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
Bonbon Chouval "Bleu Voodoo"/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
Pair of 19th Century Ceramic Parrot Money Banks, Bornholm Denmark
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Pair of 19th century ceramic parrot money banks, Bornholm Denmark.
Category
Late 19th Century Danish Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
19th Century Tobacconist’s Trade Sign
Located in Greenwich, CT
English carved and polychrome decorated wood tobacconist’s trade sign in the form of a “Turk” wearing a distinctive headdress and dressed in a long robe, this advertising figure rela...
Category
19th Century British Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Unusual Iron Welded Handmade Folk Art Locomotive, Train
Located in Buffalo, NY
Unusual iron welded handmade folk art locomotive, train, very well executed. Artist /maker unknown.
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Steel, Iron
Royal Doulton "The Gaffer" British Porcelain Figurine
Located in North Hollywood, 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 Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
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
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
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
Large Oversize Asian Round Decorative Figural Head with Chinese Calligraphy
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Large oversize round Asian decorative head in red and gold. This piece is perfect for a bookshelf, or as a statement piece for a side table. Painting i...
Category
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Plastic, Plaster
Large Carved Bust of African Man
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is an exceptionally well-carved portrait bust of an African man dating to the mid-20th century. The bust is carved from a single piece of mahogany; th...
Category
Early 20th Century African Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Mahogany
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 Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Australian Aboriginal Carved and Painted Spear from Melville Island
By Patrick Freddy Puruntatameri
Located in Atlanta, GA
Title: A ceremonial spear with clan design paint
Artist: Patrick Freddy Puruntatameri
DOB: 19/04/1973
Medium: Ocher paint on ironwood carving
DOC:...
Category
Early 2000s Australian Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Carved Stone Cockatoo Sculpture
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Carved stone cockatoo sculpture caught in the action of landing on an amethyst geode. Featuring a lofty combination of colors and textures with an unlikely life-like attention to det...
Category
20th Century Brazilian Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Crystal
Staffordshire Pearlware Piper with Dog Bocage Figure
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Staffordshire pottery pearlware bocage figure with a musical theme which features a boy playing a pipe. His dog by his side, stood on a shaped base. Decorated 'in the round' - decora...
Category
1820s English Antique Folk Art Sculptures
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
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
A Set of Black Americana Baseball Memorabilia Folk Art Figures, Circa 1930s-40s
Located in Atlanta, GA
This collection of three Black Americana baseball figures, circa 1930s-1940s, are attributed to the San Antonio folk artist, Control Valadez. The set of Black memorabilia, sometimes called Black Americana, includes a pitcher, catcher & batter, each having been set and raised onto a custom iron base. They are all quite chippy with losses, nice patina and showing of age, still retaining much of their original paint colors. Likely once outdoor ornaments, we would suggest, due to their delicate condition, that these pieces remain indoors. Though historically, much black memorabilia portrayed racist and offensive ideas, there was also art, such as this collection, which reflects a more positive connotation, commemorating athletic achievements within the black community. These nicely sized baseball sculptures...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Pop Surrealist Sculpture by Robert Brock, circa 1974
Located in Buffalo, NY
Pop surrealist sculpture by Robert Brock, cirac 1974. Laminate and cast plaster
Brock was born in Tacoma, Ohio and was a graduate of the University of Dayton, Dayton Art Institute...
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Laminate, Plaster, Wood
Early Leo Sewell Assembledge, Sculpture, Seated Male Figure
By Leo Sewell
Located in Buffalo, NY
Early Leo Sewell Assembledge. Sculpture, seated male figure, signed and dated, 1977. A charming array of whimsical found objects, Italian chair included.
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Metal
"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 Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Terracotta Sculpture Reclining Nude Figure in the Manner of Henry Moore
By Henry Moore
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Contemporary figural unglazed terracotta sculpture of an abstract reclining figure. An homage to sculptor Henry Moore. Made in 2019 by Oklahoma artist Emily Ladow Reynolds.
Dimen...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Clay, Terracotta
Antique Bronze of a Mythical Lion Beast
Located in North Hollywood, 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
Tall Zinc Bird on Globe with Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wonderful rendition of a bird sitting atop a globe and set on a wooden stand. Great detail and patina of this vintage decorative piece.
Category
1880s French Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Zinc
Greenlandica, figure of catcher carved in soap stone.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Greenlandica, figure of catcher carved in soap stone.
Signed "Ludvig Golsen" FR H. Frederikshåb.
Ca. 1950 / 60's.
Measures: 20 x 7 cm.
In good condition, wear.
Category
1950s Greenlandic Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Soapstone
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 "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 Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Large Bamana Marionette Figure of Charming Police Man, African Figure
Located in Buffalo, NY
Large Bamana marionette figure of a charming police man. African figure retains original paint, amazing patina, also retains original fabric wrap. (outfit).
Category
20th Century African Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Antique Cast Bronze of a Mythical Lion Beast
Located in North Hollywood, 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 Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Brass Sculpture of Tree with Bird's Nest by C. Jeré
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Dorchester, MA
This whimsical brass tree was handcrafted in the 1970s by the artisans at C. Jeré. It features a slender trunk with bark details, delicate articulated leaves, and a bird's nest that ...
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Vintage English Terra-Cotta Pot Man Sculpture for Home, Garden Cty Staffordshire
Located in Chicago, IL
Outstanding vintage English terra-cotta flower pot man. This guy is the perfect folk art host for most anywhere, here at the store we have him in the foyer welcoming guests...
