Folk Art 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
19th Century Iron Indian Weathervane with Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic and rare original painted surface iron Indian weather vane, worn painted surface. Great original Directional's in iron and attached. This Indian weather vane was found in t...
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Iron
$3,436 Sale Price
80% Off
Early 20th Century French Folk Art Sculpture of a Bear in Leather
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A hand-made folk art sculpture of a bear from the first part of the 20th Century. This papier mâché bear is wrapped in leather, presented in its authentic old patina. This art work r...
Category
Early 20th Century French Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Leather, Paper
Soapstone Hand-Carved Bust of Brahma with Four Faces
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
This bust is a beautiful representation of lord Brahma.
Brahma is a part of the holy trinity of Hinduism along with Vishnu the Preserver and Shiva the destroyer.
He is depicted in Hi...
Category
20th Century Thai Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Soapstone
20th Century Terracotta Bust of an old Gentleman, Germany 1936
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This is an impressive bust formed with terracotta of an old man. This beautiful sculpture is hand formed, 20th century. Signed by Artist and dated 1936. It makes a nice addition to a...
Category
Late 20th Century German Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
American Gilt Carved Wood and Poly Chromed Roman Guard Figurehead, Circa 1890
Located in Charleston, SC
American gilt carved wood and poly chromed nautical figurehead of Roman guard in military attire. Late 19th century.
Category
1890s American Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Giltwood, Paint
19th C Bronze German Sheppard Doorstop
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th C bronze German sheppard doorstop. Great condition.
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
$760 Sale Price
20% Off
Carved Stone Female by Michael Chiwandire (1971), Zimbabwe
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This heavy weight polished stone sculpture done by renowned sculptor Michael Chiwandire shows a woman woman figure curled up. Her hair has a striking and raw appearance. The artist's...
Category
20th Century Zimbabwean Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Stone
Folk Art Hand-Made Iron Rooster
Located in Chicago, IL
A mischievous 20th century American folk art rooster sculpture with a wonderful disposition, and beautiful rusted finish. Perfect indoors or out!
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Iron
American Folk Art Carved Sleeping Cat Sculpture
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage Folk Art sleeping cat figurine was hand-carved from a solid piece of rare Amaranth (or Paduk) wood. Beautiful wood grain is accentuated by the wax finish. The cat has elonga...
Category
Mid-20th Century Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Padouk
Large Early 20th Century Belgian Oak Folk Art Eagle Sculpture
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Early 20th century Belgian oak Folk Art eagle sculpture.
Category
1920s Belgian Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Oak
German Carved Wooden Figure of Shepherdess with a Sheep
Located in Barntrup, DE
Beautiful hand carved wooden figurine of an adorable girl - shepherdess with a sheep.
Dimensions: Height 35.5 cm / in, width 13 cm / in, ...
Category
1930s German Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Pair Handmade Painted Acrobatic Papier Mache Clowns Mexico Attr Jeanne Valentine
By Jeanne Valentine
Located in Topeka, KS
Fabulous handmade & hand painted vintage acrobatic Papier Mache clowns from Mexico attributed to Jeanne Valentine a pair. Beautiful condition, keeping...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Paste, Paint, Paper
Late 19th Century Sheet Iron and Metal Trotting Horse Weathervane
Located in Incline Village, NV
Late 19th century sheet iron and metal "Trotting Horse" weathervane. It has a nice weathered color and patina and is very authentic with six "healthy" bullet holes to boot.
I basica...
Category
1890s Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Sheet Metal
Copper Kinetic Sculpture
Burning Bush
by Joppa, Hand-Crafted Art
Located in Round Top, TX
Joppa is a contemporary folk artist whose creative work includes the use of piano components and finishes learned from the restoration of pianos, his "day job".
Joppa has shown his ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Copper, Lead
Vintage Folk Art Set of 3 Carved Sitting Cat Sculptures
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage set of Folk Art sitting cat figurines was hand-carved from solid pieces of wood. The cats have elongated, minimal features, accentuated with hand-painted details on the face...
