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Mid-Century Modern Folk Art

MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE

Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.

ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.

Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively. 

Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer. 

Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.

The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.

As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.

Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.

Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.

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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Antique Century Traditional Toy Singer Sewing Machine Reproduction, circa 1950
Antique Century Traditional Toy Singer Sewing Machine Reproduction, circa 1950

Antique Century Traditional Toy Singer Sewing Machine Reproduction, circa 1950

$501

Antique Century Traditional Toy Singer Sewing Machine Reproduction, circa 1950

Located in Barcelona, ES

Vintage metal toy Singer sewing machine reproduction. In original condition, wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. Materials: Metal.  

Category

1950s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Metal

Antique Early 20th Century Traditional Toy Kitchen Reproduction, circa 1930
Antique Early 20th Century Traditional Toy Kitchen Reproduction, circa 1930

Antique Early 20th Century Traditional Toy Kitchen Reproduction, circa 1930

$720Sale Price|35% Off

Antique Early 20th Century Traditional Toy Kitchen Reproduction, circa 1930

Located in Barcelona, ES

Vintage iron toy kitchen figure of a traditional antique kitchen representation. Made by unknown manufacturer in Spain, circa 1930. In original condition, wear consistent with ...

Category

1930s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Brass

Vintage 1970's Frye Boot Light Up Sales Sign
Vintage 1970's Frye Boot Light Up Sales Sign

Vintage 1970's Frye Boot Light Up Sales Sign

$850

Vintage 1970's Frye Boot Light Up Sales Sign

By Neon Products

Located in Cincinnati, OH

A vintage light up Frye Boot advertising sign from the 1970's with aluminum frame surrounding a dark plastic face. Stating "Boots by Frye Bootmakers Since 1863" with a pull chain for...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Aluminum

Wrought Iron Farm Animal Fire Screen by Atelier Marolles, France, 1955
Wrought Iron Farm Animal Fire Screen by Atelier Marolles, France, 1955

Wrought Iron Farm Animal Fire Screen by Atelier Marolles, France, 1955

$3,733

Wrought Iron Farm Animal Fire Screen by Atelier Marolles, France, 1955

By Atelier Marolles, Jean Touret

Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR

Incredible wrought iron farm animal fire screen by Atelier Marolles, France, 1955. Unique decorative piece showcasing a grid of charming barnyard animals including oxen, roosters, pi...

Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Metal, Wrought Iron

Alfonso Bini Mid-Century Blond Wood Novelty Pinocchio Orange Squeezer
Alfonso Bini Mid-Century Blond Wood Novelty Pinocchio Orange Squeezer

Alfonso Bini Mid-Century Blond Wood Novelty Pinocchio Orange Squeezer

$1,572

Alfonso Bini Mid-Century Blond Wood Novelty Pinocchio Orange Squeezer

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

A very stylish and unusual vintage Italian Firenze blonde wood orange or grapefruit squeezer modelled as a man’s head by renowned Italian wood carver Alfonso Bini and made around 197...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Very Tall Bronze Ndebele Sculpture, Original Mid-Century Modern, 1950s
Very Tall Bronze Ndebele Sculpture, Original Mid-Century Modern, 1950s

Very Tall Bronze Ndebele Sculpture, Original Mid-Century Modern, 1950s

$10,500

Very Tall Bronze Ndebele Sculpture, Original Mid-Century Modern, 1950s

By Woka Lamps

Located in Vienna, AT

This beautiful sculpture by an unknown artist, depicting a Ndebele. Despite of occasionally mistakenly attributed to Carl Hagenauer is it undoubtedly a masterpiece. In earlier times,...

