Folk Art Decorative Objects
FOLK ART STYLE
Folk art is a genre of art that shares the creator’s traditions, offering not just an artistic display but an opportunity to learn about a culture. Antique, new and vintage folk art typically reflects a heritage or location. It can include utilitarian objects and handmade art as diverse as weather vanes, duck decoys, portraiture and paintings, carnival art and quilts.
Quilts are a quintessential part of American folk art but their roots are international, with quilting dating back to Ancient Egypt. The practice spread to Europe and was especially prominent in the Middle Ages, with one of the oldest surviving examples being the Tristan quilt made in Sicily in the 14th century. They were made as bedcovers and clothing, including as a layer for knights to wear beneath their armor. Native American folk art includes functional objects reflecting their heritage, such as baskets, textiles and wooden pieces.
Elsewhere, the vast range of work associated with Mexican folk art includes masks made by Mexican craftspeople for traditional celebrations and ceremonial dances. Mexican masks are part of the country’s folk-art traditions that go back thousands of years and play a role in festivals and theater.
Works in the folk art tradition are valuable because of the skills involved, like weaving, hand-carving wood and even stonework. Many folk artists are self-taught, while some train as apprentices within their community. By using available materials and taking a personal approach to their creations, artists ensure each piece is unique and conveys a story.
During the Great Depression, artistic materials in America were hard to come by, so artisans used discarded wood from cigar boxes and shipping crates to make highly stylized, notched pieces — most often picture frames and boxes — that are today sought after by collectors. This folk art style is called tramp art and was popular from roughly 1870 until the 1940s.
Folk art brings vibrant culture and traditions into your home. Browse an extensive collection of antique, new and vintage folk art on 1stDibs.
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Style: Folk Art
19th Century antique rustic Swedish tray bowl with original paint
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedishantique wooden tray/ Serving bowl with untouched original paint from Luleå Norrbotten, Northern Sweden.
A farmers handcrafted tray or serving bowl or centerpiece...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Large Italian Giltwood Ornamental Corona Crown, Late 19th Century
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Italian Architectural Element Giltwood 19th Century Carved Corona Crown
Large gilt-wood element, featuring decorative acanthus leaves, carving around the...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Giltwood
Jim Rose Barn House Structure, Welded Steel Sculpture Made with Salvaged Steel
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
This is a welded steel sculpture made by furniture creator Jim Rose. It is sustainable design created from salvaged and recycled steel panels left over from his larger projects. These sculptures reference traditional American Folk Art barn...
Category
2010s American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Steel
French 19th Century Folk Art Leather Box
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful weathered Folk Art box made out of wood and covered with leather. Working lock and key.
France, circa 1850
Weathered, small losses.
Category
19th Century French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Leather, Wood
Wrought Iron Rooster Candlestick Holder Horshoe Folk Art
Located in Vancouver, BC
For those brave enough to forge a life of light. The rooster lights the day at the crack of dawn to make claims to the work yet to be done.
Out from the horseshoe sprouts this lovi...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wrought Iron
Pair of 19th century folk art stoneware ceramic bottles realised in La Borne
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
La Borne - France
Realised circa 1850
Pair of 19th century stoneware ceramic bottles
unique pieces
Original good condition
number one
height 25 cm
large 12 cm
number two
heigh...
Category
19th Century French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Vintage Carved Wood and Poly Chrome Painted Figural Musical Clock Figurine
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This vintage hand carved and hand painted musical clock is unsigned, but presumed to have been made in or near Austria in circa 1950 in a Folk Art style. The carving depicts a male figure leaning against a post mounted Black Forest styled clock. The carving is quite detailed and well executed on all sides and has been hand painted in a realistic style. Both the clock and the music box are currently not working as both have been over-wound and would require servicing. The head of the carving should turn slightly left to right while the music box is playing, but in its current state it is unknown whether the mechanism functions and/or what tune the music box may play. In addition, there is currently no key for the clock, but these normally use a standard small music box...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Tiger Stripe Maple Picture Frame. English, 19th Century
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful tiger stripe or flamed maple frame
Solid wood. Not veneered
Totally original patina. A delightful colour
The measurement given below is the outside of the frame
Free UK...
Category
1860s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Maple
Original Brown Painted Swedish Mora Grandfather Clock, dated 1855
Located in Round Top, TX
Antique Swedish Mora Grandfather clock with original paint, dated 1855.
Pine longcase with original folk art paint in traditional earth tones. The original clock required the commiss...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine, Paint
Vintage French Wicker Laundry Basket with Lid This is an excellent example and
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Vintage French Wicker Laundry Basket with Lid
This is an excellent example and in remarkably good condition, this strong basket is divide...
