Folk Art Animal Sculptures
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
Tall African Papier-mâché Giraffe with Leather Ears
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A tall paper mache giraffe in black and brown with leather ears and glass eyes. We see this fun piece in a nursery or in a foyer.
Measures: 17....
Category
20th Century Central African Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Leather, Glass, Paint, Paper
Folk Art / Pop-Art Comic Strip Papier Mache Teddy Bear Sculpture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine folk-art papier-mache sculpture.
In the form of a teddy bear.
The papier mache appears to be from various 20th Century Philippine comic books, such as Superkat by L.S. M...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Paper, Plaster
Sergio Bustamante Early Lion Papier-mâché Sculpture Hand-painted, 1975
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sergio Bustamante (20th century, Mexican) life sized paper mache lion from the early years of his Family Workshop Studio in Tlequepaque, Jalisco, Mexi...
Category
Late 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Paper
Large Wild West Cowboy and Horse Sculpture
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Gilt brass sculpture on stand, depicting a celebrating cowboy on a wild horse with great patina.
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Fiberglass Crocodile in White Paint Surface
Located in New York, NY
Modern "Folk Art" crocodile made of cast fiberglass, in distressed white paint surface. Large scale makes this an impressive decorative item, probably circa 1960s. This item is built...
Category
1960s American Vintage Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Antique Folk Art Dog And Cat Form Brass Andirons
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An authentic Pair of Antique Cat and Dog Andirons in original as found condition. Ca. early 20th c. hollow cast brass. Each seated and looking out. The cat with a wide curled tail, t...
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Brass
$1,295 / set
Vintage Bronze Hindu Bronze "Nandi Bull" Cow Sculpture
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Patinated Hindu Bronze "Nandi Bull" Sculpture, circa 1950s.
An Indian vintage Nandi bull sculpture from the mid 20th century, with carved motifs a...
Category
Mid-20th Century Indian Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Large Hand Carved Duck Sculpture by Miguel Ruelas
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice large hand carved duck sculpture by Miguel Ruelas, circa 1980s. The detail, craftsmanship and painting in this piece is lifelike and truly amaz...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Paint
$960 Sale Price
20% Off
German Shepard 1950 s Statue
Located in Los Angeles, CA
German Shepard 1950 s gesso Italian vintage statue .
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Gesso
$680 Sale Price
20% Off
Circa 1900 Hand-Carved Pine Horse
Located in High Point, NC
Circa 1900 hand carved pine horse. This is a wonderful piece of folk art, and may have been a glorious rocking horse when it was made. The horse was painted at one time, as there a...
Category
Early 1900s English Antique Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Pine
Lisa Larson Ceramic Lion Sculpture by Gustavberg
Located in Pasadena, TX
This sculpture was made by Lisa Larson for Gustavberg.
The piece is signed on the underside.
Category
1980s European Vintage Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Set of Three Glazed Pottery Cat Sculptures
Located in Houston, TX
Set Of Three Glazed Pottery Cat Sculptures.
Whimsical trio of handmade colorful glazed pottery cat sculptures.
Each of these beautifully executed animal sculptures is artist signe...
Category
1980s American Vintage Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Pottery
$1,650 / set
Vintage Terracotta Terrier Sculpture
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage terracotta terrier sculpture. This handsome terra cotta terrier figure is realistic in size and features.
Perfect home accent for the dog lover!
Category
1940s Unknown Vintage Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
American Folk Art Hand-Carved Wooden Spindly Snake Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Hand-carved wooden spindly stick in the form of snake (ca. late 19th Century, USA).
Sinuous body with hand carved scale and facial details with metal nails as eyes.
Impressive, long ...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Beautiful Pair of Cast Iron Door Stopper Stands Decorative Item, 20th Century
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic 20th century door stoppers and decoration accessories, made of heavy metal, probably bronze or iron. Nice addition to your House or just to display them in your room. Found a...
Category
20th Century German Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Fantastic Nantucket Hand Carved and Painted Folk Art Seagull Sculpture
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A wonderful Folk Art carved and hand painted wooden seagull on base having an authentic weathered patina and faded grey, black and yellow color palette.
