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Modern Folk Art

MODERN STYLE

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”

Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.

Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chaircrafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.

It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.

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Style: Modern
Untitled 37 by Neshka
Untitled 37 by Neshka

Untitled 37 by Neshka

Located in Geneve, CH

Untitled 37 by Neshka Dimensions: 20 x 20 x 55 cm Material: Charred cedar and wenge wood stand Neshka ( Agnieszka Krusche ), is a native of Kraków, ...

Category

2010s Canadian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wood, Wenge, Cedar

5 Mailbox by Lluis Clotet & Oscar Tusquets
5 Mailbox by Lluis Clotet & Oscar Tusquets

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 ...

Category

2010s Spanish Modern Folk Art

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

3 Mailbox by Lluis Clotet & Oscar Tusquets
3 Mailbox by Lluis Clotet & Oscar Tusquets

3 Mailbox by Lluis Clotet & Oscar Tusquets

Located in Geneve, CH

3 Mailbox by Lluis Clotet & Oscar Tusquets Dimensions: D 32 x W 24 x H 40 cm Materials: Made up of steel sheets painted in a black polyester powder coating (RAL 9005). Doors ...

Category

2010s Spanish Modern Folk Art

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

1970s Pippo Pozzi Alessandria/Biella Italy Ceramic Plate
1970s Pippo Pozzi Alessandria/Biella Italy Ceramic Plate

1970s Pippo Pozzi Alessandria/Biella Italy Ceramic Plate

By Pozzi

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

Wim Heesakkers Modern Sculpture, Glass and Paper, Netherlands, 1970
Wim Heesakkers Modern Sculpture, Glass and Paper, Netherlands, 1970

Wim Heesakkers Modern Sculpture, Glass and Paper, Netherlands, 1970

Located in Oirlo, LI

Beautiful Work of Wim Heesakkers Made in The 70s This is a beautiful work by Wim Heesakkers, marked with a signature on the back. Painter/sculptor Wim Heesakkers (1950) is self-tau...

Category

20th Century Dutch Modern Folk Art

Materials

Glass, Paper

2005 Paola Lenti Rug Made in Italy 8 x 15 ft Oval in Brown and Yellow
2005 Paola Lenti Rug Made in Italy 8 x 15 ft Oval in Brown and Yellow

2005 Paola Lenti Rug Made in Italy 8 x 15 ft Oval in Brown and Yellow

By Paola Lenti

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 rug measures 8 ...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Yarn

”Evidence” Bascketball Sculpture made by Alexandre Arrechea
”Evidence” Bascketball Sculpture made by Alexandre Arrechea

”Evidence” Bascketball Sculpture made by Alexandre Arrechea

By Alexandre Arrechea

Located in Madrid, ES

“Evidence” sculpture made by Alexandre Arrechea (Trinidad, Cuba 1970). Sculpture made of resin. Signed and numbered 8/35 dated 2006. Includes lacquered wooden base and methacrylate u...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Folk Art

Materials

Plastic

Don't Open Mirror by Fabio Bortolani & Mogg
Don't Open Mirror by Fabio Bortolani & Mogg

Don't Open Mirror by Fabio Bortolani & Mogg

By Mogg, Fabio Bortolani

Located in New York, NY

"Don't open is a mirror of Fabio Bortolani for Mogg, with the bottom made up of a portion of old larch wood door. Don't open is a mirror from the wall or countertop. What is the part...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Olinalá Mexican Traditional Lacquer, Silver Leaf and Oil Painting Art Urns
Olinalá Mexican Traditional Lacquer, Silver Leaf and Oil Painting Art Urns

Olinalá Mexican Traditional Lacquer, Silver Leaf and Oil Painting Art Urns

By ACOOCOORO

Located in Mexico City, MX

Three urns, two trays, one gourd. Turned solid cedar wood; maque and lacquer carving; silver leaf; oil painting. Commemoration, ceremony, and veneration of the ancestral are acts...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silver Leaf

African Bantu Art, Expressive, Surrealistic Gouache by Marcel Gotène 1980s
African Bantu Art, Expressive, Surrealistic Gouache by Marcel Gotène 1980s

African Bantu Art, Expressive, Surrealistic Gouache by Marcel Gotène 1980s

By Marcel Gotène

Located in Salzburg, AT

The famous painter, Marcel Gotène (Icon of the contemporary Bantu art) combines surrealistic impressions with modern tapisserie elements. Born in 1935 in Yaba, Republic of Kongo - d...