Category
1920s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wicker
Welded Owl Metal Sculpture, France 1970s
Located in ROUEN, FR
Welded Owl Metal Sculpture, France 1970s.
Handcrafted sculpture, composed of various metal pieces welded together.
A nice piece of folk art with a lovely patina !
Note : On the ri...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal, Iron, Sheet Metal
1991 Jose Rodriguez Fuster "Guajiros Con Caballo" Ceramic #5 Sculpture, Cuba
By José Rodríguez Fuster
Located in San Carlos, CA
For Sale: Exquisite Ceramic Folk Art by Jose Rodriguez Fuster
"Guajiros Con Caballo" Ceramic #5 (1991)
We are delighted to offer a stunning piece of ceramic folk art by the renowned...
Category
1990s Cuban Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Royal Doulton "the Carpet Seller" Moroccan Decorative Porcelain Figurine
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Royal Doulton "the carpet seller," Moroccan figurine of a carpet seller.
Made in England, by Royal Doulton England, the "Carpet Seller,"
Royal Doulto...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Victorian Era Tramp Art Chip Carved Trunk/ Box with Additional Glove Box
Located in Waxahachie, TX
2 handmade boxes included.
Rare 1800s Tramp Art Lion Door knocker Hand Carved Storage Box / Jewelry Box / Crimson Velvet with Brass Hardware
With intricate and elaborate decoration, ...
Category
19th Century British Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
19th Century Devil Letter Opener
Located in Oakland, CA
19th Century cast bronze devil letter opener, having a rich patina to the bronze with the Devil's face near the base of the handle, an unusual item.
Category
1890s American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Quirky 20th Century American Pewter Corncob Candelabra
Located in Chicago, IL
This mid-20th-century American solid pewter corncob candelabra with four brass arms is a marvel of quirky design. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, it stands as a testamen...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Pewter
19th Century Fairground Horse with Stand
Located in Newark, GB
A charming 19th century fairground horse, this would have been attached to a ride, perhaps to a carousel, and is here displayed on a metal stand which has been designed as a rest, al...
Category
19th Century British Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Moroccan Decorative Dog Sculpture Handbuilt and Handpainted by Potter Houda
Located in Marseille, FR
- Hand built decorative dog sculpture
- made of clay collected from the potter's surroundings.
- decorative motifs painted with a goat hair brush made...
Category
2010s Moroccan Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Clay, Earthenware
Moroccan Decorative Cat Sculpture Handbuilt and Handpainted by Potter Houda
Located in Marseille, FR
- Hand built decorative cat sculpture
- made of clay collected from the potter's surroundings.
- decorative motifs painted with a goat hair brush made...
Category
2010s Moroccan Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Clay, Earthenware
Ken Edwards Signed Tonala Mexico Art Pottery Ewer Bud Vase with Bird
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage ceramic bud vase in shape of ewer was hand made by Ken Edwards in traditions of Tonala pottery. It is decorated with bird and abstract flowers design in blue, green, and bro...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
20th Century Terracotta Bust of an old Gentleman, Germany 1936
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This is an impressive bust formed with terracotta of an old man. This beautiful sculpture is hand formed, 20th century. Signed by Artist and dated 1936. It makes a nice addition to a...
Category
Late 20th Century German Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta
Handcrafted Antique Tinned Copper Metal Betel Box, India
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Beautiful handcrafted antique tinned copper decorative octagonal betel box with with lid, handle and brass latch.
The metal is delicately and int...
Category
Early 20th Century Indian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Tin, Copper, Brass
Large French 19th Century Hand Carved Wooden Fragment of a Marionette
Located in Buisson, FR
Very nice handcarved fragment of a marionette.
France, circa 1850. Weathered, small losses and old repairs
Measurement include the wooden base.
Category
19th Century French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Textile, Wood
Vintage Tin Box Cookie Jar Belsnickle Santa Claus Vintage Germany, 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This beautiful decorative Christmas Tin Box with Santa or Belsnickle Picture is a true treasure. It was made in Germany, around 1930s. These are very hard to get. A real enrichment f...
Category
1930s German Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Tin
18th Century European Painted Bentwood Box
Located in Newark, GB
A lovely piece of Continental European folk art, this oval bentwood box has been painted with a landscape scene showing a huntsman with a rifle aiming at a stag or deer from behind a...
Category
18th Century European Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Bentwood
Set of Three Vintage Portuguese Tulipiere
Located in Chicago, IL
Transport yourself to the vibrant landscapes of Portugal with this captivating set of three vintage 20th century Portuguese blue and white gl...
