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Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

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
"Saint George slaying the dragon" by Raymond Vaillant
By Raymond Vaillant
Located in Paris, FR
This sculpture by Breton sculpter Raymond Vaillant depicts the famed Saint George slaying the dragon, thereby demolishing an evil force that survived on human sacrifices. Here, we se...
Category

1940s French Vintage Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Granite

Jim Rose Barn House Structure, Welded Steel Sculpture Made with Salvaged Steel
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 Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Steel

Modernist Welded Rebar / Steel And Animal Bone Abstract Sculpture
Located in Buffalo, NY
Modernist Welded Rebar / Steel And Animal Bone Abstract Sculpture .. Amazing use of space, Well executed,, balanced.. Artist unknown.Purchased from estate filled with high end art an...
Category

1970s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Steel

Jim Rose - Construct No. 02, Salvaged Steel and Aluminum Industrial Objects
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 and Carvings

Materials

Metal, Steel

Jim Rose Barn House Structure, Welded Steel Object Made with Salvaged Steel
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 house models or bird houses. This sculpture works alone on a shelf or table or can be grouped with other house sculptures by the artist. Each house sculpture is unique in design and color. Jim Rose Structure #168 found steel with natural rust patina and paint 6h x 4.50w x 2.50d in 15.24h x 11.43w x 6.35d cm Jim Rose b. 1966 Bio Born in Indiana, Jim Rose lived in Europe until he returned to the United States to attend college. After one year at Bard College, Jim transferred to the School of the Art Institute in Chicago (SAIC) where he graduated in 1988 with a BFA. His skillful interpretation of the Shaker design is a result of intense research and field study of Shaker furniture, architecture, culture and history. After over two decades of dedicated work, he has mastered the minimalism of the Shaker technique and created his own unique visual vernacular. The quilts of Gee's Bend have become a monumental influence taking this artist's work to new levels of unique interpretation and artistry. His selection of aged steel results in a patina directly related to that of aged wood while his colored strips beautifully mimic worn cloth. Each piece of furniture is masterfully made and intended for daily use. Jim Rose’s steel furniture is featured every year at SOFA Chicago for the past 25 years. Jim Rose b. 1966, Wisconsin Education 1989 B.F.A., Sculpture, The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, IL 1988 Student at Large, Welding Technology, Triton College, Chicago, IL 1985 Undergraduate Photography Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, New York Awards 2008 Wisconsin Arts Board Fellowship Award, Madison, WI 2005 Elizabeth R. Raphael Founder’s Prize, Society for Contemporary Craft, Pittsburgh, PA 2003 Grant Recipient for Shaker Interpretations in Cast Iron, PA Arts Assoc / WI Arts Board 2003 Arts/Industry Residency Program for Visual Artists, John Michael Kohler Arts Center, Sheboygan, Wisconsin Solo Exhibitions 2017 New Work, Tory Folliard Gallery, Milwaukee, WI 2012 Simply Steel, Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, Wausau, WI 2007 Variation, Ann Nathan Gallery, Chicago, IL 2003 New Work, Ann Nathan Gallery, Chicago, IL 2001 Shaker in Steel / New Work, Ann Nathan Gallery, Chicago, IL 2000 Shaker in Steel / New Work, Ann Nathan Gallery, Chicago, IL 1999 Hands and Heart to Steel III, Ann Nathan Gallery, Chicago, IL National Exhibitions 2017-2018 SOFA Chicago – Gallery Victor Armendariz 2016 - 1995 SOFA Chicago, New York, Palm Beach - Ann Nathan Gallery 2011 - 2002 Art Chicago - Ann Nathan Gallery Group Exhibitions 2017 Coming Attractions: Inaugural Exhibition, Gallery Victor Armendariz, Chicago, IL 2017 Living with Art: The Newman Collection, 108 Contemporary, Tulsa, Oklahoma 2016 Form Follows Function: The Intersection of Art and Craft, The Hardy Gallery...
Category

2010s American Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Steel

Mexican Burnished Clay Hand Oaxaca Sculpture Mixtec Ceramic with Red Face
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
This Mexican red ceramic clay hand sculpture is a piece by artist Manuel Reyes. Made with clay from Oaxaca and Zacatecas, painted with oxides from the reg...
Category

