Skip to main content

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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

to
84
309
145
269
199
80
2,112
996
265
187
178
169
92
77
74
54
39
38
31
22
20
6
6
1
3
195
349
11
45
86
1
2
1
3
7
17
26
22
16
158
133
108
88
79
310
148
102
96
76
548
320
427
62
50
28
15
11
Style: Modern
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

Woodland Enigma Ashwood Ashwood 240x300 cm Hand Knotted Rugs
Located in Milano, IT
A hand knotted masterpiece that harmonizes contemporary flair with exquisite craftsmanship. This carpet from our Far East collection displays a contemporary style pattern, which is a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

Luminescent Neutrality Classic Gray Classic Gray 150x240 cm Handloom Rug
Located in Milano, IT
What whispers of modern elegance and timeless charm do this hand loom rug holds within its threads? Crafted with meticulous care by master artisans, it exudes simplicity, elegance, a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Pink and Copper Hand Guilded Wallpaper, Non-Repeating Mural, Made by Hand in UK
Located in London, GB
Igneous is a design made from carbon powder and using Custhom’s innovative process of hand-foiling wallpapers, creates a unique distressed or highly polished finish in a wide range o...
Category

2010s English Modern Folk Art

Materials

Paper

Earthy Tones, Organic Faceted Wood Silk Contemporary Sculptural Vase by Awaré
Located in Geneve, CH
TELLURIC III unique sculpture by Awaré Dimensions: L 40 x H 60 cm Materials: Cypress, silk, oxidation Awaré is the meeting of the sculptor Jérôme Pereira and the artist Sylvia Eustache...
Category

2010s French Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk, Wood

James Dewoody original art, circa 1980s. "Lexington Avenue at 48th Street"
Located in Houston, TX
James Dewoody original art, circa 1980s. "Lexington Avenue at 48th Street" Numbered in graphite, lower left AP 6 Signed Dewoodys work is currently on d...
Category

1980s North American Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wood, Paper

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

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Epoxy Resin

Jaipur Rugs 6X9 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Bamboo Silk And Zari Blue Modern Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Ever wondered how a tone-on-tone palette could instantly uplift the mood of your space? Does the idea of adding warmth and comfort to your floors while effortlessly tying together va...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

Jaipur Rugs 8X10 Feet Hand Tufted Carpet Wool Grey Black Modern Moroccan Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Embark on a visual journey with our Handtufted Rug, a captivating work of abstract art on a cloth canvas. Imagine it as the cityscape of your floor, where the Ebony Slate ground colo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Jaipur Rugs 6 6X9 10 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool And Bamboo Silk Grey Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Have you caught yourself intrigued by the dance of candlelight on glass, or the mesmerizing patterns seen through a prism? The modern rug draws inspiration from these constantly evol...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Woven Earthtones Natural Gray Natural Soot 270x360 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
The modern wool rug is a captivating blend of eclectic patterns and natural elegance, hand-knotted in the heart of rural India using the finest all-wool construction. This stunning r...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Crossroads Elegance Medium Gray Snow White 195X295 cm Hand Tufted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Artistry meets architecture in this hand-tufted rug from the collection - Concoction, a modern masterpiece by Shantanu Garg. Inspired by Garg's fusion of Indian design and global aes...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Lagoon Ripples Ashwood Jamaican Aqua 195x295 cm Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Thinking how a rug could redefine your floors & space? Meet this exquisite handmade rug from our Unstring By Kavi collection that can tranform your space from head to toe. This hand-...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Jaipur Rugs 10X14 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool Beige Brown Modern Vintage Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Unveil the timeless allure of this transitional hand-knotted rug . With a soft beige canvas and a crisp white border, it is a magnificent display of an alternate evolution—artfully m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Jaipur Rugs 8X10 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool Silk Ivory Modern Abstract Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Are you looking for a handmade rug that can be the transformative touch your space craves? Dive into the exquisite allure of this modern hand-knotted rug . Meticulously crafted in ru...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