Category
20th Century Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Wood Carved Chinese Restaurant Entry Arch, circa 1940s
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Impressive and grand arch that graced the entry of a Chinese restaurant in the 1940s American Midwest. Impressively carved and double-sided solid wo...
Category
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Antique Sicilian Opera dei Pupi Theater Marionette, ca. 1930s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Sicilian Opera dei Pupi Theater Marionette, ca. 1930s
A large Sicilian theater (Opera dei Pupi) marionette, which is made of tin, wood and canvas ca. 1930s.
The Sicilian Pu...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Boston Terrier Heavy Cast Iron Doorstop
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sweet faced Boston Terrier cast iron doorstop. This doorstop is very heavy with great patina. The Boston Terrier hasa very soft look due to the wear.
Category
20th Century North American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Iron
$556 Sale Price
20% Off
Vintage Folk Art Hand-Carved Wooden Sculpture of a Thinking Man
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful vintage hand-carved wooden sculpture or statue of a thinking man
USA, Circa Mid-20th Century
Measures: 3.5"W x 3.5"D x 15.5"H.
Good original vintage condition.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Hand Carved 20th Century Wooden Girl with Doll and Cat Figure by ANRI, Italy
By ANRI
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful hand carved wooden Figure, found at an estate sale in Germany. We believe that this piece is from around 1980s, because it's dated at the base like seen in picture. A nice ...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Eight Curlews by Guy Taplin
Located in Basildon, GB
An original piece of English folk-art sculpture by the acclaimed British sculptor Guy Taplin (b. 1939). Eight individual wooden birds carved and painted, th...
Category
1990s British Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Driftwood
$16,367
19th Century French Carousel Ride, Carved Wood Sparrow with Metal Body
Located in New York, NY
19th C. painted wood French Carousel ride, with the "body" made of iron rods. The bird figure has only one wing, as originally the other side had a spoke which connected to the cente...
Category
19th Century French Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Organic Modern Natural Hand Carved Wood Folk Art Abstract Sculpture on Stand
Located in Studio City, CA
A rather engaging modern abstract folk art wood sculpture on a display stand. The piece is hand-carved from a single piece of lighter wood (no...
Category
20th Century Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Antique Himachal Pradesh Zoomorphic Wooden Squeezer, India 1900s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Antique Himachal Pradesh Zoomorphic Wooden Squeezer, India 1900s.
Amazing hand carved tribal wooden animal with piston. Originate from the Himalayan part of India where these Folk A...
Category
Mid-20th Century Indian Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
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 Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Sculptural Shell and Metal Bettle Figures (Pair)
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful pair of sculptural bettle figures. These figures are constructed of shell and carefully crafted metal details. Legs and whiskers in raw metal shine with vitality and ligh...
Category
1990s Singaporean Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Assembly Line Folk Art Whirligig
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Amazing eight man assembly line whirligig. Attributed to an auto worker in Detroit. Fantastic original dry paint surface. Crank turns and figures move pe...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Large Elephant Stone sculpture hand made and signed under the foot, Circa 1920
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a large stone sculpture of an elephant, made from a cast or stone / composite stone all hand painted and signed. We date this piece to the early 20th Century , Circa 1920.
T...
Category
Early 20th Century British Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Stone
Mid Century Wood / Painted Sculpture " Clock Tower " by Rita Wasserman
By Craft and Folk Art Museum
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A wooden sculpture in the style of folk art with found objects , wood industrial molds and clock parts titled " Clock Tower " . Painted in tones of ambers, blacks and browns by femal...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Paint
African Wood Sculpture
By Craft and Folk Art Museum
Located in San Francisco, CA
Very kool piece of African art. I am not exactly sure how old, but from bottom of base I would guess 1st quarter of 20th century. It is all wood and depicts wh...