Category

1950s African Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Bronze

Large American Studio Pottery Bowl with Turquoise Glaze, Signed
Large American Studio Pottery Bowl with Turquoise Glaze, Signed

Large American Studio Pottery Bowl with Turquoise Glaze, Signed

$475

Large American Studio Pottery Bowl with Turquoise Glaze, Signed

Located in San Diego, CA

A striking large American studio pottery bowl featuring an elegant low, wide form and richly layered glazing. The interior is finished in luminous turquoise and sea-green tones with ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Pottery, Stoneware

Vintage Blue and White 'Hairdressing' Sign
Vintage Blue and White 'Hairdressing' Sign

Vintage Blue and White 'Hairdressing' Sign

$1,164

Vintage Blue and White 'Hairdressing' Sign

Located in Cirencester, GB

This French 'Coiffure' sign is mid 20th century. The silvery/blue Zinc letters are on a painted white ply board. There are lots of bumps and scrapes and plenty of character to thi...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Zinc

Vintage Mid Century Original Art The Marshland by Lee Reynolds
Vintage Mid Century Original Art The Marshland by Lee Reynolds

Vintage Mid Century Original Art The Marshland by Lee Reynolds

$1,495

Vintage Mid Century Original Art The Marshland by Lee Reynolds

By Lee Reynolds

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful original landscape scene by acclaimed artist Lee Reynolds. This piece titled “Marshland” from the 1960s showcases a sunset marshland landscape done in a vivid, expressiv...

Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Paint

Tashiko Tazaezu Signed Mid-Century Modern Japanese Hawaiian Studio Pottery Bowl
Tashiko Tazaezu Signed Mid-Century Modern Japanese Hawaiian Studio Pottery Bowl

Tashiko Tazaezu Signed Mid-Century Modern Japanese Hawaiian Studio Pottery Bowl

$2,495

Tashiko Tazaezu Signed Mid-Century Modern Japanese Hawaiian Studio Pottery Bowl

By Toshiko Takaezu

Located in Studio City, CA

A beautiful and quite engaging relatively large sumptuously glazed bowl by famed Japanese Hawaiian American pottery master Toshiko Takaezu. The high-fired porcelain bowl features a v...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Porcelain, Pottery

Tashiko Tazaezu Signed Japanese Hawaiian Studio Pottery Glazed Chawan Tea Bowl
Tashiko Tazaezu Signed Japanese Hawaiian Studio Pottery Glazed Chawan Tea Bowl

Tashiko Tazaezu Signed Japanese Hawaiian Studio Pottery Glazed Chawan Tea Bowl

$1,795

Tashiko Tazaezu Signed Japanese Hawaiian Studio Pottery Glazed Chawan Tea Bowl

By Toshiko Takaezu

Located in Studio City, CA

A beautiful and quite engaging sumptuously glazed relatively large Chawan tea bowl by famed Japanese Hawaiian American pottery master Toshiko Takaezu. The fired bowl features a drip ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Pottery, Stoneware

Athena on Her Chariot Ancient Greek Style Mid-Century Modern Horse Sculpture
Athena on Her Chariot Ancient Greek Style Mid-Century Modern Horse Sculpture

Athena on Her Chariot Ancient Greek Style Mid-Century Modern Horse Sculpture

$150

Athena on Her Chariot Ancient Greek Style Mid-Century Modern Horse Sculpture

By Frederic Weinberg

Located in Chattanooga, TN

A striking Mid-Century Modern sculpture executed in the Greek Revival taste, depicting Athena riding a stylized horse-drawn chariot accompanied by her symbolic owl. Rendered with pronounced Etruscan and Brutalist influences, the piece embodies the sculptural abstraction and mythological romanticism that defined a wave of sophisticated decorative arts produced during the mid-20th century. Executed in patinated cast metal with a rich verdigris finish, the sculpture evokes the appearance of an excavated antiquity while maintaining the clean linearity and expressive geometry associated with Mid-Century Modern design. The elongated horse forms, angular chariot construction, and primitive-classical composition strongly recall the work of Frederick Weinberg and related Raymor-era designers, blending ancient Mediterranean inspiration with modernist decorative sensibilities. Dramatic from every angle, this highly decorative object functions equally well as a bookshelf sculpture...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Japanese 3 Tea Cups from Mid-Century Studio Pottery
Vintage Japanese 3 Tea Cups from Mid-Century Studio Pottery

Vintage Japanese 3 Tea Cups from Mid-Century Studio Pottery

$195

Vintage Japanese 3 Tea Cups from Mid-Century Studio Pottery

Located in Norton, MA

Vintage Japanese 3 tea cups from mid-century studio pottery. In good original new condition and just found in the warehouse, never used before.

