccan Tribal Rug
Located in Milano, IT
This luxury rug from our Manifest collection boasts a mesmerizing pattern reminiscent of swirling marble, with a captivating interplay of dark and frosty gray tones. The intricate de...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

21st Almeria Wireless Small Table Lantern
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Inspired by our iconic Almeria baskets collection, Pinetti introduces a brand new family of lanterns. Wireless and USB rechargeable these lamps are made with hand-woven plastic modu...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Leather, Plastic

21st Almeria Wireless Large Floor Lantern
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Inspired by our iconic Almeria baskets collection, Pinetti introduces a brand new family of lanterns. Wireless and USB rechargeable these lamps are made with hand-woven plastic modu...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Leather, Plastic

21st Almeria Wireless Tall Floor Lantern
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Inspired by our iconic Almeria baskets collection, Pinetti introduces a brand new family of lanterns. Wireless and USB rechargeable these lamps are made with hand-woven plastic modu...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Leather, Plastic

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

Inside Painted Crystal, "Scholars in Jiangnan" Snuff Bottle by Li Yingtao 2016
Located in Tainan, TW
Li Yingtao, an owner of Yizhenzhai, was born in Hengshui City in 1963. He was praised as a Chinese master of splashing color in inside painting, a Master of Arts and crafts in Hebei Province, and the founder of splashing color techniques in inside painting. By now, he has been teaching and passing down this technique to his students. Mr, Li Yingtao is one of the most outstanding disciples of the master of Chinese arts and crafts...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Folk Art

Materials

Rock Crystal

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

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

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

Paul Philp Large Sculptural Vessel / Vase
Located in Uxbridge, GB
Discover the artistry of Paul Philp Ceramics, where every piece is a testament to craftsmanship and creativity. Paul combines traditional handcrafting techniques with a modern sensib...
Category

2010s British Modern Folk Art

Materials

Clay

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

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

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

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

Large Oil on Canvass Nude Painting by Alan Brassington
Located in London, GB
A large and impressive oil painting of a male nude, by acclaimed British artist Alan Brassington. This dates from the late 20th century. Alan Brassington specialises in portraits an...
Category

1990s British Modern Folk Art

Materials

Canvas

‘Lined Up’ by Ien Lucas
By Ien Lucas
Located in Basildon, London
Lined Up by Ien Lucas explores structure through repetition and subtle texture. Known for her methodical approach to abstract painting, Lucas creates balance and rhythm with layered ...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Folk Art

Materials

Canvas

Mixed Media by Francisco Luna
Located in Basildon, London
This intriguing mixed-media artwork by Francisco Luna offers a sophisticated experience, elevating the everyday object into a compelling artistic statement. Luna's career is marked b...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Argentine Modern Folk Art

Materials

Canvas

Folk Art Copper Sculpture Man In Row Boat By S.J. Rossbach Circa 1966
Located in Toledo, OH
Unique Folk Art copper sculpture of a man in a rowboat by S. J. Rossbach circa 1966.
Category

1960s Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Copper

Still Life by Oris Robertson
By Oris Robertson
Located in Pasadena, TX
Still Life in Oil by Oris Roberstson 1970s Still life of ceramics in a neutral palette by Texas artist Oris Robertson. Oris Robertson was a prolific visual artist, he started...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Paint

Still Life by Oris Robertson
Still Life by Oris Robertson
$2,030 Sale Price
30% Off
Jaipur Rugs 8X10 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool Gold Modern Moroccan Tribal Rug
Located in Milano, IT
This handwoven rug from our Manifest collection draws inspiration from the harmonious play of sand and spice brown tones, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The rug features an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Pierre Adrien Ekman (1904_1993), painting on wood panel, circa 1960, France.
Located in Nice, Cote d Azur
Pierre Adrien Ekman (1904_1993), paint and gold leaf on canvas mounted on wood panel, imaginary theater set, circa 1960, France. Height 1m29, widt...
Category

