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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
Found and Salvaged Steel Structure on a Steel Wooden Circular Base
Located in Chicago, IL
Jim Rose, known primarily for his steel furniture, was an avid collector and scoured salvage yards for unique and interesting items. Here, a collection of spare parts come together ...
Category

2010s American Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Steel

Hand Carved Gilded Torso Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Large scale hand carved and gilded torso sculpture made from a tree branch,
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Large Modernist Abstract Kinetic Metal Hanging Sculpture
Located in Buffalo, NY
Large 60" x 60" Modernist Abstract kinetic metal hanging sculpture. Attributed to Yaacov Agam. Eight metal squares graduating in size. Sculpture has been outside for 40-50 years show...
Category

1970s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Metal

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 Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

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 Sculptures

Materials

Pottery

Mounted Submarine Toilet Humor Sculpture
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
There’s trench art, and then there’s toilet humor - this is a little bit of both! Creative & fun sculpture composed of a copper toilet float, mounted on ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Copper

Emile Deyrolle 19th Century Plaster, Wire and Wood Didactic Germination Models
Located in Buffalo, NY
LES FILS D'EMILE DEYROLLE, PARIS. Extremely rare set of four 19th century French painted plaster, wire and wood Didactic models depicting progression, ANATOMIE VEGETALE, beautifully ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wire

Greenlandica, tupilak in soapstone. Greenland mid-20th century.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Greenlandica, Tupilak. Traditional, magic Greenlandic figurine carved in soapstone. Greenland mid-20th century. In good condition, with damage to the base (see photo). Dimensions: H...
Category

Mid-20th Century Greenlandic Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Soapstone

Folk Art Primitive Whirligig
Located in London, GB
Folk Art Primitive whirligig, circa 19th century (Working moving item) This lot is a very rare and unique handmade functioning 19th century Folk Art whirligig. The item in unique and very rare to market, it’s completely handmade, with cast iron cogs, hand carved wooden figures and the item works smoothly when the main cog is turned to animated the item. Once the main cog is turned the hand carved figure of the man moves forward to turn the main central function of the whirligig. The item still has all its original primitive handmade art features including, a moving saw, moving wooden pump, cogs, pulleys, central rope wheel, main 2 hand carved figures (one is missing its head). In conclusion this is an original very rare to market functioning 19th century Folk Art primitive whirligig, It’s simply a piece of art and highly desirable. We have never seen a complete item...
Category

1870s European Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Metal

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 Sculptures

Materials

Wood

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 Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Large Figurative African Mangbetu Anthropomorphic Ceramic Vessel or Jar
Located in Studio City, CA
This is a wonderful piece likely made by the Mangetu tribe of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is finely detailed and quite large and hefty. These pieces were originally made...
Category

20th Century Congolese Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Antique 1930s Judge Theatre Papier Mâché Head from Paris
Located in London, GB
Antique 1930s judge theatre papier mâché head from Paris This lot is a rare original 1930s papier mâché French theatre heads. This item was obtain...
Category

1930s French Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Paper

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 Sculptures

Materials

Wood

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 Sculptures

Materials

Polystyrene, Paper, Paint

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 Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Paa Joe Cigarette Box Sculpture Maquette 2022- Hand carved wood and oil paint
Located in London, GB
This Cigarette Box Sculpture Maquette by renowned Ghanaian artist Paa Joe is a striking example of his masterful craftsmanship and symbolic design. Created in 2022, the work is metic...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ghanaian Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wood, Paint

Outsider Art Wood Sculpture with Geometric Appliques
Located in Chicago, IL
Detailed and eye catching outsider art "found" wood sculpture. Constructed from floor moldings and cut paper geometric appliques. Unsigned.
Category

1970s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Danish 19th Century Brass Surveying or Level Tool on Tripod
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Surveyors tripod level tool from the late 19th century. The tripod is made of wood and the level is brass. The wood tripod is 39.75in high.
Category

Mid-19th Century Danish Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Brass

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 Sculptures

Materials

Paint, Paper

Hand-Carved Ironwood Pheasant Sculpture – Vintage Southwestern Art
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This exquisite hand-carved ironwood pheasant sculpture showcases masterful craftsmanship with detailed feather etchings and a graceful pose. The rich, dark hues of the ironwood enhan...
Category