Category

1950s Japanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Stoneware

Mid Century Tin Litho Friction Police Highway Patrol Helicopter, C1960, Japan
Mid Century Tin Litho Friction Police Highway Patrol Helicopter, C1960, Japan

Mid Century Tin Litho Friction Police Highway Patrol Helicopter, C1960, Japan

$295

Mid Century Tin Litho Friction Police Highway Patrol Helicopter, C1960, Japan

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Fabulous friction helicopter from Japan C 1960. Toy works great, push copter and the blades start spinning. Does not fly, nor was it intended to. Great graph...

Category

1960s Japanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Tin

Original Dresden Artist Doll / Hand Puppet - Grandfather, 1970s
Original Dresden Artist Doll / Hand Puppet - Grandfather, 1970s

Original Dresden Artist Doll / Hand Puppet - Grandfather, 1970s

$81

Original Dresden Artist Doll / Hand Puppet - Grandfather, 1970s

Located in Schwerin, MV

Handmade original Dresden artist dolls / hand puppet - Grandfather, like new. Collector's item from the former GDR. Special artist doll, high quality, and great collector's value. ...

Category

1970s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Textile

Tashiko Tazaezu Signed Japanese Hawaiian Studio Pottery Glazed Chawan Tea Bowl
Tashiko Tazaezu Signed Japanese Hawaiian Studio Pottery Glazed Chawan Tea Bowl

Tashiko Tazaezu Signed Japanese Hawaiian Studio Pottery Glazed Chawan Tea Bowl

$1,995

Tashiko Tazaezu Signed Japanese Hawaiian Studio Pottery Glazed Chawan Tea Bowl

By Toshiko Takaezu

Located in Studio City, CA

A beautiful and quite engaging sumptuously glazed Chawan tea bowl by famed Japanese Hawaiian American pottery master Toshiko Takaezu. The fired bowl features a vast array of shifting...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Earthenware, Pottery

Set of Danish Teak Viking Figures, Attributed to Kay Bojesen – Denmark, 1960s
Set of Danish Teak Viking Figures, Attributed to Kay Bojesen – Denmark, 1960s

Set of Danish Teak Viking Figures, Attributed to Kay Bojesen – Denmark, 1960s

$511Sale Price / set|20% Off

Set of Danish Teak Viking Figures, Attributed to Kay Bojesen – Denmark, 1960s

By Kay Bojesen

Located in Marinha Grande, PT

Set of Danish teak Viking figures, attributed to Kay Bojesen, Denmark, circa 1960s, emblematic of Scandinavian modern design and playful wooden objects of the mid-20th century. These...

Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool, Teak

La Borne Brown Stoneware Ceramic Table Lamp 20th Century Design 1970
La Borne Brown Stoneware Ceramic Table Lamp 20th Century Design 1970

La Borne Brown Stoneware Ceramic Table Lamp 20th Century Design 1970

$1,050

La Borne Brown Stoneware Ceramic Table Lamp 20th Century Design 1970

By La Borne Potters

Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR

La Borne Unique handmade piece, stoneware ceramic table lamp Brown stoneware ceramic color Original perfect condition Circa 1970 Measures: Height 23 cm Height with el...

Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

17 Artist Mask Collection, Limited Edition of Traditional Carnival Black Forest
17 Artist Mask Collection, Limited Edition of Traditional Carnival Black Forest

17 Artist Mask Collection, Limited Edition of Traditional Carnival Black Forest

$1,633 / set

17 Artist Mask Collection, Limited Edition of Traditional Carnival Black Forest

Located in Andernach, DE

Extraordinary and complete collection of 17 artist ceramic masks of traditional Black Forest Carnival costumes by Alfred Schladerer, Germany. Ranging from the first 1954/55 unglazed/...