1960s French Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Paint

African Bantu Art, Expressive, Surrealistic Gouache by Marcel Gotène 1980s
Located in Salzburg, AT
The famous painter, Marcel Gotène (Icon of the contemporary Bantu art) combines surrealistic impressions with modern tapisserie elements. Born in 1935 in Yaba, Republic of Kongo - d...
Category

1980s Congolese Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silver Leaf

Handmade Ceramic Accessories Scorpion Green
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

Kymo Airy Premium Rug
Located in Basildon, London
Introducing the Airy Premium Rug by Kymo, a beautiful addition to any luxury living space. This rug features a unique design that combines elegance and modernity. Crafted with high q...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Folk Art

Materials

Polyester

Handmade Ceramic Accessories Scorpion Sand
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

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

Large Oil on Board by David Hosie
By David Hosie
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
Very large oil on board by this important Glasgow artist, signed lower right. Born 1962. We have been in contact with David and he has told us that this work was one of a series of...
Category

1980s Scottish Vintage Modern Folk Art

Handmade Ceramic Accessories Ladybug Yellow
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

Martin Sumers (1922-2012), Untitled, 1999 Figural Oil on Board
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Martin Sumers, “Untitled”, 1999. Vibrant and electric Teals, Greens, Blues, Oranges and Peaches set within a Gold frame. Oil on Board Dimensions: Frame: 26”H x 16.25”w x 2”D Sit...
Category

1990s American Modern Folk Art

Materials

Paint

Terracota Glazed Anthropomorphic Sculpture Male and Female signed by Artist
Located in Van Nuys, CA
The male figure is cone-shaped, with arms gently cradling his hands to his stomach, embodying introspection. His surface features bold, abstract patterns and a glossy glaze. The fem...
Category

1960s Unknown Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Terracotta

Lamp Table Lighthouse Seagull Cornish Granite, Nautical Sea Rock
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
Appealing to the nautical or seaside enthusiast Characterful table lamp bringing the spirit of the sea into the interior, would be atmospheric in a seaside home. A large Cornish ...
Category

Mid-20th Century British Modern Folk Art

Materials

Granite

Contemporary Handmade Turkish Folk Rug with a Distressed Appeal in Charcoal
Located in New York, NY
A handmade vintage Turkish Sparta rug that has been over dyed charcoal black and given a distressed appeal with hand knotted raised plush piles to form the quirky offset medallion an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Contemporary Handmade Turkish Folk Rug With A Distressed Appeal In Turquoise
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Turkish Sparta rug that has been overdyed teal with hand-knotted raised piles to form the 'pseudo' medallion, spandrels, and border of this modern folk piece.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Ceramic vide-poche by Accolay, France, 1960 s
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic owl vide-poche by Accolay perfect condition
Category

1960s French Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Ethereal Elegance Classic Gray Classic Gray 150x240 cm Handloom Rug
Located in Milano, IT
What happens when simplicity meets sophistication? Enter the modern allure of this hand-loomed rug. Crafted with precision and passion, it embodies elegance in every thread. Designed...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

Inside Painted Crystal, "Harvest Year" Snuff Bottle by Zhang Zenlou, 2018
Located in Tainan, TW
Zhang Zenglou was born in Hebei Province in 1956. He is a master of contemporary Chinese inside painted snuff bottle in Ji school. He is cu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Folk Art

Materials

Crystal

Jaipur Rugs 8X10 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool Beige And Brown Transitional Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Elevate your living space with our hand-knotted rug, a seamless blend of wool and silk. The earthy tones of clay and cloud white border create an inviting canvas adorned with ornate ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Jaipur Rugs 6X9 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool And Bamboo Silk Grey And Black Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Imagine stepping into a realm of timeless elegance with our hand-knotted rug. This masterpiece seamlessly weaves Moroccan charm into a modern aesthetic, creating an eclectic dance o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Nightfall Noir Deep Navy Deep Navy 180x270 cm Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
The artistic beauty is a sublime addition to any living space, seamlessly blending aesthetic charm with unparalleled comfort. Elevating the ambiance, this rug not only enhances the v...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Nature s Luminescence Bristol Blue Bristol Blue 180x270 cm Handtufted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
What if you could bring the ethereal dance of light in nature into your living space? Enter our Handtufted Rug, meticulously crafted to capture the mesmerizing gradient hues inspired...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