Category
1950s American Vintage Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wood
$1,516 Sale Price
20% Off
Black and White Hand-Crafted Ceramic Chicken Sculpture, Animal Figurine Folk Art
By Iittala
Located in Miami, FL
Scandinavian Modern Iittala style black and white glazed ceramic chicken, handmade in the USA.
Life-size stylized chicken animal sculpture for any interior design.
A-595-335
Category
1980s American Vintage Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Shell Encrusted Cat Figurine
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A whimsical shell-covered cat figurine. Delicately applied seashells cover this feline figurine in an array of browns. Great for the kitten lover, or for ...
Category
20th Century Philippine Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Shell
Antique Bronze of a Mythical Lion Beast
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
An antique unusual cast bronze of a Mythical lion beast.
Bursting with character, the lion standing foursquare with his long tail curled back on itself.
Cast bronze.
Tribal Afric...
Category
Early 20th Century African Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
1900s Scandinavian Wooden Horse
Located in High Point, NC
Like a mysterious inhabitant of a fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, this wooden quadruped crafted in Scandinavia circa 1900 exudes a gentle melancholy of the North. The whitenes...
Category
Early 1900s Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Contemporary Hunting Dog Painted Iron Sculpture by José Jerónimo
Located in Coimbra, PT
Hunting Dog by José Jerónimo single piece of art.
Iron sculpture with use of tools and other objects.
Dimensions 22,00 x 10,00 x 42,00 cm
Private collection.
Category
Late 20th Century Portuguese Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Iron
Vintage Boho Carved Wood Turtle
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Brimming with natural character and artisanal charm, this vintage turtle sculpture is a stunning example of masterful wood carving. Rendered with incredible lifelike detail, the piec...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Vintage Brazilian Hand-Carved Ironwood Sculpture of Whale and a Shark
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Brazilian hand carved Ironwood sculpture of a whale and a shark.
Hand carved Brazilian sculpture hand crafted in amazing detail from one of...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Large Antique Carved Wood Female Bambara Chi Wara Antelope Figure
Located in Nantucket, MA
Chi wara is a ritual headdress used by the Bambara people in Mali. Portrayed as both male or female figures Chi ware is associated with agriculture. This fema...
Category
Early 1900s Malian Antique Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Hardwood
Papier Mâché Cat Sculpture in Black and White
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A black and white papier mâché kitten sculpture. This fun figurine depicts a cat with white paws and nose, and a black body. Its soft black eyes see...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Paint, Paper
Near Pair of Japanese Jizai Kagi Wood Koi Folk Art Sculptures
Located in Atlanta, GA
A near pair of wood koi fish from Japan circa 1860-90s of late Meiji Period. Hand-carved from solid wood, these sculptures are known as Jizai Kagi in Japane...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Greenlandica, Figurine of a Polar Bear Carved in Soapstone, Approx. 1960-1970s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Greenlandica, figurine of a polar bear carved in soapstone.
Approx. 1960-1970s.
In good condition, signs of use.
Dimensions: W 13.0 x H 9.0 cm.
Category
1960s Greenlandic Vintage Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Soapstone
Pair of Large Vintage Carved Wooden Panthers
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Stunning Pair of Life Size Vintage Carved Hardwood Panthers in a seated pose. Each cat is intricately carved with expressive faces and glass eyes. These are Southeastern Asia in orig...
Category
Mid-20th Century Asian Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Hardwood
$3,900 / set
Pair of Vintage Folk Art Painted Metal Pelican Sculptures
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of pelicans hand crafted in metal in a charming stylized form, painted and ready for a new environment.
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Metal
"Wallace" Skating at the Park, Fine Craft Painted Rabbit, Canada, Circa 1997
Located in Chatham, ON
"Wallace" Skating at the Park - Fine craft raw wood sculpture with a painted finish highlighted with India ink - made from a solid pine branch with...
Category
Late 20th Century Canadian Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Softwood, Paint
A Charming Collection of Painted and Carved Decoy Ducks
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Charming Collection of Painted and Carved Decoy Ducks
This is a good group of 4,19th Century French Decoy Ducks, they are carved in wood and the feathers and features are painted...