Category

1980s Congolese Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silver Leaf

Untitled Hand-Painted Canvas by Rita Alaoui, Modern Folk Art, France
Untitled Hand-Painted Canvas by Rita Alaoui, Modern Folk Art, France

Untitled Hand-Painted Canvas by Rita Alaoui, Modern Folk Art, France

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

Beautiful sculpture by Pol Spilliaert
Beautiful sculpture by Pol Spilliaert

Beautiful sculpture by Pol Spilliaert

By Pol Spilliaert

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

Splendide sculpture par Pol Spilliaert en marbre noir de Belgique. Superbe présence, très jolie ronde bosse. Chaque pan de la sculpture est travaillée. Elle provient de son atelier...

Category

1970s Belgian Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Belgian Black Marble

Bus scene by Gus Bofa
Bus scene by Gus Bofa

Bus scene by Gus Bofa

By Pierre Mac Orlan

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

Don't Open Large Mirror by Fabio Bortolani & Mogg
Don't Open Large Mirror by Fabio Bortolani & Mogg

Don't Open Large Mirror by Fabio Bortolani & Mogg

By Mogg, Fabio Bortolani

Located in New York, NY

"Don't Open is a mirror of Fabio Bortolani for Mogg, with the bottom made up of a portion of old larch wood door. Don't Open is a mirror from the wall or countertop. What is the part...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Geo-Tribal Dreams Ashley Blue & Ashley Blue 180x270 cm Handknotted Rug
Geo-Tribal Dreams Ashley Blue & Ashley Blue 180x270 cm Handknotted Rug

Geo-Tribal Dreams Ashley Blue & Ashley Blue 180x270 cm Handknotted Rug

By JAIPUR RUGS

Located in Milano, IT

Step into a world of modern nomad luxury. This hand-knotted masterpiece, crafted from the finest all-wool, reimagines the rich tapestry of Moroccan design with a contemporary twist. ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Modern Relic Undyed White & Medium Tan 270x360 cm Handknotted Rug
Modern Relic Undyed White & Medium Tan 270x360 cm Handknotted Rug

Modern Relic Undyed White & Medium Tan 270x360 cm Handknotted Rug

By JAIPUR RUGS

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

Velvet Ripples Ashwood & Jamaican Aqua 270x360 cm Hand Knotted Rug
Velvet Ripples Ashwood & Jamaican Aqua 270x360 cm Hand Knotted Rug

Velvet Ripples Ashwood & Jamaican Aqua 270x360 cm Hand Knotted Rug

By JAIPUR RUGS

Located in Milano, IT

The design of this handcrafted rug from our Unstring By Kavi collection is a testament to commitment to artisanal excellence. The Ashwood base provides a neutral and grounding founda...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Lagoon Ripples Ashwood & Jamaican Aqua 195x295 cm Hand Knotted Rug
Lagoon Ripples Ashwood & Jamaican Aqua 195x295 cm Hand Knotted Rug

Lagoon Ripples Ashwood & Jamaican Aqua 195x295 cm Hand Knotted Rug

By JAIPUR RUGS

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

Ashen Trellis Ashwood & Indigo Blue 240x300 cm Hand Knotted Rug
Ashen Trellis Ashwood & Indigo Blue 240x300 cm Hand Knotted Rug

