Folk Art Figurative 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
Figurine, Skovserkone with Fish Made of Soapstone, Approximately 1960s/1970s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Figurine Skovserkone with fish made of soapstone.
Approximately: 1960s/1970s
In good condition.
Dimensions: L 6.5 x D 3.0 x H 9.0 cm.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Soapstone
Greenlandica, Sarak, Greenlandic woman in profile, sculpture in soapstone.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Greenlandica, Sarak, Greenlandic woman in profile, sculpture in soapstone.
1970/80s.
In excellent condition.
Signed.
Dimensions: H 14.0 cm x L 12.0 cm x W 6.0 cm.
Soapstone - also kn...
Category
1970s Greenlandic Vintage Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Soapstone
Royal Doulton "the Carpet Seller" Moroccan Decorative Porcelain Figurine
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Royal Doulton "the carpet seller," Moroccan figurine of a carpet seller.
Made in England, by Royal Doulton England, the "Carpet Seller,"
Royal Doulto...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Life Size Wicker Palm Tree Sculpture from the FS Flores Collection
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Life size sculpture of a palm tree with a coconut crafted in wicker or reed wrapped over a metal frame with impressive stylized presence. From the FS Flores Collection...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wicker
Beaded Ndebele Fertility Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king). As beads become gradually more accessible throughout the 19th century, they began to displace the organic materials used in traditional art and attire.
This colorful example of African beadwork is a fertility doll...
Category
20th Century South African Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Cotton, Wood
Early Papier Mâché Folk Art Store Display "Stork and Baby"
Located in Buffalo, NY
Early papier mâché Folk Art store display "Stork and Baby". Charming depiction stylized stork and baby, retains original paint, slight damage to beak...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Paper
Primitive Animal Face Jug Clay pottery Folk art Head pitcher Sculpture.
Located in Seattle, WA
This Piece is possibly Mayan Aztec in origin and depicts the face of an animal in 3D as well as floral motifs on the jug itself. This Piece has nice patina and character. Vintage Con...
Category
1970s Vintage Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Clay
Royal Doulton "The Gaffer" British Porcelain Figurine
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Royal Doulton "The Gaffer".
Made in England, by Royal Doulton England, "The Gaffer".
Royal Doulton, H.N. 2053, finely painted porcelain figure of "The Gaffer", collectable, high gl...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Mexican Burnished Clay Woman with Child Oaxacan Sculpture Mixtec Ceramic
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
This Mexican ceramic clay hand sculpture is a piece by artist Maricela Gómez López. Made with clay from Oaxaca and Zacatecas, painted with oxides from the region. Done with the hand-...
Category
2010s Mexican Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Late 20th Century Nude Figure Sculpture, Unsigned
Located in Charleston, SC
Nude sculpture figure of woman kneeling. Late 20th century.
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Clay
Royal Copenhagen Hand Painted Porcelain Young Girl Peasant Feeding a Calf
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Royal Copenhagen glazed hand painted porcelain figurine of a Danish young girl peasant feeding a calf from a big bucket. Below the base, it is found the Royal Copenhagen ha...
Category
20th Century Danish Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
$116 Sale Price
20% Off
Gilt Burmese Musician Figure, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This seated Burmese figure captures a musician in eternal song. The wooden figure is hand-carved with a seated posture, legs crossed and arms outstretch...
Category
Early 20th Century Burmese Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Glass, Wood
Beaded Ndebele Initiation Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king...
Category
Mid-20th Century South African Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Fabric, Cotton, Wood
Antique Hand Sculpted Stone Head Sculpture on Formfit Hand Carved Wooden Base
Located in Miami, FL
Antique hand-sculpted stone head sculpture presented on a hand carved wooden stand.
Head measures: Length 5 inches x 4 inches depth x 8 inches hig...
Category
1940s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Stone
19th Century Finely Carved and Gilded Scotsman Counter-Top Tobacco Trade Figures
Located in Nantucket, MA
Mid-19th Century carved and decorated counter-top Tobacconist’s Trade figures, circa 1850. Each with striking detail and beautiful patina, with the original gilding rubbed well into ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Unknown Antique Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Beaded Ndebele Initiation Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king...
Category
Mid-20th Century South African Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Fabric, Cotton, Wood
Beaded Ndebele Initiation Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king...
Category
Mid-20th Century South African Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Fabric, Cotton, Wood
Small Sailor Whirligig, circa 1930-1940
Located in Nantucket, MA
Figural standing sailor whirligig, carved from Pine wearing a white hat with metal brim,
a blue sailor’s middy with scarf, striped red and white unde...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Pine
$6,800 Sale Price
20% Off
Beaded Ndebele Ceremonial Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king...
