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
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
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
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
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
Large Figurative African Mangbetu Anthropomorphic Vessel / Jar
Located in Studio City, CA
This is a fantastic piece likely made by the Mangetu tribe of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is finely detailed and quite large and hefty. These pieces were originally made...
Category
20th Century Congolese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta
Contemporary Artisan Oolitic Limestone Bowl
Located in Houston, TX
Contemporary artisan oolitic limestone bowl or basin from England.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Limestone
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 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
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
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
Samurai Sword Faux Bamboo Vienna Bronze Letter Opener, Antique Austria 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1960s Austrian letter opener. It has a nice patina.
I did not clean it, so the next owner can decide what he wants to do with it.
This highly collectible vintage piece ...
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Bronze
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
Signed Studio Pottery Glazed Wabi-Sabi Art Vase Maybe Japanese Asian Bizen Ware
Located in Studio City, CA
A gorgeously and sumptuously glazed studio pottery vase with irregular bumps and protrusions on the surface area, multi-colored earth-toned glazes, and a flared rim. Quite an unusua...
Category
20th Century Japanese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery, Stoneware
glazed earthenware flask. 1970s
Located in Felino, IT
glazed earthenware flask, 1970s. origin Catalan (Spain) .Terrissa Catalana Cantir d'hivern del Vendrell.
Category
1960s Spanish Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Pottery
19th Century Swedish Root Bowl with Old Repair, Folk Art Carved Wood Bowl
Located in Bochum, NRW
Gorgeous Swedish Root Bowl with Old Repair.
Root bowl in an organic shape, marked underneath with 3-4 letters. Original condition as found.
Dimensions: 29x20x9cm
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Mid 18th century Swedish pine chest decorated with labyrinth
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 18th century Swedish pine chest decorated with labyrinth circa 1730.
Rare and beautiful swedish pine chest. Traces of original paint to the outside with decorative metal strap...
Category
Mid-18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine, Paint
NETO PARA - Vintage Glazed & Incised Pottery Vase - Brazil - Circa 1970's
Located in Chatham, ON
NETO PARA - Vintage studio pottery vase with a mottled copper glaze and incised decoration - signed on the base NETO PARA - Brazil - circa 1970's. The incised decoration covers the ...
Category
Late 20th Century Brazilian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Life Size Pair Of Dogs
Located in West Palm Beach, US
These amazing dogs are quite a statement. They have a lot of wonderful patina. They appear to be hand sculpted with concrete. There is rebar in them as well. You can see the rebar on...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Concrete
Antique Black Tramp Art Frame Folk Art Picture Frame Carved Wood Carved Oak
Located in Munich, DE
This fine size tramp art picture frame was hand crafted and hand carved in the last decades of the nineteenth century. It is decorated with for pointed stars, square and rectangular...
Category
1890s European Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Oak
Antique Tramp Art Folk Art Picture Frame Carved Wood Paper
Located in Munich, DE
This tramp art frame has been handcrafted around 1900. On the reverse of the frame one can see fragments of coloured card board with printed images typical of the period. The design ...
Category
Early 1900s European Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Oak
Antique Swedish Long Case Clock, Genuine Handmade with Original Blue Paint
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique Swedish longcase clock from around 1820 to 1840. The clock was made by hand in Hälsingland in Northern Sweden. The frame is solid pine with original paint. The case has some ...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
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
Large Figurative Folding Wood Stand
Located in Vallejo, CA
A large vintage carved wood folding stand. Tripod shape with carved people as each leg. Nice larger size, perfect for using as a plant stand, to hold a bowl, or to display a decorati...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Organic Modern Natural Hand Carved Wood Folk Art Abstract Sculpture on Stand
Located in Studio City, CA
A rather engaging modern abstract folk art wood sculpture on a display stand. The piece is hand-carved from a single piece of lighter wood (notice the various symbols and indigenous...
Category
20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Yellow Ochre - Vase o.1
By Zou Chen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stoneware with wild clay slip
10.6 x 10 x 10 in
2024
The Yellow Ochre series showcases handcrafted creations adorned with wild clay pigments, drawn from nature's palette, in a symph...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
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...
Category
1890s Austrian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
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
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 abstrac...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
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
Museum Series - Vase o.1
By Zou Chen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Museum Series draws inspiration from ancient red earthenware, evoking timeless beauty and simplicity. Each piece embodies the spirit of these historic vessels, capturing their ra...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
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 har...
Category
1930s German Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Tin
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
Museum Series - Bowl o.1
By Zou Chen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Museum Series draws inspiration from ancient red earthenware, evoking timeless beauty and simplicity. Each piece embodies the spirit of these historic vessels, capturing their ra...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Museum Series - Vase o.2
By Zou Chen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Museum Series draws inspiration from ancient red earthenware, evoking timeless beauty and simplicity. Each piece embodies the spirit of these historic vessels, capturing their ra...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
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
Wonderful Bronze Antelope Sculpture Signed Gorham Founders OGLM on Base
By Gorham CO.
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful patinated bronze of free standing antelope sculpture signed Gorham founders OGLM on rectangular base.
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
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
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
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
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...
Category
1890s Austrian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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