Ashen Trellis Ashwood & Indigo Blue 240x300 cm Hand Knotted Rug

By JAIPUR RUGS

Located in Milano, IT

This hand knotted rug from our Chaos Theory By Kavi collection is a stunning blend of contemporary design and traditional craftsmanship. This rug features a gorgeous pattern in shade...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Juniper Nectar Sea Mist Green & Ivory 240x300 cm Hand Knotted Rug
Juniper Nectar Sea Mist Green & Ivory 240x300 cm Hand Knotted Rug

Juniper Nectar Sea Mist Green & Ivory 240x300 cm Hand Knotted Rug

By JAIPUR RUGS

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

Mechanical Melodies Merlot Red & Stone Blue 240x300 cm Handknotted Rug
Mechanical Melodies Merlot Red & Stone Blue 240x300 cm Handknotted Rug

Mechanical Melodies Merlot Red & Stone Blue 240x300 cm Handknotted Rug

By JAIPUR RUGS

Located in Milano, IT

What happens when the precision of machines meets the spontaneity of nature? Explore the answer with our contemporary rug, where beauty emerges from imperfection. The rug is a unique...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Jaipur Rugs 6X9 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool And Bamboo Silk Grey And Black Rug
Jaipur Rugs 6X9 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool And Bamboo Silk Grey And Black Rug

Jaipur Rugs 6X9 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Wool And Bamboo Silk Grey And Black Rug

By JAIPUR RUGS

Located in Milano, IT

Imagine stepping into a realm of timeless elegance with our hand-knotted rug. This masterpiece seamlessly weaves Moroccan charm into a modern aesthetic, creating an eclectic dance o...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Jaipur Rugs 6X9 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Bamboo Silk And Zari Blue Modern Rug
Jaipur Rugs 6X9 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Bamboo Silk And Zari Blue Modern Rug

Jaipur Rugs 6X9 Feet Hand Knotted Carpet Bamboo Silk And Zari Blue Modern Rug

By JAIPUR RUGS

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
Jaipur Rugs 8X10 Feet Hand Tufted Carpet Wool Grey & Black Modern Moroccan Rug

Jaipur Rugs 8X10 Feet Hand Tufted Carpet Wool Grey & Black Modern Moroccan Rug

By JAIPUR RUGS

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

Black and Gold Hand Guilded Wallpaper, Non-Repeating Mural, Made by Hand in UK
Black and Gold Hand Guilded Wallpaper, Non-Repeating Mural, Made by Hand in UK

Black and Gold Hand Guilded Wallpaper, Non-Repeating Mural, Made by Hand in UK

By Custhom

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

Copper Metallic Hand Guilded Botanical Wallpaper, Made by Hand in Uk
Copper Metallic Hand Guilded Botanical Wallpaper, Made by Hand in Uk

Copper Metallic Hand Guilded Botanical Wallpaper, Made by Hand in Uk

By Custhom

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

Green and Copper Hand Guilded Wallpaper, Non-Repeating Mural, Made by Hand in UK
Green and Copper Hand Guilded Wallpaper, Non-Repeating Mural, Made by Hand in UK

Green and Copper Hand Guilded Wallpaper, Non-Repeating Mural, Made by Hand in UK

By Custhom

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

Inside Painted Crystal, "After Rain" Snuff Bottle by Fu Guoshun, 2014
Inside Painted Crystal, "After Rain" Snuff Bottle by Fu Guoshun, 2014

Inside Painted Crystal, "After Rain" Snuff Bottle by Fu Guoshun, 2014

Located in Tainan, TW

Fu Guoshun was born at Hebei in 1954. He was complimented as a Master of Chinese arts and crafts in 2012. It is the highest honor for an inside painting artist. There are only ten artists who earned this glory. He is also the director of China International Painting and Calligraphy Association, vice chairman of China Snuff Bottle Professional Committee, and vice-chairman of Hebei Inside painted snuff bottle Association. Since 1977, he has been studying the art of inside painting under Wang Xisan. Fu Guoshun is one of the best artists in Ji school. Mr Fu Guoshun's inside paintings are exquisite. His works include landscapes, figures, animals, flowers, and birds to calligraphy with comprehensive skills. In addition, his professions are known for their elegance, flexibility, and light. With the three superb skills of poetry, calligraphy, and painting, there are only a handful of artists who can match up in the field of snuff bottles. It is difficult to find other artists who could compare his paintings from an artistic perspective when it comes to inside painted snuff bottles...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Folk Art