Jaipur Rugs 6X9 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool Ivory Modern Abstract Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Exquisite rug design from our Zuri collection ensures to effortlessly enhances the ambiance of your living space. Its subtle yet irregular embossed pattern creates a stunning visual ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Jaipur Rugs 8X10 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool Blue Modern Moroccan Tribal Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Indulge in the serene allure of this rug from our Manifest collection, a true masterpiece that beckons you to step into a world of tranquility and grace. The pattern of this rug is l...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Jaipur Rugs 8X10 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool Grey And Black Transitional Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Indulge in the allure of our hand-knotted rug, a harmonious blend of wool and silk curated to elevate your living space. Like a tranquil canvas, the serene cloud-white base effortles...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Luna Hand-Tufted Rug in Grey by Verner Panton
Located in Horsens, DK
Eight colored rug with organic circle pattern designed by Verner Panton. Material: 100% New Zealand wool Hand-tufted Color: Tone-in-tone gray.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Hand Woven Modern Blanket, Double Sided Patterned Bed Throw, Woven in the UK
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

Georg Walter Rössner, Portrait of Mrs. Yvonne Santiago
Located in København, Copenhagen
Georg Walter Rössner (1885-1972), portrait of Mrs. Yvonne Santiago. Oil on canvas, unframed, 88 x 74 cm. Signed. In perfect condition. Price example: A similar painting by Georg...
Category

20th Century Modern Folk Art

Qercus Rubra #1 by Marco Bellini
Located in Geneve, CH
Qercus Rubra #1 by Marco Bellini. Dimensions: 33 H x 44 W cm Materials: Red oak Fire, beeswax. Marco was born in the middle of the rice fields of Vercelli, Italy, during the Y...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Oak

Unique Geometric Two-Tone Wood Silk, Earthy Tones Sculptural Vase by Awaré
Located in Geneve, CH
Corps Céleste III unique sculpture by Awaré Dimensions: L 35 x H 54cm Materials: Plane tree, naturel dyed silk, pigment, oxidation Awaré is the meeting of the sculptor Jérôme Pereira and the artist Sylvia Eustache...
Category

2010s French Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk, Wood

Wave Hand-Tufted Rug in Gray 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: Gray.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Jean Miotte - Abstract composition
By Jean Miotte 1
Located in PAU, FR
Painting on canvas by Jean Miotte from 1959 Abstract composition in India ink on canvas without frame (sent rolled). Dated and signed by the artist. Unframed: 42.5 x 33 x 1.5 cm
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Green and Copper Hand Guilded Wallpaper, Non-Repeating Mural, Made by Hand in UK
Located in London, GB
Igneous is a design made from carbon powder and using Custhom’s innovative process of hand-foiling wallpapers, creates a unique distressed or highly polished finish in a wide range o...
Category

2010s English Modern Folk Art

Materials

Paper

Untitled 36 by Neshka
Located in Geneve, CH
Untitled 36 by Neshka Dimensions: 23 x 23 x 166 cm Material: Charred cedar sculpture with fir and acrylic base Neshka ( Agnieszka Krusche ), is a native of Kraków, Poland, and a...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Acrylic, Cedar, Fir

Copper Metallic Hand Guilded Botanical Wallpaper, Made by Hand in Uk
Located in London, GB
Rye features bold oversized leaves, complementing the bestselling metallic Columbia Road design of large eucalyptus stems. Inspired by the Barbican Conservatory in London Rye offers ...
Category

2010s English 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

‘Moving In’ Contemporary Artwork, One Off handmade by Lawrence Kwakye
Located in Voorburg, NL
Title: ‘Moving In’ Spectacular Artwork by Lawrence Kwakye from his imprint paper series in very nice bright color-palette. This represents the abstract world of the unknown. A place...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Folk Art