Category
Mid-20th Century South African Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Fabric, Cotton, Wood
Tatyana Nazarenko Life-Sized Painted Wooden Props of a Russian Family
By Tatyana Nazarenko
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Russian artist signed, titled and dated on back, 1996. Painted on 5//8"plywood. Each has a pair of slotted wedges for standing.
Dimensions:Woman and child: 63.25" high by 27" wide
S...
Category
1990s Russian Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Plywood, Paint
Outsider Art Fluorescent Papier-Mâché Bust Sculpture by Stephen Slomko
By Stephen Slomko
Located in Brooklyn, NY
For your consideration is this rare, one-of-a-kind bust by self-taught American outsider artist, Stephen Slomko (1929-2013). Slomko lived and worked in Farmingdale, New Jersey and up...
Category
1990s American Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Polystyrene, Paper, Paint
Mid-Century Quebec Folk Art Carved
Polychrome Pahined Robed Clergyman
Child
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This hand-carved wooden sculpture is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from Quebic Canada and date to approximately 1950 and done in the period Folk Art style. The sculpture ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Canadian Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Pine
Found and Salvaged Industrial Objects, Metal Sculpture on Base
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Known for his steel furniture, Jim Rose was an avid collector and scoured salvage yards for unique, interesting items. Here he has paired various repurposed finds together to create...
Category
2010s American Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Steel, Metal
Beaded Ndebele Fertility Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king). As beads become gradually more accessible throughout the 19th century, they began to displace the organic materials used in traditional art and attire.
This colorful example of African beadwork is a fertility doll...
Category
20th Century South African Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Cotton, Wood
Vintage ANRI Folk Art Hand Carved
Painted Sculpture "The Lumberjack" by Duquet
By ANRI
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This vintage folk art hand carved and polychrome painted sculpture is signed with the maker's label of the ANRI group of cavers from Italy and done in circa 1960. This carving was bought from a private estate with another one of one entitled "Old Habitant", which has the identical script on the front and back, but posted separately. These carvings were done by the master carvers of the ANRI factory who worked from a model, usually unique to them, but this one shows it is an example of a work done by the Master Quebec wood...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Softwood
Scottish Brass and Nickel Silver Horse Hobble, Bide A Blink, Circa 1830
Located in Charleston, SC
Scottish brass and nickel silver horse hobble with an eagle heads horse shoe handle and resting on the faithful servant creature Bide a Blink. Signature...
Category
1830s Scottish Antique Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Brass, Iron, Nickel
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 Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Steel
Antique Folk Art Carved Gesso over Wood and Hand Painted Native Man Statue
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Presumed to date from the late 19th century, this life-sized Folk Art carved and hand painted study depicts a Native man dressed in traditional attire and holding a staff. The artist is unknown and this sculpture is unsigned and done in a very realistic style. The carving, likely done in Cyprus wood...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Softwood, Paint
$5,995 Sale Price
73% Off
Unusual Hand Carved Clown Motif Umbrella, Paragon, S. Fox
Co
By S. Fox
Co.
Located in Buffalo, NY
Unusual Hand Carved Clown Motif Umbrella, Paragon, S. Fox & Co
Category
1920s English Vintage Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Savage or folk story figure in bronze.
Located in
S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
A savage or folk-art figure in bronze on a (recent) bluestone base.
The figure with his long pointed beard is wearing a cape with hood.
In front is a cross. In his hands he holds a ...
Category
Late 18th Century Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Bronze
Vintage ANRI Folk Art Hand Carved and Painted Sculpture "Old Habitant" by Duquet
By ANRI
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This vintage Folk Art hand carved and polychrome painted sculpture is missing the paper label from its base, but being attributed to the ANRI group of carvers from Italy and done in circa 1960. This carving was bought from a private estate with another one of a Lumberjack, which has the identical script on the front and back and does have the ANRI label. These carvings were done by the master carvers of the ANRI factory who worked from a model, usually unique to them, but this one shows it is an example of a work done by the Master Quebec wood...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Softwood
Oskar Raoul Papier Mache Chaplin Little Tramp Sculpture Signed by Artist 1970
Located in Monrovia, CA
OSKAR RAOUL Papier Mache / Paper Mache Sculpture Of A Clown Or Tramp Resembles The Likeness Of Charlie Chaplin, The Little Tramp.