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Big Brother & The Holding Company Concert Poster, Signed, San Francisco 1966
Big Brother & The Holding Company Concert Poster, Signed, San Francisco 1966

Big Brother & The Holding Company Concert Poster, Signed, San Francisco 1966

$1,950

Big Brother & The Holding Company Concert Poster, Signed, San Francisco 1966

Located in San Francisco, CA

ABOUT Original concert poster. Headline Band: Big Brother & The Holding Company Second Band: Oxford Circle Third Band: Lee Michaels Venue: Avalon Ballroom, San Francisco, Ca. Mo...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Metal

Large Mid Century Modern Sculptural Brass Horse by Luciano Bustamante 1965
Large Mid Century Modern Sculptural Brass Horse by Luciano Bustamante 1965

Large Mid Century Modern Sculptural Brass Horse by Luciano Bustamante 1965

$1,875

Large Mid Century Modern Sculptural Brass Horse by Luciano Bustamante 1965

By Luciano Bustamante

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Fabulous large brass Brutalist patchwork stallion horse with blown black glass eyes. Fantastic artistic piece by Luciano Bustamante of Mexico c1965. In excellent vintage condition wi...

Category

1960s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Brass

French Folk Art House-Shaped Wooden Box, Mid-Century Modern, 1950s
French Folk Art House-Shaped Wooden Box, Mid-Century Modern, 1950s

French Folk Art House-Shaped Wooden Box, Mid-Century Modern, 1950s

$723

French Folk Art House-Shaped Wooden Box, Mid-Century Modern, 1950s

Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR

Charming French folk art wooden box crafted in the form of a small house, dating from the 1950s. The pitched roof opens on rear hinges, revealing a spacious interior compartment—idea...

Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Jorge Wilmot Ceramic Owl Sculpture, Tonalá Folk Art, Mexico, 1960
Jorge Wilmot Ceramic Owl Sculpture, Tonalá Folk Art, Mexico, 1960

Jorge Wilmot Ceramic Owl Sculpture, Tonalá Folk Art, Mexico, 1960

$571

Jorge Wilmot Ceramic Owl Sculpture, Tonalá Folk Art, Mexico, 1960

Located in Marinha Grande, PT

Striking ceramic owl sculpture signed by Mexican master potter Jorge Wilmot (Signed piece), a key figure in the 20th-century revival of Tonalá ceramics. This highly decorative piece ...

Category

1960s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Mid 20th Century Kodak English Advertising Enamel Sign For Train Rides
Mid 20th Century Kodak English Advertising Enamel Sign For Train Rides

Mid 20th Century Kodak English Advertising Enamel Sign For Train Rides

$1,306Sale Price|20% Off

Mid 20th Century Kodak English Advertising Enamel Sign For Train Rides

Located in Crespières, FR

This antique Kodak advertising sign is made of thick enamel in black, yellow and red colours. The colours are bright and shiny, with an good relief. The condition is fairly good co...

Category

1950s British Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Metal

Goyard Trunk, 1910 France
Goyard Trunk, 1910 France

Goyard Trunk, 1910 France

$38,000

Goyard Trunk, 1910 France

By Goyard

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Astounding vintage Goyard trunk in a rare extra large size. The oldest and largest antique Goyard trunk available for sale anywhere. Completely or...

Category

1910s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Brass

A large painting by Moacir Andrade, Brazil, 1960s "A Lenda Do Pacu"
A large painting by Moacir Andrade, Brazil, 1960s "A Lenda Do Pacu"

A large painting by Moacir Andrade, Brazil, 1960s "A Lenda Do Pacu"

$16,406Sale Price|33% Off

A large painting by Moacir Andrade, Brazil, 1960s "A Lenda Do Pacu"

By Moacir Andrade

Located in London, GB

A large stunning painting from the legendary Amazonian artist Moacir Andrade "A Lenda Do Pacu" (The legend of the Pacu) Acrylic on canvas depicting a central Pacu which is a lar...