Materials

Textile, Acrylic, Paper

Wall Painting Blue 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

Cedrus Deodara #1 by Marco Bellini
Located in Geneve, CH
Qercus Rubra #1 by Marco Bellini Dimensions: 36 H x 36 W cm Materials: Cedar Fire, lime, wood ashes, beeswax Marco was born in the middle of the rice fields of Vercelli, Ital...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Oak

Black Swan Lifeboat by Neil Nenner and Avihai Mizrahi
Located in Geneve, CH
Black swan lifeboat by Neil Nenner and Avihai Mizrahi Objects Dimensions: H 90 x L 42 x W 25 cm Materials: PVC, Styrofam, MDF Avihai Mizrahi (b. 1979, Jerusalem), Independent designer / Artist and lecturer in visual communication, holds a B.des in visual communication and M.des in Industrial Design from Bezalel Academy...
Category

2010s Israeli Modern Folk Art

Materials

PVC

4 Mailbox by Lluis Clotet Oscar Tusquets
Located in Geneve, CH
4 Mailbox by Lluis Clotet & Oscar Tusquets Dimensions: D 32 x W 32 x H 40 cm Materials: made up of steel sheets painted in a black polyester powder coating (RAL 9005). Doors in p...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Folk Art

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

5 Mailbox by Lluis Clotet Oscar Tusquets
Located in Geneve, CH
5 Mailbox by Lluis Clotet & Oscar Tusquets Dimensions: D 32 x W 40 x H 40 cm Materials: Made up of steel sheets painted in a black polyester powder coating (RAL 9005). Doors in p...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Folk Art

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Pair of Wooden Native American Busts
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A complementary pair of male and female Native American, wooden busts by Jose Pinal, made in Mexico. One form highlights a more subdued disposition with lon...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wood

1970s Pippo Pozzi Alessandria/Biella Italy Ceramic Plate
Located in Biella, IT
Pippo Pozzi, Alessandria 1910 / Biella 1999, Italy in years 1960 ceramic plate design measure diameter 13 inches x 1,2" deep, in perfect condition A is very rare. signed in t...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Vitrix Hot Glass Studio Sculpture by Thomas Kelly
Located in North Miami, FL
“Rainbow” Heechee Probe with black glass spine abstract Sculpture By Thomas Kelly.
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Folk Art

Materials

Blown Glass

Jan Erika "Island"
Located in Hudson, NY
The "Island" fine art print, shown here, is by UK artist Jan Erika. Unlike her exuberantly colored abstracts, this image reveals a more subtle approach to color and form. The Gicle...
Category

2010s British Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wood, Paper

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

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Epoxy Resin

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

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Epoxy Resin

Studio Ceramic Ribbed Goblet Vase
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A tall, stoneware ribbed cylindrical vase with imperfect forest green glaze on the body's ribbed portion. This would easily fit in sitting empty on a shelf as a decorative object, or...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware

The Rug Company Chevron Rug
Located in Basildon, London
The Chevron Rug by The Rug Company brings timeless elegance to any interior. Crafted from high quality materials, it combines durability with luxurious comfort. Its signature chevron...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Nepalese Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Modern Backgammon Travel Game Handmade Epoxy Resin Handpainted Limited Edition
Located in Milan, IT
The Backgammon Board is a handmade limited edition collection (100 pieces) designed by the young Milan based Valeria Molinari for Dilmos. The project, composed of four boards inspired by the elements of water, air, fire and earth, is born from the concept of play as an existential condition. The FIRE board, as the all collection, is made of epoxy eco resin. The edge of the boards are surrounded by an assembled frame made of wood, while the pawns are also made of resin, decorated one by one with the symbol of fire. The game boards are accompanied by an elegant packaging made by hand in cotton and linen. The product includes: - The board -open with magnets between the two sides: cm 27 x 28,8 x 0,8 H close: cm 27 x 14,4 x 0,8 - 30 customized pawns (diameter. cm 2 x 0,5) - pawn's case (cm 14,4 x 5,2 x 2,6 H) - 4 dice...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Epoxy Resin