OSKAR RAOUL Is A Well Known Mexican Papier Mache Clown...
Category
Late 20th Century Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Paper
19th Century Indian Carved Wood Object
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
A beautiful Indian wood carving depicting a rider on horseback and a kneeling elephant. Probably second half of the 19th century.
Highly decorative object with wonderful original pa...
Category
19th Century Asian Antique Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
"The Reader" – Scrap Metal Art Sculpture
Located in North Palm Beach, FL
Crafted from reclaimed industrial components, "The Reader" is a whimsical and expressive folk art sculpture attributed to artist John Duffy, celebrated for his imaginative figures ma...
Category
1960s American Vintage Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Iron
18/19th Century Bodhisattva
Located in SE
Bodhisattva, a religious sculpture, probably made in India 1750-1850.
The sculpture has been painted and gilded, but with very little remains.
Bodhisattva, in Buddhism, is one who s...
Category
Late 18th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Folk Art "Standing Man" Carved Tree Branch Sculpture After Giocometti
By Giocometti
Located in Buffalo, NY
Charming little tree branch Folk Art sculpture hand-carved in the manner of Giocometti.
Category
1930s Unknown Vintage Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Vintage Boho Hand Carved Boot
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Discover a truly unique piece of signed folk art with this captivating vintage hand-carved wooden boot, skillfully crafted and dated 1980 by the artisan "Dawson French." Expertly scu...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Venus Pumice Stone Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pumice stone sculpture of a seated woman's figure, 'Venus'
Dimensions
6" width x 5.5" depth x 8.5" height.
Condition
Good vintage condition.
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Stone
Greenlandica, wooden sculpture of a hunter in profile. Hand-carved. Mid-20th C.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Greenlandica, wooden sculpture of a hunter in profile.
Hand-carved.
Mid-20th century.
In very good condition.
Dimensions: H 12.5 cm x D 8.0 cm x W 7.0 cm.
Category
Mid-20th Century Greenlandic Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Vintage Modernist Sculpture of Oriental Figure, Circa 1960
s, Signed "L.SHORE"
Located in Beirut, LB
This compelling vintage modernist sculpture, circa 1960's, is a beautiful and expressive work of art. The piece portrays a stylized figure of an Oriental man seated in a contemplativ...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Rare 20th Century Wood Carving of standing Child with a Book Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare Vintage wood carving of Standing child with holding a book. Sculpture, Hand carved and Handcrafted with Hand Painted Natural Patina, the Sculpture is in good condition
Category
1920s Unknown Vintage Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Paint, Hardwood
$2,560 Sale Price
20% Off
Large Ceramic Sculpture, Albert Thiry, Vallauris c. 1990
By Albert Thiry
Located in St Ouen, FR
Very large female figure executed in grogged clay and decorated with slips.
Albert Thiry and his wife Pyot founded their workshop in Vallauris in 1961.
Their creation is distinguish...
Category
1990s French Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Mexican Burnished Clay Mother and Child Oaxacan Sculpture Mixtec Ceramic
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
Maricela Gómez López, a hardworking mother and artist portrays her life through her work. Living and growing up in Santo Domingo Yanhuitlán, a small town in central Mexico, the role ...
Category
2010s Mexican Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
One-of -a-Kind Rooster Sculpture - France, Circa 1960s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Impressive and characterful unique cockerel sculpture made of very heavy iron pieces.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Beaded Ndebele Ceremonial Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king). As beads become gradually more accessible throughout the 19th century, they began to displace the organic materials used in traditional art and attire.
This colorful example of African beadwork is a ceremonial doll...
Category
Mid-20th Century South African Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Cotton, Wood, Twine
Alphaious Campbell Wood Carved Profile of a Man
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Alphaious Campbell carved wood wall hanging, c.1987. The painted folk art piece showcases various profiles of a bearded man.
Dimensions
9" width x 32.5" height
Condition
Excellent...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Len Norman, American 20th Century the Prestidigitator Whirligig
Located in Buchanan, MI
Len Norman, American 20th century) the prestidigitator. Assembled and painted whirligig depicting a magician and body sawing act
Measures: 23" x 27" x 12".
Category
20th Century Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Folk Art figurative sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique folk art figurative 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 figurative sculptures 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 figurative 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 figurative sculptures, popular names associated with this style include Jim Rose, Royal Doulton, Benin People, and Staffordshire. 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 figurative sculptures differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $60 and tops out at $16,400 while the average work can sell for $1,000.
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