Materials

Crystal

Mixed Media by Francisco Luna
Mixed Media by Francisco Luna

Mixed Media by Francisco Luna

Located in Rochester, England

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

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Argentine Modern Folk Art

Materials

Canvas

‘Lined Up’ by Ien Lucas
‘Lined Up’ by Ien Lucas

‘Lined Up’ by Ien Lucas

$8,699Sale Price|30% Off

‘Lined Up’ by Ien Lucas

By Ien Lucas

Located in Rochester, England

Lined Up by Ien Lucas explores structure through repetition and subtle texture. Known for her methodical approach to abstract painting, Lucas creates balance and rhythm with layered ...

Category

2010s Dutch Modern Folk Art

Materials

Canvas

‘Moving In’ Contemporary Artwork, One Off handmade by Lawrence Kwakye
‘Moving In’ Contemporary Artwork, One Off handmade by Lawrence Kwakye

‘Moving In’ Contemporary Artwork, One Off handmade by Lawrence Kwakye

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

4 Mailbox by Lluis Clotet & Oscar Tusquets
4 Mailbox by Lluis Clotet & Oscar Tusquets

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 ...

Category

2010s Spanish Modern Folk Art

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Cover #2 by Neil Nenner and Avihai Mizrahi
Cover #2 by Neil Nenner and Avihai Mizrahi

Cover #2 by Neil Nenner and Avihai Mizrahi

Located in Geneve, CH

Cover #2 by Neil Nenner and Avihai Mizrahi Cover Story Dimensions: H 39.5 x L 15.5 x W 26 cm Materials: iron Avihai Mizrahi (b. 1979, Jerusalem)...

Category

2010s Israeli Modern Folk Art

Materials

Iron

Cover #13 by Neil Nenner and Avihai Mizrahi
Cover #13 by Neil Nenner and Avihai Mizrahi

Cover #13 by Neil Nenner and Avihai Mizrahi

Located in Geneve, CH

Cover #13 by Neil Nenner and Avihai Mizrahi Cover Story Dimensions: H 24.5 x L 49 x W 49 cm Materials: iron Avihai Mizrahi (b. 1979, Jerusalem),...

Category

2010s Israeli Modern Folk Art

Materials

Iron

Life and Warmth Hand-Signed Oil on Canvas Painting by Henri, France
Life and Warmth Hand-Signed Oil on Canvas Painting by Henri, France

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

Studio Ceramic Ribbed Goblet Vase
Studio Ceramic Ribbed Goblet Vase

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

Carl Auböck Snakeskin Wrapped Brass Pipe Stand
Carl Auböck Snakeskin Wrapped Brass Pipe Stand

Carl Auböck Snakeskin Wrapped Brass Pipe Stand

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Brass and snakeskin pipe stand by Austrian industrial designer Carl Auböck, c.1950s. The curved brass frame is partially wrapped in a tan and brown snakeskin. Dimensions: 5" widt...

Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Brass

Bernard Buffet, the Rascasse 1950, Mixed Technique on Paper Mounted
Bernard Buffet, the Rascasse 1950, Mixed Technique on Paper Mounted

Bernard Buffet, the Rascasse 1950, Mixed Technique on Paper Mounted

By Bernard Buffet

Located in Nice, Cote d' Azur

Bernard Buffet (1928-1999), The Rascasse 1950, mixed technique on paper mounted on canvas (50 cm x 65 cm), signed upper right "Bernard Buffet 1950", France. from Galerei Drouant ...

Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Paint

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.