Category
19th Century Antique Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Pine
Pair of Folk Art Painted Metal Pelican Sculptures
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of vintage pelicans hand crafted in metal in a charming stylized form, painted and ready for a new environment.
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Vintage Carved Wood Folk Art Lion
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Eye catching whimsical lion sculpture or figure, hand carved, in a naive style, paint decorated and caught in mid roar.
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Hardwood
Unusual Antique Hand Carved African Fertility Primate / Baboon, Gorilla
Located in Buffalo, NY
Unusual Antique Hand Carved African Fertility Primate / Baboon, Gorilla,, Extremely well executed,, all hand carved,, remnants of original hair, bone eyes and teeth detail.
Category
1910s Cameroonian Vintage Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Bone, Wood
Bonbon Chouval "Jean"/Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Bonbon Chouval (Horse Biscuit in Creole) was originally a traditional pastry from the island of Martinique. Carelessly shaped as a horse, the biscuits were sold on the village m...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Caribbean Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
$1,756 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Scottish Cast Iron
Painted Incised Raven Doorstop on Rocky Plinth, Circa 1870
Located in Charleston, SC
Scottish cast iron and painted raven doorstop perched on rocky plinth base with central incised interior space for door, Late 19th century.
Category
1870s Scottish Antique Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Vintage Boho Hand Carved Wooden Unicorn
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Add a touch of mythical charm and folk art elegance to your decor with this exquisite vintage unicorn sculpture. Hand-carved from a single piece of wood, this piece showcases beautif...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Greenlandica, Jakob Keke. Sculpture in soapstone.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Greenlandica, Jakob Keke, Kungmiut, East Greenland.
Sculpture in soapstone.
Approximately from the 1970s.
In excellent condition.
Label.
Dimensions: L 14.5 cm x H 7.5 cm x W 5.5 cm.
Category
1970s Greenlandic Vintage Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Soapstone
Greenlandica, three pieces of soapstone and a black pouch with a keyring.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Greenlandica, three pieces of soapstone and a black pouch with a keyring.
Features a ptarmigan, seal, and hunter.
Artists : Nem Paamiut, Josef Josefsen.
Signed 76 (ptarmigan) and 20...
Category
20th Century Greenlandic Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Soapstone
Vintage Boho Shell Encrusted Bird on a Perch
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Elevate your coastal or bohemian interior with this enchanting vintage shell-encrusted bird sculpture. Meticulously handcrafted during the 1970s, this folk-art piece features a stunn...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Shell, Wood
"Protector One" Folk Art Crow Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
Richly textured with whimsical appeal, this late 20th century wooden crow is a delightful example of naive American sculpture. Poised mid-caw, the crow's wings are outstretched, read...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wood
"Ven Dan Vouel" /Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A Unique Representation of the history and travels through the Caribbeans, by the Martinican artist Victor Anicet.
Each sculpture is unique and symbolic and brings a unique and con...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Caribbean Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
$7,200 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Porte Dogon Terre/Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Traditional Dogon architecture throughout a Dogon village consists of a series of unique and exceptional mud buildings which the Artist, Victor Anicet, featured in an organic sculptural manner in his Porte Dogon...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Caribbean Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
$1,728 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Antique Cast Bronze of a Mythical Lion Beast
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
An antique unusual cast bronze of a Mythical lion beast.
Bursting with character, the lion standing foursquare with his long tail curled back on itse...
Category
Early 20th Century African Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Bonbon Chouval "Tissage"/Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Bonbon Chouval (Horse Biscuit in Creole) was originally a traditional pastry from the island of Martinique. Carelessly shaped as a horse, the biscuits were sold on the village m...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Caribbean Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
$1,756 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Bonbon Chouval "Mini Me Terre"/Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Bonbon Chouval (Horse Biscuit in Creole) was originally a traditional pastry from the island of Martinique. Carelessly shaped as a horse, the biscuits were sold on the village m...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Caribbean Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
$777 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Pair of 19th Century Portuguese carved oak offering boxes
Located in Diest, BE
This pair of beautifully hand-carved offering or collection boxes originates from Portugal and dates back to the 19th century. Each piece is crafted from solid oak and shaped in the form of a stylized fish, a powerful Christian symbol representing faith and spiritual nourishment.