Category

1960s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic, Wood

Toshiko Takaezu Signed Mid-Century Modern Japanese Hawaiian Studio Pottery Bowl
Toshiko Takaezu Signed Mid-Century Modern Japanese Hawaiian Studio Pottery Bowl

Toshiko Takaezu Signed Mid-Century Modern Japanese Hawaiian Studio Pottery Bowl

$2,495

Toshiko Takaezu Signed Mid-Century Modern Japanese Hawaiian Studio Pottery Bowl

By Toshiko Takaezu

Located in Studio City, CA

A beautiful and quite engaging relatively large sumptuously glazed bowl by famed Japanese Hawaiian American pottery master Toshiko Takaezu. The high-fired stoneware bowl features a v...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Pottery, Stoneware

1960s Dutch Papier Mache Curious Grandpa Carnival Parade Head
1960s Dutch Papier Mache Curious Grandpa Carnival Parade Head

1960s Dutch Papier Mache Curious Grandpa Carnival Parade Head

$695

1960s Dutch Papier Mache Curious Grandpa Carnival Parade Head

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Mid-Century unique and wonderfully fun large painted papier mache carnival head. This "Curious Grandpa" head resembles a man with white hair and curious facial expression, sadly the ...

Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Paper

Tashiko Tazaezu Signed Japanese Studio Pottery Closed Form With Rattle Sculpture
Tashiko Tazaezu Signed Japanese Studio Pottery Closed Form With Rattle Sculpture

Tashiko Tazaezu Signed Japanese Studio Pottery Closed Form With Rattle Sculpture

$9,500

Tashiko Tazaezu Signed Japanese Studio Pottery Closed Form With Rattle Sculpture

By Toshiko Takaezu

Located in Studio City, CA

A beautiful and quite engaging colorfully glazed closed-form sculpture with rattle by renowned Japanese Hawaiian American pottery master Toshiko Takaezu, famed for her use of color, texture, scale, multiple glazes, and various free-form shapes, including her orb-like moon pots. This high-fired porcelain piece features a vast array of shifting, whirling, vibrant, colorful glazes (with traces of reds, pinks, oranges, yellows, greens, blues, etc... ). It is a unique and one-of-a-kind work. The closed-form vessel sculpture is signed on the base with her traditional "TT" mark/ monogram. A rare and special piece. Would be a great addition to any collectors of Toshiko's work or other Mid-Century Modern...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Porcelain, Pottery

Zabihi Collection Worn Green Primitive Vintage Turkish Deco Runner
Zabihi Collection Worn Green Primitive Vintage Turkish Deco Runner

Zabihi Collection Worn Green Primitive Vintage Turkish Deco Runner

$1,275

Zabihi Collection Worn Green Primitive Vintage Turkish Deco Runner

Located in New York, NY

a mid-20th-century green Turkish Deco Runner Details rug no. r4494 size 1' 10" x 7' 7" (56 x 231 cm)

Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Mid-Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Vintage Hand Painted Fish Tile
Vintage Hand Painted Fish Tile

Vintage Hand Painted Fish Tile

$195

Vintage Hand Painted Fish Tile

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

This vibrant vintage ceramic tile is a captivating example of mid-century decorative art, featuring a whimsical school of hand-painted fish against a rich, saturated emerald green gl...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Set of 14 Traditional Spanish Christmas Figures, circa 1950
Set of 14 Traditional Spanish Christmas Figures, circa 1950

Set of 14 Traditional Spanish Christmas Figures, circa 1950

$834Sale Price / item|35% Off

Set of 14 Traditional Spanish Christmas Figures, circa 1950

Located in Barcelona, ES

Set of 14 traditional Spanish Christmas figures. Made out of metal. Manufactured in Spain, circa 1950. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preservin...

Category

1950s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Metal

aRT dECO 1940s / 50s Modernist Light -up "TELEPHONE" SIGN.... 40" LONG
aRT dECO 1940s / 50s Modernist Light -up "TELEPHONE" SIGN.... 40" LONG

aRT dECO 1940s / 50s Modernist Light -up "TELEPHONE" SIGN.... 40" LONG

$1,480

aRT dECO 1940s / 50s Modernist Light -up "TELEPHONE" SIGN.... 40" LONG

By Ilka Plast

Located in Buffalo, NY

aRT dECO 1940s / 50s Modernist Light -up "TELEPHONE" SIGN.... 40" LONG...eMbossed form plastic lettering,,Stunning graphic, pull chain on/off switch.Retains original metal can,,orig...