Life and Warmth Hand-Signed Oil on Canvas Painting by Henri, France
Located in Voorburg, NL
Exquisite oil painting on Canvas, painted and hand-signed by Henri in France. Titled ‘Life and Warmth’ and part of his ‘Life’ collection. Sophisticated and charming painting in beaut...
Category

2010s French Modern Folk Art

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

2005 Paola Lenti Brown Rug Made in Italy 5 x 12 ft 3x Available
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Rug that was designed by Paola Lenti. It was produced in Italy and dates to 2005. The rug is an oval shape and is made of an unknown yarn material. The listed price include...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Yarn

Vintage Masonic Lodge Rotating Sign Liberty Hall Strict Order Candle Holders
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Wimbledon-Furniture Wimbledon-Furniture is delighted to offer for sale this vintage Masonic Lodge rotating wood sign with brass candle holders A g...
Category

20th Century English Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Large Rare Hand Carved Lions Mane Bust Head in Wood with Solid Marble Base
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning very large and decorative solid wood hand carved Lion's mane mounted to a marble base A very good looking well made and decorative...
Category

20th Century English Modern Folk Art

Materials

Marble

Rubenimichi Wood Sculpture Sol Negro Fetiche , Spain, 2015
Located in Madrid, ES
Title: Sol Negro Fetiche Author: Rubenimichi Year: 2015 Size: 12 x 12 x 12 cm Technique: Wood and pyrography.  
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Folk Art

Materials

Acrylic, Paper

Olinalá Mexican Traditional Lacquer, Gold Leaf and Oil Painting Art Urns
Located in Mexico City, MX
Three urns, two trays, one gourd. Turned solid tzalam (wild tamarind) wood; maque and lacquer carving; gold leaf; oil painting. Commemoration, ceremony, and veneration of the anc...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Modern Folk Art

Materials

Gold Leaf

Untitled by Rita Alaoui
Located in PARIS, FR
Rita Alaoui seeks to explore and rethink our relationship with the wild world and to imagine connections with the extraordinary. Fascinated by the power of nature and concerned about...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Folk Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Unique Geometric Sculpture Diagonal Recto 10003 by Josecho López Llorens
Located in Madrid, ES
This unique geometric sculpture, titled Diagonal Recto 10003, was designed by Josecho López Llorens in 2019 and executed in okoume plywood. Conceived as a one of a kind piece, the wo...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Folk Art

Materials

Iron

Handmade Ceramic Accessories Grasshopper Blue
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

Bela Szeift - Qualifying Race
Located in Branford, CT
Bela Szeift - Qualifying Race 2008. Mixed media. Walercolor and collage on paper. Unframed. 1944 born in Gödöllő Hungary 1959 Transportation Club - Circle of Fine Arts (teacher:...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hungarian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Paper

Kayo Lennar "Promising trips..." Collage
Located in Astoria, NY
Kayo Lennar (French/American, b. 1923), "Promising trips...," collage, 2008, initialed lower right, signed and dated on reverse. Image: 21.25" H x 16" W; f...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Folk Art

Materials

Paper

Bus scene by Gus Bofa
Located in PAU, FR
Elegant watercolor depicting a bus scene by illustrator Gus Bofa. Dimensions: 12.5 x 24 cm
Category

Early 20th Century French Modern Folk Art

Materials

Paper

Juniper Nectar Sea Mist Green Ivory 240x300 cm Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
This hand knotted rug from our Unstring By Kavi collection is a testament to exquisite craftsmanship and timeless design. Featuring a captivating pattern in shades of sea mist green ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Modern Relic Undyed White Medium Tan 270x360 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Embrace the essence of timeless elegance with a touch of unexpected charm. This hand-knotted rug embodies the perfect balance between classic design and modern innovation. Its undyed...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Jaipur Rugs 6X9 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool And Bamboo Silk Ivory Modern Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Immerse your space in the subtle elegance of this hand-knotted marvel from rural India. How does a tone-on-tone palette uplift the mood instantly? With a white ground and honey borde...
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.