Category
20th Century Portuguese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta
Old Decorative African Wabi Sabi Wooden Hand Carved Mortar Bowl, Early 1900s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Old and decorative hand carved wooden bowl / mortar produced in Africa early 1900s. In good original condition.
Dimensions: H: 40 cm / 15.75" Diameter: 34 cm / 13.40"
Category
1920s Ethiopian Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Hand Carved Folk Art Willow Wood Angel Figurative Sculpture Poland C.1950
Located in London, GB
Hand Carved Folk Art Willow Wood Angel
Poland C.1950
Willow votive figurine in the form of an angel. Hand painted.
Rustic folk art for a touch of whimsy.
In very good condition co...
Category
Mid-20th Century Polish Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Willow
Pair of Faux Bois Iron Log Sculptures
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of Faux Bois iron log sculptures.
Unusual vintage pair of faux bois iron log planters or sculptures. This unique pair of faux bois sculptures would...
Category
Mid-20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Italian 16th century Hand Carved Wooden Lion
Located in Buisson, FR
Unique period piece. Extremely rare 16th century Italian hand carved lion. Most likely once part of a piece of furniture. Beautifully carved in a simple folk art way with traces of i...
Category
16th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Soapstone Hand-Carved Bust of Brahma with Four Faces
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This bust is a beautiful representation of lord Brahma.
Brahma is a part of the holy trinity of Hinduism along with Vishnu the Preserver and Shiva the destroyer.
He is depicted in Hi...
Category
20th Century Thai Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Soapstone
Swedish Folk Art Bulb Vase with Floral Motif by Maggie Wibom for Bo Fajans, 1930
By Bo Fajans
Located in Grythyttan, SE
Swedish Folk Art Bulb Vase with Purple and Mustard Yellow Glaze by Maggie Wibom for Bo Fajans, 1930
Bulb-shaped vase featuring a semi-transparent glaze adorned with minuscule purple ...
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Stoneware
Antique Adjustable Dressmaker Skinny Mannequin , Austria, 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A great looking originally used by Austrian tailors and dressmakers for draping, alterations, and creating the latest fashion, this vintage dressmaker mannequin is also a great piece...
Category
1890s Austrian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
19th Century Folk Art Wood Black Painted Box
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Folk Art Wood Black Painted Box, Mid to late 19th Century.
Charming handcrafted black painted box with unbeatable patina. The interior features off white paint and there is a bras...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Vintage Folk Art Bob Dylan Bust
Located in Charleston, SC
This fantastic sculpture of Bob Dylan is made of plaster and finished in a verdigris patina and is gold leafed. Acquired from an Augusta estate, where there was a plethora of Bob Dy...
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Gold Leaf
Early 20th Century Leather Sculpture of a Horse
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
An Early 20th Century animal figurative sculpture of a rising horse in leather and papier-maché. This decorative equine figure is standing with the help of its tail. There is quite a...
Category
Early 20th Century French Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Leather
Vintage Murano Hand Crafted Green and Blue Koru Representing a Fern Frond
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Vintage Murano Hand Crafted Green and Blue Koru
Representing a Fern Frond uncurling the Koru is a representation of the New beginning
The piece is 7” tall, 4.5” wide and 1.5” deep
F...
Category
1950s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Art Glass
Earthenware Hungarian Pottery, circa 1900s
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Earthenware Hungarian Pottery, circa 1900s
Discover the enchanting charm of this antique Hungarian Folk Art pottery, a genuine earthenware treasure that promises to infuse your spac...
Category
Early 20th Century Hungarian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Earthenware
Vintage Medium Black Olive Pot
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Vintage Medium Black Olive Pot
Discover the timeless charm of our Vintage Medium Black Olive Pot, a testament to the beauty of rustic elegance. Crafted with meticulous attention to ...
Category
19th Century European Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Terracotta
Ceramic Square Bottle Vase with Naive-Style Motifs in Brown Glaze
Located in Grythyttan, SE
Exuding a distinctive charm, this square-shaped bottle vase features rounded corners and is adorned with captivating painted motifs in brown, beige, and black glazes. The vase's brow...
Category
Late 20th Century Swedish Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Earthenware
Antique Adjustable Dressmaker Curvy Mannequin , Austria, 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A great looking originally used by Austrian tailors and dressmakers for draping, alterations, and creating the latest fashion, this vintage dressmaker mannequin is also a great piece...
Category
1890s Austrian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Swedish Hand-Carved 19th Century Wooden Folk Art Wabi Sabi Bowl in Pine
Located in Örebro, SE
This is a beautiful Swedish hand-carfted, carved 19th century wooden bowl in Wabi Sabi style.