2010s Mexican Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Ceramic, Clay

Found and Salvaged Steel House Structure, Modern and Minimalist Sculpture
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 found steel is reworked, pr...
Category

2010s American Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Metal, Steel

Monumental and Unusual Folk Art Stage Coach Figure and Horses, 1927
Located in Buffalo, NY
Monumental and unusual Folk Art stage coach figure and horses, 1927. All hand executed, amazing detail, working lamps, velvet interior on coach.
Category

1920s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Leather, Velvet, Plaster

Found and Salvaged Steel House Structure on a Reclaimed Steel Plate, Wooden 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 found steel is reworked and...
Category

2010s American Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Metal, Steel

Antique Erik Molin Swiss Carved Birch Old Man Nutcracker Figurine w Fish Tail 8"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Erik Molin (Swedish 1855-1933) hand carved birch nut cracker (Nötknäckare). Depicts an elderly man with moustache and monacle / eyepatch, wearing a double breasted coat and ...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Birch

Carved Wooden Milliners Head, Vintage Austria, circa 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Adorable unique wood carved head. Austria, 1920s or older. Ideal decoration item, used in the displaying and making of hats. Hand carved from wood. Nice display piece in any room. Fo...
Category

1920s Austrian Vintage Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

C1940 Hand Crafted Wooden French Folk Art Airplane with Moving Parts
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous hand crafted Art Deco styled airplane with the French colors on its tail. All there except for the tails wheel. Otherwise in excellent antique condition with minimal wear. ...
Category

1940s French Vintage Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Plastic, Hardwood, Paint

Found and Salvaged Steel House Structure on a Reclaimed Steel 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 and Carvings

Materials

Metal, Steel

A wood catchall mid-20th century French folk art
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A remarkable catchall, emblematic of mid-20th century French folk art, stands out for its ingenious use of half a fruit tree trunk, likely from a cherry tree. This particular trunk s...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Fruitwood

A wooden lantern mold France 1950
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
This wooden lantern mold, originating from a former paper lantern manufacturing facility, is a superb decorative piece, boasting a highly graphic design. It consists of seven detacha...
Category

1950s French Vintage Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Folk Art Sculpture of Shore Bird
Located in Houston, TX
The Folk Art Sculpture of the shore bird is a radiant manifestation of creativity and imagination, blending elements of nature with artistic expression. Crafted as a composite heron,...
Category

20th Century Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Composition, Metal

Found and Salvaged Steel House Structure on a Reclaimed Steel Plate, Wooden 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 found steel is reworked whi...
Category

2010s American Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Metal, Steel

Mid 20th Century African Folk-Art Carving of a Woman
Located in Cheltenham, GB
Beautiful African rustic folk carving of a woman, probably mid-century, hardwood, the nose has been rubbed many times for good luck!
Category

Mid-20th Century African Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Hand Carved Wooden Smoker Gnome Figure, Vintage German Black Forest Folk Art
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful hand carved wooden smoker figure, found at an estate sale in Nuremberg, Germany. We believe that this piece is from around 1930s or older. A nice addition to any room. Beau...
Category

1930s German Vintage Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Robert 'Mouseman' Thompson Folk Art Carved Oak Oval Cutting or Cheese Board
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This solid oak oval cutting board was made by the renowned English furniture maker Robert 'Mouseman' Thompson in his signature Arts & Crafts style. The cutting board has a raised han...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Oak

Mid-Century Era Inuit Soapstone Carving of a Standing Hunter
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This well executed sculpture is signed by an unknown artist and originated from Canada and dates to approximately 1960 and done in the Mid-Century Inuit style. The sculpture is compo...
Category

Mid-20th Century Canadian Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Soapstone

Pair of Large Japanese Ceramic Shi-Shi Dog Roof Tiles, Bizen Kiln, 20th Century
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Pair of Large Japanese Ceramic Shi-Shi Dogs roof tiles, Bizen kiln, 20th c. Bizen kiln is one of the oldest and well known kilns in Japan. This is a very unusual pose of Shi-Shi Do...
Category