Mid-20th Century Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Large Carved Cigar Store Indian, Shop Trade Sign This is a very rare find, he i
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large Carved Cigar Store Indian, Shop Trade Sign This is a very rare find, he is a full size American Indian, he is carved from one piece of wood ( a tree trunk, possibly pine ) The...
Category

1910s Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Whimsical Surfer Sculpture by Mitch Berg
Located in San Diego, CA
A really cool and whimsical surfer sculpture by Mitch Berg, circa 2008. The piece is in good vintage condition and measures 10.5" W x 4.5" D x 15" H. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Pair of Life Size Antique Carved and Painted Swan Figures
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A large and impressive pair of hand carved Swans which may have at one time been decoys having fine form and presence. In newer white paint with black beaks and eyes. The unpainted interiors clearly showing the marks of hand-carving. Measures: Length 37", depth 12", height 22" Condition: Please see detail photos. The Pair with stable age cracks with one neck repaired, bubbled paint...
Category

19th Century Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wood

19th Century Hand Carved German Apothecary Shop Display Figure
Located in London, GB
19th century hand carved apothecary shop display figure. A rare hand carved 19th century apothecary shop display figure. Of German origin this figure would likely have sat either on...
Category

1880s German Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Oak

Mexican Burnished Clay Romance Torso Heart Couple Statue Contemporary Oaxaca
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
Lovers Torso, a contemporary rustic Mexican sculpture by Manuel David Reyes. This soft piece is one-of-a-kind, made with clay and natural pigments from ...
Category

2010s Mexican Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Clay

Hand-Crafted Vintage Hat Mold Form Made of Pine from Stockholm, Sweden
Located in Stockholm, SE
This beautifully aged, hand-carved vintage hat mold comes from the renowned hat-making company Hugo Landahl in Stockholm, Sweden. Rich in character and patina, it serves as a unique ...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Swedish Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Pine

Vintage Boho Carved Wood Female Sculpture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Embrace the free-spirited elegance of this vintage Boho Chic carved wood female sculpture. This captivating piece features a gracefully re...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art 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 Sculptures

Materials

Iron

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 Sculptures

Materials

Bone, Wood

Greenlandica, Ortôrak, large sculpture of a lying seal made of soapstone.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Greenlandica, Ortôrak, large sculpture of a lying seal made of soapstone. In good condition with signs of use. Signed and dated 82. Dimensions: Length 30.0 x Hight 10.0 cm x depth 10...
Category

1980s Greenlandic Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Soapstone

Carved Wood Folk Art Airplane, circa 1940s
Located in Santa Monica, CA
This carved wood Folk Art airplane has an amazing original paint surface and functional propeller and wheels.
Category

1940s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Sheet Metal

Early 20th Century American Double Sided Whirligig Figure
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century American double sided whirligig figure A brilliant example of early 20th century American Folk Art. In the form of a hand carved wooden double sided whirligig f...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Pine

Thomas Kloss Whimsical Bird Sculpture Carved Wood and Hand Painted Folk Art
Located in Hanover, MA
Thomas Kloss folk art bird sculpture painted wood on enameled steel legs and feet mounted on a square base. 27.5” high x 11” wide X 22.5” deep Base only 11x11x3 Lancaster, PA artist ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Cut Steel

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 Sculptures

Materials

Iron

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 Sculptures

Materials

Wood, Paint

American Carnival Wagon or Band Organ Carved Female Head
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Late 19th century American carnival wagon or band organ female head carving. Very detailed wood carving with great old white painted surface. Presented on a...
Category

19th Century American Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Jon Michael Route Original Bronze Titled Two Georgia Songbirds
Located in Oakwood, GA
Original By Artist Jon Michael Route Titled "Two Georgia Songbirds" Hot Patina and Laquer Finish Copper, Pewter, & Brass Signature on lower right Comes with easy to mount hardware. F...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Brass, Copper, Pewter

Vintage Folk Art Estremoz Clay World Heritage Figurine Portugal by Jose Moreira
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Wonderful and detailed figure by this famous World Heritage maker. Heavily patinated, with flaking to original painted surfaces. Not cleaned, presented in as found condition.
Category