Category

1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Metal

Sizable Mid-20th Century Carved Oak Owl, Rare and Symbol of Learning and Wisdom
Sizable Mid-20th Century Carved Oak Owl, Rare and Symbol of Learning and Wisdom

Sizable Mid-20th Century Carved Oak Owl, Rare and Symbol of Learning and Wisdom

$1,341

Sizable Mid-20th Century Carved Oak Owl, Rare and Symbol of Learning and Wisdom

Located in Lisse, NL

Rare and beautifully carved owl. This hand-carved owl is well loved by its previous owners and therefor it is still in magnificent condition. Owl sculptures of this period are rare...

Category

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Oak

Vintage Italian Genuine Alabaster Chess Set with Carved Pieces, 1970s
Vintage Italian Genuine Alabaster Chess Set with Carved Pieces, 1970s

Vintage Italian Genuine Alabaster Chess Set with Carved Pieces, 1970s

$1,341

Vintage Italian Genuine Alabaster Chess Set with Carved Pieces, 1970s

Located in BARCELONA, ES

Beautiful 1970s Italian chess set in genuine alabaster. The board features warm cream and rich reddish-brown marble squares with subtle veining. 32 hand-carved pieces: deep burgundy ...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Alabaster

billard pokerballs aramith belgium 1970s
billard pokerballs aramith belgium 1970s

billard pokerballs aramith belgium 1970s

$758

billard pokerballs aramith belgium 1970s

Located in Wien, Au

billard pokerballs aramith belgium 1970s Original condition

Category

1970s Belgian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Polyester

Otto and Vivika Heino Signed Midcentury Large California Studio Pottery Bowl
Otto and Vivika Heino Signed Midcentury Large California Studio Pottery Bowl

Otto and Vivika Heino Signed Midcentury Large California Studio Pottery Bowl

$796Sale Price|20% Off

Otto and Vivika Heino Signed Midcentury Large California Studio Pottery Bowl

By Otto and Vivika Heino

Located in Studio City, CA

A beautifully designed, exquisitely handmade bowl by pottery or ceramics masters husband and wife artists Vivika and Otto Heino. The two were best known for their inspired designs and distinctive glazes. This relatively hefty bowl is signed on the underside and is in excellent vintage condition with no discernible flaws. Really quite riveting and sure to Stand out in any collection or setting. Dimensions: 5.5" high, 8.5" diameter. They are winners of the following awards: Gold Medal from the sixth Biennale internationale de céramique d'art, in Vallauris, France. (1978) Silver medal from the International Ceramics Exhibitions in Ostend, Belgium (1959) Their work can be found in the following museums and collections: American Craft Museum, New York City, NY American Museum of Ceramic Art, Pomona, California Ariana Museum, Geneva, Switzerland Arizona State University Art Museum, Tempe, Arizona Baltimore Museum of Art, Baltimore, Maryland Brunnier Art Museum, Iowa State University, Ames Iowa Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, Smithsonian Institution, New York, New York County Art Museum and Craft Folk Art Museum, Los Angeles, CA Craft and Folk Art Museum, Los Angeles, California Des Moines Art Center, Des Moines, Iowa De Young Museum, San Francisco, CA Everson Museum of Art, Syracuse, New York Fitchburg Art Museum, Fitchburg, Massachusetts Fred Jones, Jr. Museum of Art, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma Hartford Jewish Community Center, Hartford, Connecticut Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha, Nebraska Long Beach Museum of Art, Long Beach, California Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), Los Angeles, California Memphis College of Art, Memphis, Tennessee Mills College Art Museum, Oakland, California Mingei Museum, San Diego Museum of Art and Design, New York, New York Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA Newark Museum, Newark, New Jersey Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art, Utah State University, Logan, Utah Picasso Museum in Vallauris, France St. Paul Gallery, St. Paul, Minnesota Ruth Chandler Williamson Gallery, Scripps College, Claremont, California Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC Southern Highland Craft Guild, Asheville, North Carolina Tweed Museum of Art, University of Minnesota, Duluth, Duluth, Minnesota University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois Ventura County...