It comes made in an oblong piece of pine, perhaps a thin trunk but more likely a thick ...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Swedish Hand-Krafted Turned 19th Century Wooden Folk Art Wooden Bowl in Pine
Located in Örebro, SE
This is a beautiful Swedish hand-carfted 19th century wooden bowl in Wabi Sabi style.
It comes made in pine with lovely patina reflecting its age and use.
It has a few decorative lo...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Swedish Hand-Krafted Turned 19th Century Wooden Folk Art Wooden Bowl in Pine
Located in Örebro, SE
This is a very beautiful Swedish hand-carfted 19th century wooden bowl in Wabi Sabi style.
It comes made in pine with lovely patina reflecting its age and frequent use.
It has a few...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Vintage Small Black Olive Pot
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Vintage Small Black Olive Pot - 19th Century
Discover the timeless charm of our Vintage Small Black Olive Pot, a testament to the beauty of rustic elegance. Crafted with meticulou...
Category
19th Century European Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Folk Art Boot and Shoe Cleaning Box with Foot Shaped Shoe Rest
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Folk Art Boot and Shoe Cleaning Box with Foot Shaped Shoe Rest
A handy and attractive little piece, the handle of the polish box doubles up as a rest to put the foot on to polish t...
Category
1960s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Brass Sculpture of Monkey Holding Business Card Holder, Late 19th Century
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Late 19th Century Brass Sculpture of Monkey Holding Business Card Holder
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Folk Art Antique Carved Walnut Statue of Abraham Lincoln Circa 1880s Era
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a very large, larger than life, folk art or primitive carved statue of Abraham Lincoln. The piece looks like it was made by a naive artist and was from a northern New Jersey ...
Category
1880s American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Walnut
Found and Salvaged Steel House Structure, Modern and Minimalist Sculpture
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Jim Rose, known primarily for his steel furniture, was an avid collector and scoured salvage yards for unique and interesting items. Here, a collection of found steel is reworked, pr...
Category
2010s American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal, Steel
Vintage Swiss Made Comtoise Pocket Watch with Hunters Motives
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Swiss Made Comtoise Pocket Watch with Hunters Motives
A very nice vintage pocket watch manufactured by ARSA (Auguste Reymond S. A.), Switzerland. The case is made of metal a...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Small mid 19th century Swedish painted pine strong box
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Small mid 19th century swedish painted pine strong box circa 1842.
Beautiful small scandinavian strong box, presented with scraped back paint to reveal original. Feintly still bari...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine, Paint
Antique Unusually Large Wooden Bowl, Swedish Handmade with Original Hardware
Located in Kramfors, SE
Unusually large wooden bowl from northern Sweden. The bowl is an antique from the early 1800s, made by hand and completely unique. It has original hardware and handles in iron. Attra...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Nantucket Purse by Jose Formoso Reyes, circa 1950
Located in Nantucket, MA
Nantucket Purse by Jose Formoso Reyes, circa 1950, a very early Nantucket woven purse from during the first few years Reyes was making Nantucket baskets, ...
Category
1950s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Cane, Pine
Earthenware Hungarian Pottery Hand Painted, circa 1900's
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Earthenware Hungarian Pottery Hand Painted, circa 1900's
Discover the timeless charm and artistry of this original hand-painted earthenware pottery, a treasured piece emanating fro...
Category
Early 20th Century Hungarian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Earthenware
Signed Bustamante Brass Fireplace Screen / Wall Animal Sculpture
Located in Stamford, CT
Mexican artist, Sergio Bustamante wall sculpture or fireplace screen with a Garden of Eden menagerie of flora and fauna. Lions, giraffes, birds, butterflies, turtle, armadillo, rabbi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Copper
Small Scandinavian 19th century original painted sarcophagus box
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Small 19th century original painted sarcophagus box circa 1870.
Beautiful decorative box with original paint. Sarcophagus shaped lidded box in original paint with traces of origin...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine, Paint
Earthenware Hungarian Pottery, circa 1900s
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Earthenware Hungarian Pottery, circa 1900s
This exquisite piece of European pottery, originating from Hungary, stands as a testament to the artistic mastery and cultural heritage o...
Category
Early 20th Century Hungarian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Earthenware
Antique Wood Animal Horse Sculpture, Northern Swedish Folk Art Original Paint
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique wooden horse sculpture from northern Sweden. The horse is from around 1850 and has a body in pine with original paint. The sculpture is made by hand and a one of a kind piece...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Folk Art decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique folk art decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage decorative objects created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, folk art, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art decorative objects made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original decorative objects, popular names associated with this style include Mosche Bianche, Jim Rose, Berber Tribes of Morocco, and Tonala Pottery. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for decorative objects differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $38 and tops out at $225,000 while the average work can sell for $1,105.
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