20th Century Japanese Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Clay

17th century Jesus Christ Santos Sculpture
Located in Springfield, OR
For your consideration is this beautifully carved, painted and detailed Cristo depicting Jesus nailed on the cross. I had an expert take a look at it and he believes the Jesus figure...
Category

17th Century Spanish Antique Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Carved Wooden Milliners Head, Vintage Italy, circa 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Adorable unique wood carved head. Italy, 1930s or older. Ideal decoration item, used in the displaying and making of hats. Hand carved from wood. Nice display piece in any room. Foun...
Category

1930s German Vintage Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Carved Wooden Milliners Head, Vintage Italy, circa 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Adorable unique wood carved head. Italy, 1930s or older. Ideal decoration item, used in the displaying and making of hats. Hand carved from wood. Nice display piece in any room. Foun...
Category

1930s German Vintage Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Wooden statue of a warrior
Located in NANTES, FR
Tall statue depicting a warrior in wood with brass inlays. Great patina. Do not hesitate to ask me for a shipping quote.
Category

Mid-20th Century Gabonese Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Large Clay Bust of a Child by Philippe Seené, 2004 set on Bronze Life size s
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Large Clay Bust of a Child by Philippe Seené, 2004 set on Bronze Life size signed bust of a cherubic child, the bust is made in clay and is set into a bronze plinth, the signatur...
Category

