African Colonial Statue
Antique Late 19th Century Congolese Tribal Art
Hardwood
Vintage 1920s Cameroonian Figurative Sculptures
Leather, Wood
People Also Browsed
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Folk Art Painted Furniture
Wood, Paint
21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Abstract Sculptures
Aluminum, Gold Leaf
Mid-20th Century Abstract Abstract Sculptures
Bronze
Early 20th Century Ivorian Tribal Figurative Sculptures
Wood
Early 20th Century Art Deco Decoys
Wood
1990s Neo-Expressionist Figurative Prints
Lithograph
Mid-20th Century Tribal Sculptures
Wood
Early 20th Century Congolese Tribal Tribal Art
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Animal Sculptures
Antler
21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Abstract Sculptures
Gold Leaf, Aluminum
Antique Late 19th Century British Animal Sculptures
Metal, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Abstract Sculptures
Gold Leaf, Aluminum
Antique 1620s Congolese Tribal Tribal Art
Animal Skin, Organic Material, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Abstract Sculptures
Gold Leaf, Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Abstract Sculptures
Aluminum, Gold Leaf
Antique Late 19th Century British Figurative Sculptures
Silver
Recent Sales
20th Century Kenyan British Colonial Decoys
Wood, Paint
Late 20th Century Colonial Revival Figurative Sculptures
Bronze
Antique 19th Century Sculptures
Bronze
Vintage 1920s Cameroonian Figurative Sculptures
Copper
20th Century Ghanaian Tribal Art
Wood, Paint
Vintage 1970s Austrian American Colonial Figurative Sculptures
Plaster
Vintage 1920s French British Colonial Figurative Sculptures
Plaster
Finding the Right sculptures for You
Styling your home with vintage, new and antique sculptures means adding a touch that can meaningfully transform the space. By introducing a sculptural work as a decorative finish to any interior, you’re making a statement, whether you tend toward the dramatic or prefer to keep things casual with modest, understated art.
A single, one-of-a-kind three-dimensional figurative sculpture mounted on your dining room wall is a guaranteed conversation piece, while a trio of abstract works arranged on your living room bookshelves can add spontaneity to the collection of first-edition novels or artist monographs you’re displaying as well as draw attention to them. Figurative sculptures are representational works that portray a specific person, animal or object. And while decorating with busts, which are sculpted or cast figurative works, hasn’t exactly topped the list of design trends every year, busts are back. According to designer Timothy Corrigan, “They give humanity in a way that a more abstract sculpture can’t give.” Abstract sculptures, on the other hand, are not meant to show something specific. Instead, they invoke a mood or scene without directly stating what they are portraying.
Busts made of stone or metal may not seem like a good fit for your existing decor. Fortunately, there are many ways for a seemingly incongruous piece to fit in with the rest of your room’s theme. You can embrace a dramatic piece by making it the focal point of the room, or you can choose to incorporate several elements made out of the same material to create harmony in your space. If an antique or more dramatic piece doesn’t feel like you, why not opt for works comprising plastic, fiberglass or other more modern materials?
When incorporating sculpture into the design of your home — be it the playful work of auction hero and multimedia visionary KAWS, contemporary fiber art from Connecticut dealer browngrotta arts or still-life sculpture on a budget — consider proper lighting, which can bring out the distinctive aspects of your piece that deserve attention. And make sure you know how the size and form of the sculpture will affect your space in whole. If you choose a sculpture with dramatic design elements, such as sharp angles or bright colors, for example, try to better integrate this new addition by echoing those elements in the rest of your room’s design.
Get started on decorating with sculpture now — find figurative sculptures, animal sculptures and more on 1stDibs today.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The purpose of West African statues varies from culture to culture. Often, African artisans produce statues to use in religious rituals. They may serve as offerings to gods or perform other functions during ceremonies. Shop a variety of West African statues on 1stDibs.
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