Category
20th Century English Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
American Shellwork Standing Mirror in the Form of a Harp
Located in Downingtown, PA
American shellwork standing mirror in the form of a Harp,
circa 1885
The unusual 19th century American shellwork standing mirror is in the form of a harp....
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Shell
Bonbon Chouval 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 Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
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
American Midcentury Folk Art Benedict Tatti Squirrel Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
American midcentury Folk Art sculpture of a squirrel by Benedict Tatti. The piece is carved in wood and depicts a sitting squirrel holding on to a nut. In great vintage condition.
D...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
"Man with Cup" by Allan Winkler
Located in Chicago, IL
Although this whimsical sculpture by Allan Winkler has the look of outsider art, this ceramic work stems from the art school-trained artist’s interest in...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
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 Sculptures
Materials
Softwood, Paint
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 Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Gilt Ceremonial Thai Head dress
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Ceremonial Thai headdress usually worn for wedding or religious ceremonies.
Hand-crafted in Thailand.
Gilt Thai Ceremonial Headdress circa ...
Category
20th Century Thai Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Giltwood
31 Brazilian Silver Amulets
Located in New York, NY
These 31 Brazilian amulets, or balangada, were hammered from sheets of silver in the 19th century to form pomegranates, sugar apples, guava, and other...
Category
Mid-19th Century Brazilian Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Silver
Hand Carved & Polychrome Folk Art Santo Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand carved and painted santo with child, possibly John The Baptist. The vivid polychrome colors and primitive wood carving make for a striking...
Category
20th Century Mexican Folk Art Sculptures
Vintage Hand Painted Rocking Horse
Located in New York, NY
Vintage hand painted carved horse.
Category
1940s Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Bronze Statue of Toddler Climbing on Chair by Juan Clara ca. 1900
By Juan Clara
Located in Petaluma, CA
Juan Clara was a noted Spanish sculptor who specialized in small children having difficulty with chairs. That's pretty much all he did. This is very large piece for him and is a very...
Category
Early 20th Century Spanish Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Leather Horse Equine Animal Sculpture in the Folk Art Style
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful all leather horse equine animal sculpture, circa late-20th century. This hand-crafted piece is clad in a light brown leather with glass eyes. For size perspective, please...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Leather
Large Pair of Pearlware 'Prudence & Fortitude' Figures
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Pair of wood family Staffordshire pottery pearlware figures with a classical theme which feature Prudence, holding a snake in one hand, an aperture for a mirror in the other hand. Fo...
Category
Early 1800s English Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
19th Century Tramp Art Box with Chip-Carved Decoration, Date and Velvet Inside
Located in Atlanta, GA
A 19th century Tramp Art rectangular wooden box featuring elaborate chip-carved decoration. Each side of this box is adorned with hand-carved tiered frames of four-layered notches, characteristic of the traditional chip-carving technique of Tramp Art, a 19th century form Folk Art that transforms salvaged materials into furniture and art. The lid, attached to the base with hinges, is covered with a burgundy velvet pad bordered by a chip-carved trim centered around a carved lion head. The lid, which lifts by a ring pull, opens to reveal a velvety green storage...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Folk Art Wooden Fireman Sculpture, Early 20th Century
Located in Antwerp, BE
Stunning Folk Art wooden sculpture of a Fireman.
This pre-war statue of a marching fireman or firefighter dates circa 1920-1930.
This fire-eater wears yell...
Category
Early 20th Century European Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Set of 4 Vintage Handmade Art Glass Rooster Set, 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Set of 4 Available Here for $275
A beautiful handmade art glass rooster family sculpture set (4), circa 1970s. Four Roosters in set. Art glass color...
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Art Glass
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
Carved American Carnival Head, circa 1890s
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Finely featured carved man's head found in the southern United States. Most likely a late 19th century carnival head featured in a ball or ring toss game.
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Late 19th Century German Pug Dog, Heavy Terracotta with Brown Carmel Color Glaze
Located in San Francisco, CA
Late 19th century German pug dog. Heavy terracotta with brown carmel color glaze.
Seated, with the head turned, in active pose. Good confirmation and details of the face, ears, coil...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
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 Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Fantastic Diminutive 19thc Rare Eagle Full Body Weather Vane on Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This amazing small-scale rare 19th century eagle weather vane sits on top of the unusual arrow in a verdigris copper patina. The nose is in zinc and so is the tip of the arrow. This ...
Category
1880s American Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Copper
Folk Art Heavy Carved Log Bench Rhinoceros Sculpture
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Folk Art heavy carved log wood bench in form of sculpture.
Category
20th Century Unknown Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Teak
Pair of Black Forest Figural Carved Wall Hooks, 19th Century
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Black forest carved wood coat hooks, late 19th century with genuine chamois horns.
Measurements:
13 x 3.9 x 3.9 in / 32 x 10 x 10 cm
11.8 x 3.3 x 3 i...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Exceptional Exotic Carousel Zebra by Karl Muller
Located in Greenwich, CT
A late 19th century-early 20th century carousel zebra by eminent creater Karl Muller in carved, painted wood. Ex-coll. Muller/Thummel studio in Molbitz, Ge...
Category
1890s German Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
18th Century Carved Wooden Angel
Located in Houston, TX
Carved wooden angel from Private Chapel in Provence. Wonderful detail in Angel's hair and draped dress. Figure is mounted on an iron stand.
Category
18th Century French Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Iron
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
Moroccan Antique Brass Sugar Hammer
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Set of two Moroccan brass Berber tribal sugar hammer.
Moroccan Collectible Brass Berber Sugar Hammer,Brass Berber Tribal Sugar Hammer.
Authentic old Tuare...
Category
Early 20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Brass
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.