Early 2000s Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Clay

Found and Salvaged Industrial Steel Object Sculpture Figure with Face
Located in Chicago, IL
Made from found industrial objects, this face takes on different looks at every angle. A wedge, sprockets, gears are adhered to a found painted steel plate to complete this "Flatlay Face" Jim Rose Flatlay Face No. 05, 2021 found industrial objects 4.50h x 10.75w x 10.75d in 11.43h x 27.30w x 27.30d cm JR0299 Jim Rose b. 1966, d. 2023 Bio Born in Indiana, Jim Rose lived in Europe until he returned to the United States to attend college. After one year at Bard College, Jim transferred to the School of the Art Institute in Chicago (SAIC) where he graduated in 1988 with a BFA. His skillful interpretation of the Shaker design is a result of intense research and field study of Shaker furniture, architecture, culture and history. After over two decades of dedicated work, he has mastered the minimalism of the Shaker technique and created his own unique visual vernacular. The quilts of Gee's Bend have become a monumental influence taking this artist's work to new levels of unique interpretation and artistry. His selection of aged steel results in a patina directly related to that of aged wood while his colored strips beautifully mimic worn cloth. Each piece of furniture is masterfully made and intended for daily use. Jim Rose’s steel furniture is featured every year at SOFA Chicago for the past 25 years. Jim Rose b. 1966, Wisconsin Education 1989 B.F.A., Sculpture, The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, IL 1988 Student at Large, Welding Technology, Triton College, Chicago, IL 1985 Undergraduate Photography Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, New York Awards 2008 Wisconsin Arts Board Fellowship Award, Madison, WI. 2005 Elizabeth R. Raphael Founder’s Prize, Society for Contemporary Craft, Pittsburgh, PA 2003 Grant Recipient for Shaker Interpretations in Cast Iron, PA Arts Assoc / WI Arts Board 2003 Arts/Industry Residency Program for Visual Artists, John Michael Kohler Arts Center, Sheboygan, Wisconsin Solo Exhibitions 2017 New Work, Tory Folliard Gallery, Milwaukee, WI 2012 Simply Steel, Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, Wausau, WI 2007 Variation, Ann Nathan Gallery, Chicago, IL 2003 New Work, Ann Nathan Gallery, Chicago, IL 2001 Shaker in Steel / New Work, Ann Nathan Gallery, Chicago, IL 2000 Shaker in Steel / New Work, Ann Nathan Gallery, Chicago, IL 1999 Hands and Heart to Steel III, Ann Nathan Gallery, Chicago, IL National Exhibitions 2017-2018 SOFA Chicago – Gallery Victor Armendariz 2016 - 1995 SOFA Chicago, New York, Palm Beach - Ann Nathan Gallery 2011 - 2002 Art Chicago - Ann Nathan Gallery Group Exhibitions 2017 Coming Attractions: Inaugural Exhibition, Gallery Victor Armendariz, Chicago, IL 2017 Living with Art: The Newman Collection, 108 Contemporary, Tulsa, Oklahoma 2016 Form Follows Function: The Intersection of Art and Craft, The Hardy Gallery, Ephraim, Wi 2015 NEO, Chipstone Foundation, Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee, WI 2015 ICFF, Furniture Society, Javits Convention Center, New York City, NY 2013 Vahki Revisited, The Enduring Spirit of a Craft Collection” Mesa Contemporary Arts, Mesa, AZ 2013 Fearless Furniture, Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, Indianapolis, IN 2013 Inaugural Exhibition, Museum Wisconsin of Art, West Bend, WI 2012 Sitting Pretty: Furniture from RAM’s Collection, Racine Art Museum, WI 2011 Hiding Places: Memory in the Arts, John Michael Kohler Arts Center, WI 2010 Living with Art, Strohl Art Center, Chautauqua Institution, NY 2009 Summer in Wisconsin, Tory Folliard Gallery, Milwaukee, WI 2009 High Honors, James Watrous Gallery, Madison, WI 2008 Second Lives: Remixing the Ordinary, Museum of Art and Design, NY 2007 Transformation 5: Contemporary Works in Found Materials, Art Association, Jackson, WY 2007 Transformation 5: Contemporary Works in Found Materials, Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, Houston, TX (traveling exhibition) 2006 Show us Your Drawers, Herron School of Art, Indianapolis, IN 2006 Marriage of the Minds, Fairfield Center for Contemporary Art, Sturgeon Bay, WI 2006 27th Annual Contemporary Crafts, Mesa Contemporary Arts, Mesa, AZ 2006 Containers of All Dimensions, Mesa Contemporary Arts, Mesa, AZ 2005 Transformation 5: Contemporary Works in Found Materials, Society for Contemporary Craft, Pittsburgh, PA 2004 Right at Home: American Studio Furniture, Renwick Gallery, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, D.C. 2004 American Collections, Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee, WI 2004 More Than Drawers-Wisconsin Cabinets, Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, Wausau, WI 2004 Objects of Wonder, John Michael Kohler Arts Center, Sheboygan, WI 2003 Planting, Potting and Pruning, Wustum Museum of Fine Art, Racine, WI 2003 Men at Work, Miller Art Museum, Sturgeon Bay, WI 2002 Case Pieces: Contemporary Studio Furniture, Elvehjem Museum of Art, Univ of WI-Madison 2002 Sitting Pretty: Contemporary Wisconsin Chairs, Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, Wausau, WI 2001 Anything with a Drawer - Award Recipient, Mesa Arts Center, Mesa, AZ 2001 23rd Annual Contemporary Crafts - Award Recipient, Mesa Arts Center, Mesa, AZ 2000 New Talent in Craft, Wustum Museum of Fine Art, Racine, Wisconsin 2000 Who Knows Where or When, Wustum Museum of Fine Art, Racine, Wisconsin 1999 The End is Near! Artists look at the 20th Century, Wustum Museum of Fine Art, Racine, WI Selected collections Renwick Gallery, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, D.C. Racine Art Museum, Racine, Wisconsin Mesa Contemporary Arts, Mesa, Arizona The Museum of Arts and Design, New York, New York John Michael Kohler Art Center, Sheboygan, Wisconsin Kohler Company, Kohler, Wisconsin Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Society for Contemporary Craft, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Arkansas Arts Center, Little Rock, Arkansas Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, Indianapolis, Indiana The Chipstone Foundation, Fox Point, Wisconsin Museum of Wisconsin Art, West Bend, Wisconsin Publications “Selected Artists of Door County” Stonehill Publishing, 2016 “Galvanized Chest” Door County Living Magazine, Autumn 2012 “100 Artists of the Midwest” Schiffer Books, 2012 “Piecework” American Craft Magazine, February 2012 “Hiding Places, Memory in the Arts” John Michael Kohler Arts Center, June 2011 “Second Lives, Remixing the Ordinary” Museum of Arts and Design, NY, August 2008 “Studio Furniture” Renwick Gallery, Smithsonian American Art Museum, DC, May 2008 “Discoveries by Designers” Architectural Digest, December 2005 “Contemporary Metal Furniture” Metalsmith Magazine, Winter 2003 “Studio Case Furniture: The Inside Story” American Craft Magazine, October 2002 “Contemporary Studio Case Furniture: The Inside Story” Elvehjem Museum of Art, 2002 “Chicago Style...
Category