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Midcentury Abstract Art Acrylic Oil On Canvas Painting Artwork 1960s 1970s
Midcentury Abstract Art Acrylic Oil On Canvas Painting Artwork 1960s 1970s

Midcentury Abstract Art Acrylic Oil On Canvas Painting Artwork 1960s 1970s

$1,531Sale Price|20% Off

Midcentury Abstract Art Acrylic Oil On Canvas Painting Artwork 1960s 1970s

Located in Sherborne, Dorset

A striking, energetic piece of original abstract artwork dating from the 1960s/70s. Acrylic and oil have been used to create bold lines and brushwork on the canvas giving the piece a...

Category

1960s English Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic, Paint

1950s Racing Car Model or Toy ''No. 7'' Oldtimer Ferrari 500 by Geobra, Germany
1950s Racing Car Model or Toy ''No. 7'' Oldtimer Ferrari 500 by Geobra, Germany

1950s Racing Car Model or Toy ''No. 7'' Oldtimer Ferrari 500 by Geobra, Germany

$121Sale Price|20% Off

1950s Racing Car Model or Toy ''No. 7'' Oldtimer Ferrari 500 by Geobra, Germany

By Old Timer Ferrari

Located in Andernach, DE

Mid-20th century classic kids toy or model by German toy makers Geobra. The well played model is shaped after the classic racing car Ferrari 500 from 1952, created by Aurelio Lampred...

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Plastic

French Women Bust Sculpture "Marianne" Godess of Liberty in Solid Wood, 1960s
French Women Bust Sculpture "Marianne" Godess of Liberty in Solid Wood, 1960s

French Women Bust Sculpture "Marianne" Godess of Liberty in Solid Wood, 1960s

$1,761

French Women Bust Sculpture "Marianne" Godess of Liberty in Solid Wood, 1960s

Located in Antwerp, BE

Vintage French bust sculpture of a woman Marianne has been the national personification of the French Republic since the French Revolution, as a personification of liberty, equality, fraternity and reason, and a portrayal of the Goddess of Liberty...

Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wood

California Design Studio Stoneware Weed Pot / Vase Signed
California Design Studio Stoneware Weed Pot / Vase Signed

California Design Studio Stoneware Weed Pot / Vase Signed

$300

California Design Studio Stoneware Weed Pot / Vase Signed

Located in San Diego, CA

California design studio stoneware weed pot / vase, circa 1970s. The pot is in very good vintage condition and measures 7.7"D x 6.5"H. The piece is signed on the underside. #3805

Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Pottery, Stoneware

Goldscheider Vienna Set of Four Wall Masks by Adolf Prischl, Austria, 1950s
Goldscheider Vienna Set of Four Wall Masks by Adolf Prischl, Austria, 1950s

Goldscheider Vienna Set of Four Wall Masks by Adolf Prischl, Austria, 1950s

$950 / set

Goldscheider Vienna Set of Four Wall Masks by Adolf Prischl, Austria, 1950s

By Friedrich Goldscheider

Located in Vienna, AT

A lovely set of four Austrian terracotta miniature wall masks, designed by Adolf Prischl, executed by Friedrich Goldscheider Vienna in the 1950s. All four masks are in excellent cond...

Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery, Terracotta

Old " Tour Eiffel This Way" Metal Sign
Old " Tour Eiffel This Way" Metal Sign

Old " Tour Eiffel This Way" Metal Sign

$350

Old " Tour Eiffel This Way" Metal Sign

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Old "Tour Eiffel This Way" Metal Sign with lots of rust and patina! Very thin metal / French or American Age, Manufacturer, Origin are Unknown " love Paris and miss the "E" tower ....