Category
1920s North American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
$1,400
Asian Bronze Pair of Hanuman Kneeling Buddhist Figure Candleholders
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Part human-part monkey, Hanuman is a central character in the Hindu epic Ramayana.
He is generally depicted as a man with the face of a monkey and a long tail.
Often described as t...
Category
1950s Indian Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Swedish Antique Toy Rocking Horse, All Original, Origin: Sweden, circa 1870
Located in New York, NY
Swedish antique toy rocking horse, origin: Sweden, circa 1870 - 1900.
Beautiful, untouched, original condition including the paint, ...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Hand Carved 20th Century Wooden Musician Figure by ANRI, Italy
By ANRI
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful hand carved wooden Figure, found at an estate sale in Germany. We believe that this piece is from around 1990s, because it's dated at the base like seen in picture. A nice ...
Category
1990s Italian Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Rare Pair of Fireman
s Axe Parade Torches
Located in York County, PA
Rare pair of fireman’s axe parade torches, 1860-1880:
Pair of fireman’s axe parade torches with traditional wooden axe handles and the heads made o...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
$3,500 Sale Price
22% Off
Angel playin the violin
Located in MIJDRECHT, NL
Angele playing the violin.
Hand carved and hand painted.
Orginal violin stick missing.
There is a hole in the left hand, where a new stick can be inserted.
Category
Early 20th Century Dutch Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
$583 Sale Price
24% Off
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 Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Terracotta Articulated Doll Santos Figure
Located in Stamford, CT
Amusing Mexican terracotta doll figure with articulated limbs. Since it is solid terracotta it is likely this is a mold from which other dolls were made. As a folk art sculpture it i...
Category
Early 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
Jill Johnston Hand-Turned Maple Vessel
By Jill Johnston
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A beautiful hand-turned maple vessel signed on the base Jill Johnston N245 3-99 and maple. It has a ring of inlaid decoration.
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Maple
Gilded Wooden Buddha with Stone Inlays – Early 20th Century, Burma
Located in NICE, FR
Superb statue of a young standing Buddha of Burmese origin, hand-carved in teak wood, gilded with gold leaf, and adorned with fine inlays of colored stones.
His delicately sculpted ...
Category
Early 20th Century Burmese Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Multi-gemstone
Folk Art Hand Carved Wood Sculpture of Walking Man, Ecuador 1950s-1960s
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Primitive wooden hand-carved Folk Art sculpture depicts a walking man in wide, loosely draped clothes and a hat, carrying a bundle in his hands. Highly detailed carving emphasizes th...
Category
Mid-20th Century Ecuadorean Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Olive
Antique Adjustable Dressmaker Curvy Mannequin , Austria, 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A great looking originally used by Austrian tailors and dressmakers for draping, alterations, and creating the latest fashion, this vintage dressmaker mannequin...
Category
1890s Austrian Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Vintage Wooden Harlequin Jester Figure
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Striking vintage wood sculpture of a stoic harlequin, clad in a diamond-patterned silver and ochre bodysuit with a matching pointed cap. The angular form and muted expression give it...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Paint
Hand Carved Folk Art Wooden Duck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Folk Art hand carved wooden duck - a wonderful piece! One of our favorite pieces, the life size shape and graceful angle of the neck give the p...
Category
20th Century Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Mexican Terracotta Articulated Doll Figure Wearing a Military Hat
Located in Stamford, CT
Funky and very cool Mexican terracotta doll figure with articulated limbs. Since it is solid terracotta it is likely this is a mold from which other dolls were made. As a folk art sculpture it is absolutely charming.
The military hat...
Category
Early 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
American Folk Art Carved and Painted Wooden Cat Sculpture, Flower Power
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage whimsical and playful American Folk Art hand carved wood sculpture depicts a stretching cat with a lifted expressive face. The cat has a beautiful flower power style hand-pa...