1950s Portuguese Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Pottery

English Folk Art Newel Post Figure of a Wildman
Located in Greenwich, CT
Most unusual English early 19th Century folk art carving of a wild man, most likely a newel post figure, depicted with groomed European hair, beard a...
Category

19th Century British Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Oak

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 Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Pair of Inuit Children on a Sledge Made of Soapstone
Located in København, Copenhagen
A pair of Inuit children on a sledge made of soapstone. Approximately: 1970/1980s. In good condition, signs of use. Sticker. Dimensions: L 8.0 x D 4.0 x H 8.5 cm.
Category

1970s Canadian Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Soapstone

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 Sculptures

Materials

Hardwood

Achille D Orsi Sculpture Pescatorello, Early 1900s
By Achille D Orsi
Located in bari, IT
Bronze sculpture on black marble base depicting a young boy holding some pots. Engraved signature of the artist. Manufactured in Italy, early 20th century.
Category

Early 1900s Italian Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Larger Than Life Extravagant Folk Art Sculpture
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Outrageous larger than life piece of Folk Art painstakingly composed of found objects such as sea shells, beads, toys, vintage jewelry buttons, and bottle caps (to name a few). There...
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Shell

Greenlandica, collection of seven various bone tools
Located in København, Copenhagen
Greenlandica, a collection of various bone tools, comprising seven pieces in total. Originating from Greenland. Dating back to approximately the 1970s. The largest piece measures:...
Category

1970s Greenlandic Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Other

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 Sculptures

Materials

Wood

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 Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Heavy Terra Cotta Folk Art Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Heavy terra cotta Folk Art sculpture, made by a worker from the Modesto brick factory, with unused clay from the day.
Category

1960s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Piggy Bank for Charity
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 ...
Category

1910s Danish Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Contemporary indigenous art. Turuza Wauja. Sculptural Bench Kamalu Hai, 2021
Located in PARIS, FR
Turuza Wauja Sculptural Bench Kamalu Hai, 2021 Brazilian wood Magono natural pigment based on "jenipapo" and "urucum" and snail shell. Carved from solid Piranheira wood and adorned ...
Category

2010s Brazilian Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Hardwood, Paint

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 Sculptures

Materials

Hardwood

Primitive American Folk Art Painted Wood Horse Sculpture in Red and White
Located in Seattle, WA
A striking example of early American folk art, the hand carved wooden horse sculpture dates to the early 20th century and showcases the rustic charm and character of outsider crafts...
Category

1950s Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Australian Aboriginal Carved Ancestor Figure with Ochre Paint
Located in Atlanta, GA
Hand-carved wood ancestor figure with surface pictorial carving showing kangaroo hunting and decorated with black and red paint and white and yellow ocher pigment. The figure slightly leans forward as made. The piece was carved by aboriginal artist...
Category

Early 2000s Australian Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Folk Art Found Object Doll TOTEM by Bill Fink, Bergdorf Goodman
By Bill Fink
Located in New York, NY
Fantastic doll TOTEM sculpture composed of European doll parts, European and American vintage tin tea caddies, fire bell, and topped by a whimsical tin bird...
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Vintage Handmade Ceramic Figure of a Young French Girl Holding a Rose
Located in New Orleans, LA
This is a lovely and delicate hand made clay art girl figurine in a lavender print dress with a lace overlay that stands 7" tall and is Holding Flowers....
Category

1980s French Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Clay, Earthenware, Pottery, Textile, Polyester

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 Sculptures

Materials

Wood

"Day of the Dead" Three-Piece Sculpture of Kahlo Rivera by Demetrio Aguliar
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool and unique "Day of the Dead" three-piece Folk Art sculpture of Frida Kahlo & Diego Rivera signed by Mexican artist, Demetrio Garcia Agu...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Pottery, Paint

Early 20th Century French Folk Art Model
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century folk art model 'EST-CE UN PIETON OU UNE VOITURE?' (IS IT A PEDESTRIAN OR A CAR?) An Early 20th century French hand carved folk art model, depicting a police...
Category

Early 20th Century French Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

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 Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Bonbon Chouval "Jean"/Sculpture
Bonbon Chouval "Jean"/Sculpture
$1,756 Sale Price / item
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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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