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Metal

Original Dresden artist doll / hand puppet with legs - Pied Piper, 1970s
Original Dresden artist doll / hand puppet with legs - Pied Piper, 1970s

Original Dresden artist doll / hand puppet with legs - Pied Piper, 1970s

$105

Original Dresden artist doll / hand puppet with legs - Pied Piper, 1970s

Located in Schwerin, MV

Handmade original Dresden artist dolls / hand puppet - Pied Piper, like new. Collector's item from the former GDR. Special artist doll with legs, high quality, and great collector'...

Category

1970s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Textile

wooden Gingerbread Cookie Speculaas Springerle Rolling Pin Antique German 1900s
wooden Gingerbread Cookie Speculaas Springerle Rolling Pin Antique German 1900s

wooden Gingerbread Cookie Speculaas Springerle Rolling Pin Antique German 1900s

$180

wooden Gingerbread Cookie Speculaas Springerle Rolling Pin Antique German 1900s

Located in Nuernberg, DE

An exceptional early 20th century wooden rolling pin featuring beautifully hand-carved cookie Springerle molds along its surface. This charming folk art piece combines functionality ...

Category

Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Dora De Larios Signed Mexican American California Studio Pottery Sculpture Bowl
Dora De Larios Signed Mexican American California Studio Pottery Sculpture Bowl

Dora De Larios Signed Mexican American California Studio Pottery Sculpture Bowl

$2,495

Dora De Larios Signed Mexican American California Studio Pottery Sculpture Bowl

By Dora De Larios

Located in Studio City, CA

A beautifully designed and gorgeously executed sculpture/footed bowl by famed Mexican-American California studio art potter Dora De Larios featuring and Pacific West Coast oceanic de...

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Stoneware

Large vintage exterior wall shop sign for a coffee Bar Tabac France in the 50s
Large vintage exterior wall shop sign for a coffee Bar Tabac France in the 50s

Large vintage exterior wall shop sign for a coffee Bar Tabac France in the 50s

$1,458

Large vintage exterior wall shop sign for a coffee Bar Tabac France in the 50s

Located in SAINT-YRIEIX-SUR-CHARENTE, FR

Large outdoor ‘Bar Tabac’ sign from France in the 1950s. Extraordinary typography, typical of the 1950s. The metal letters are fixed to two steel bars, whic...

Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Iron, Zinc

Edwin and Mary Scheier Hand Decorated "Fertility" Low Bowl
Edwin and Mary Scheier Hand Decorated "Fertility" Low Bowl

Edwin and Mary Scheier Hand Decorated "Fertility" Low Bowl

$585

Edwin and Mary Scheier Hand Decorated "Fertility" Low Bowl

By Edwin Scheier, Edwin and Mary Scheier

Located in New Windsor, NY

Hand thrown and decorated pottery low bowl by Edwin and Mary Scheier. Good overall condition with no visible chips, cracks, hairlines, crazing or restorations. The bowl measures appr...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic, Clay, Pottery

Trio of Traditional Kokeshi Dolls by Masahiro Satomi (1948-1994), Japan
Trio of Traditional Kokeshi Dolls by Masahiro Satomi (1948-1994), Japan

Trio of Traditional Kokeshi Dolls by Masahiro Satomi (1948-1994), Japan

$300 / set

Trio of Traditional Kokeshi Dolls by Masahiro Satomi (1948-1994), Japan

Located in Point Richmond, CA

Trio of Traditional Kokeshi Dolls by Masahiro Satomi (1948-1994), Japan Three traditional kokeshi dolls created and signed by Masahiro Satomi (1948-1994). They measure 14.5, 12 and 10.5 inches high. In good condition, with some shellac loss on head and body of large doll...

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Mid-century Modern folk art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century 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, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern folk art 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 folk art, popular names associated with this style include Albert Chubac, Adrien Audoux and Frida Minnet, La Borne Potters, and Beatrice Wood. 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 $41 and tops out at $64,764 while the average work can sell for $1,325.

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