The boxes exhibit remarkable craftsmanship, featuring detailed hand-carved scales, fins, and facial features. The eyes are made from genuine animal bone reflecting traditional Portuguese folk artistry.
Originally, such offering boxes (arca de esmolas) would have been used in churches or chapels to collect donations or alms. The fish form may also symbolize abundance and the act of giving, deeply rooted in Christian iconography.
These pieces are fine examples of 19th-century Portuguese religious folk art...
Category
19th Century Portuguese Antique Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wood
American Gilt Copper
Cast Iron Full Bodied Rooster Weathervane, circa 1880
Located in Charleston, SC
American gilt copper and cast iron full bodied rooster weathervane mounted on stand, Late 19th Century
Category
1880s American Antique Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Copper, Iron
Large 36" Tall Reclaimed Wood Folk Art Sculpture of a Horse
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice wooden horse sculpture made out of multiple reclaimed wood pieces.
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Reclaimed Wood
Folk Art Dual Dog Pipe Holder
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Hand-carved wooden pipe holder with twelve slots for pipes (circa 1930s, USA).
Crude design (figures themselves are ambiguously two dogs meeting at the jaws).
Nice patina/age present...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Beautiful Sculpture of Goat carved in wood by Israeli Artist
Located in Mexico, DF
Beautiful robust sculpture of a Goat carved from a solid mahogany block by an Israeli artist (the signature in Hebrew letters is illegible).
The goat is st...
Category
Mid-20th Century Israeli Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Mahogany
$2,400 Sale Price
20% Off
Folk Art Hand Carved Black Cat Trinket Dish
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Wooden ebonized cat with dish sculpture mounted to a mahogany plinth. Dish can accommodate keys or smaller objects.
Patina / light wear present (paint loss to the tips of ears / edges of green dish...
Category
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Mahogany, Wood
Carved Elephant, one piece Marble Sculpture
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Carved Elephant, one piece Marble Sculpture
This extremely heavy piece is carved in one piece from a green marble rock, the “Tusks are made in wood”, the carving is very cleverly d...
Category
19th Century Antique Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Marble
Iron Perpetual Motion Folk Art Texas Zoo
Located in Santa Monica, CA
This black and white painted iron perpetual motion object was said to have been used to market the zebra exhibition at the San Antonio Zoo. The zebras...
Category
1950s American Vintage Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Iron
American Folk Art Limestone Carving Snake, Shield and Stump
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Detailed American Folk Art limestone carving of a rattle snake wrapped around a tree stump and shield or coat of arms, circa 1870. Found in Tennessee. A very nice heavy and solid piece.
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Limestone
Pair of American Cast Iron Hand Painted Preening Ducks on Squared Base, C 1880
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of American cast iron hand painted preening ducks resting on squared bases. Late 19th Century.
Category
1880s American Antique Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Vintage Boho Horse and Rider
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Celebrate movement, strength, and storytelling with this captivating Vintage Boho Horse and Rider Sculpture. Cast in a rich, dark bronze-like metal with fine detail, the sculpture po...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Vintage Coastal Monumental Shell Encrusted Cockatoo
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A truly spectacular example of vintage coastal artistry, this monumental shell-encrusted cockatoo sculpture is a guaranteed conversation starter. Meticulously handcrafted from thousa...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Shell, Wood
Danish Piggy Bank for Charity, circa 1920s
Located in Copenhagen, K
Lovely piggy bank with inscription aiming to collect money for the society for children’s footwear. This union was established in 1889 and was still active in mid-1930s.
Category
1910s Danish Vintage Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Early 20th century section hand carved fairground octopus illuminated figure
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century section hand carved fairground octopus illuminated figure
Due to the construction and metal hanging hooks on this hand carved fairground figure, we believe it wou...
Category
1920s Unknown Vintage Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Pine
Folk Art animal sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique folk art animal sculptures 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 animal sculptures created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, folk art, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art animal sculptures made in a specific country, there are North America, Europe, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original animal sculptures, popular names associated with this style include Tonala Pottery, Victor Anicet, Sergio Bustamante, and Nils Olsson. 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 animal sculptures 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 $55,000 while the average work can sell for $1,516.
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