The Rug Company Zebra Rug by Diane Von Furstenberg
Located in Basildon, London
Introduce a touch of exotic elegance to your home with the Zebra Rug by Diane Von Furstenberg for The Rug Company. This striking rug features a bold black-and-white zebra pattern, ex...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Nepalese Modern Folk Art

Materials

Fabric

Jaipur Rugs 8X10 Feet Hand Tufted Carpet Wool And Viscose Grey Black Modern
Located in Milano, IT
Delve into the timeless allure of this hand-tufted rug . Traditional patterns and motifs gracefully interweave with symmetric designs, creating a masterpiece that embodies a seamless...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

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

Hand Woven Navy/Lilac Modern Blanket Double Sided Patterned Bed Throw Woven inUK
Located in London, GB
For this woven blanket We work closely with a 300 year old mill in Sudbury, Essex, UK. We have the utmost respect for their approach to making fabrics, their knowledge and experience...
Category

2010s English Modern Folk Art

Materials

Cotton

Jaipur Rugs 8X10 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool And Bamboo Silk Beige Brown Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Imagine sinking your feet into a world where comfort meets style, where every step is a reminder of meticulous craftsmanship and thoughtful design. All this is well reflected in this...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

Jaipur Rugs 10X14 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool Ivory Modern Moroccan Rug
Located in Milano, IT
This exquisite rug from our Manifest collection is a celebration of nature's simplicity, showcasing an undyed white and natural mink color palette that ex...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Ashen Trellis Ashwood Indigo Blue 240x300 cm Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
This hand knotted rug from our Chaos Theory By Kavi collection is a stunning blend of contemporary design and traditional craftsmanship. This rug features a gorgeous pattern in shade...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian 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

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

1960s French Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Misty Drifts Antique White Light Sea Mist 170x240 cm Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Stunning hand knotted rug featuring a gorgeous flowy pattern in soothing hues, where antique white gracefully merges with light sea mist tones, creating a sophisticated ambiance. The...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

16 piece miniature modernist furniture set, Netherlands 1920s
Located in ECHT, NL
Set of 16 highly original miniature furniture. It consist of a dining table with 4 chairs, 2 beds with night stands and an occasional chair an a l...
Category

Early 20th Century Dutch Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wood, Paint

2011 Tai Ping Edward Fields Aria I Nomad Collection Hand Tufted Wool Area Rug
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Aria I Wool Rug from the Nomad Collection, designed by Edward Fields for the Tai Ping Carpet Company. It was hand-tufted in China in 2011 us...
Category

2010s Chinese Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Olinalá Mexican Traditional Lacquer, Silver Leaf and Oil Painting Art Urns
Located in Mexico City, MX
Three urns, two trays, one gourd. Turned solid cedar wood; maque and lacquer carving; silver leaf; oil painting. Commemoration, ceremony, and veneration of the ancestral are acts...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silver Leaf

Galactic Dreamscape Ashwood Capri 150x240 cm Handtufted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Like an ethereal painting of the cosmos, this modern rug transports you to a realm where the boundaries between reality and imagination blur. Handma...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

VINC, Bibendum, 2021, Acrylic on Hood of 4CV
Located in Saint ouen, FR
Artist VINC 4 CV Bibendum Acrylic on hood of 4CV from 1960 ( French car) Circa 2021 H 83 x W 100 X D 22 cms Signed by the artist Unique and original a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Folk Art

Materials

Metal

Celestial Equinox Ebony Cinnabar 150x240 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
How does one capture the essence of perpetual balance in design? Explore the enigmatic allure of this hand-knotted rug, meticulously crafted in rural India. Adorned with designs osci...
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.