Category
20th Century Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Barbed Wire Collection / Display Mounted on a Texas Shaped Plaque
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Barbed Wire Collection / Display Mounted on a Texas Shaped Plaque.
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Steel
$156 Sale Price
20% Off
Hand Carved and Hand Painted Wooden Sculpture of a Hunter with Dog
Located in Barntrup, DE
A masterfully carved and hand painted wooden sculpture of a hunter with his dog and gun. This adorable sculpture, beautifully crafted in detail, will decorate any room or make a grea...
Category
1970s German Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Monumental Antique Architectural Wood Carving Perched Eagle Bird
Located in Forney, TX
I think it's safe to say you have never seen a bird this big before!
A rare, nearly 8ft tall, one-of-a-kind antique architectural hand carved wood sculptural element, in the form ...
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Fantastic Original Painted and Carved 19th Century Indian Plaque
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This wonderful original old surface plaque has a great old patina and a hand-carved and painted Indian chief. The Indian is in full original clothes with the feathers in his head. Wi...
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Pine
$1,760 Sale Price
20% Off
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Rooster Weathervane
Located in Chicago, IL
A charming early 20th American Folk Art carved pine rooster weathervane with a wonderful silhouette with a large tail, applied wings, and copper legs all supported by an iron rod wit...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Pine
Vintage Leather Parrot by Federico Mexico
Located in Miami, FL
Leather parrot from Mexico. Sitting on a brass perch.
Marked Federico Made in Mexico.
A-600-335
Category
1970s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Mexican Hand Painted Colorful Tonala Pottery Ducks Set of Three
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Mexican Tonala hand painted pottery birds Folk Art with brass decoration in the style of Sergio Bustamante.
Vintage Mexican ceramic and brass hand painted Tonala pottery duc...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Jim Rose - Construct No. 02, Salvaged Steel and Aluminum Industrial Objects
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Jim Rose, known primarily for his steel furniture, was an avid collector and scoured salvage yards for unique, interesting items. Here he has welded together various washers and cyl...
Category
2010s American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Steel
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 Sculptures
Pair of Tonala Mexico Modernist Horse Figurines, Planters or Ashtrays
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
A pair of modernist horse figurines were hand made in Tonala, Mexico, in modernist style with short legs, long bodies, and expressive heads, and are hand painted in typical Tonala s...
Category
20th Century Mexican Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Pottery
Folk Art Yew Burr Sculpture Carved Human Form Life Size
Located in Cheltenham, GB
Exceptional folk art sculpture depicting a human head and body dressed in a waving organic form cloak with a bone eyepiece.
Exceptional patina with strong carved flowing lines produ...
Category
19th Century British Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Yew
Cast Iron Green Painted Rooster Sculpture Door Stop
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Very sturdy cast iron sculpture of a rooster. Could be used on a console or kitchen counter as a decorative centerpiece display or functional as a door stop.
Category
Early 20th Century European Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Early 20th Century Indonesian Carved Wooden Seated Gentleman
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting a glorious early 20th century Indonesian carved wooden seated gentleman.
This is Beautiful bit of ‘treen’ carved most likel...
Category
Early 20th Century Indonesian Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Hardwood
Antique Signed American Folk Art Sewer Tile or Redware Pottery Lion Figurine
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique signed Folk Art lion figurine.
In the form of a recumbent lion.
Signed to the underside. The signature appears to read: 'J Silverthorn'
Made out of a reddish-brown redware or stoneware sewer tile...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Pottery
Late 19th Century Fiske Foundry Cast Iron Dog
Located in Santa Monica, CA
J.W. Fiske foundry attributed cast iron Whippet dog. Incredible white paint surface with many different layers of white paint.
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Folk Art sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique folk art 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 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 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 sculptures, popular names associated with this style include Jim Rose, Tonala Pottery, Victor Anicet, and Royal Doulton. 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 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 $225,000 while the average work can sell for $1,404.
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