2010s American Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Steel

WWII Trench Art Artillery Shell Bullet Coin Ashtray
Located in Forney, TX
A fascinating Word War II trench art sculptural ammo ashtray. Typically hand-crafted by a soldier from found objects during their down time at war, especially in the trenches of WW1...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Brass

Elena Basilevsky Painted Stone Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Elena Basilevsky (XX) painted stone sculpture of a musician, signed to side and mounted to ebonized base. Overall: 11" H x 7.75" W x 4.25" D.
Category

20th Century Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Stone

Large Figurative African Mangbetu Anthropomorphic Vessel / Jar
Located in Studio City, CA
This is a fantastic 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 and Carvings

Materials

Terracotta

Pair of Large Sculptured Greyhound Dogs
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Pair of Large Sculptured Greyhound Dogs This Super pair of Dogs has a good patina they appear to be made with an old polished steel finish They are in very good condition with a bea...
Category

1960s Vintage Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Clay

Antique Folk Art Rocking Horse Sculpture
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A vibrant Antique Folk Art Rocking Horse Sculpture in all original condition. The Horse has a nice Primitive form, beautiful outstretched stride, faceted eyes, iron stirrups, red vi...
Category

Early 20th Century Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Metal

19th Century Swedish Folk Art Kubbestol Carved Chair
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Hand-Carved Scandinavian Folk Art Kubbestol Chair, 19th Century A kubbestol is a traditional Scandinavian chair made from a log. Notice the intricate carving throughout including th...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Berlin Iron

Jim Rose - Construct No. 05, Salvaged Steel and Aluminum Industrial Objects
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 metal pieces to...
Category

2010s American Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Metal, Steel

Large Mid 1800s Zinc Automaton Elephant
Located in Peekskill, NY
175 years ago this was created as a fountain that worked on water and counter weights. The elephant can now be plugged in and runs on dry land using a motor, cables and gears. The he...
Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Metal

Traditional Hardwood Crocodile Carving, Nigeria, cira 1970s
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Decorative Folk Art hand-carved hardwood crocodile, with lots of details in the carving. Nigeria, circa 1970s.
Category

Mid-20th Century Nigerian Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Hardwood

19th Century American Burl Wood Horse Hoof Vessel
Located in Chicago, IL
This remarkable 19th-century American Folk Art vessel, expertly carved from a natural burl to resemble a horse's hoof, is a quintessential example of Folk Art's imaginative and uncon...
Category

19th Century American Antique Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Iron

18th Century Folk Art Street Performance Figure
Located in London, GB
18th Century Folk Art Street Performance Figure. An unusual and complete one-off piece of folk art, in the form of a hand carved begging figure. Recently uncovered from a personal ...
Category

1780s French Antique Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Early 20th century decorative dutch working windmill
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 20th century decorative dutch working windmill circa 1920. We are pleased to offer this delightful scale model of a dutch windmill.  This could have only been commissioned for...
Category

Early 20th Century Dutch Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Birch, Walnut

Vintage Hand Woven Spanish Donkey Head Wall Mount 1970's
Located in Hastings, GB
A delightful 1970's wall mounted Spanish Donkey Head, hand woven in Esparto grass these fabulous items were crafted for tourists and not many have survived the test...
Category

1970s Spanish Vintage Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Straw

MIKE MATAS - Vintage Folk Art Whale Carving on Stand - Signed - Canada - C. 1980
Located in Chatham, ON
MIKE MATAS - Vintage folk art hand-carved pine model of a whale - mounted by two brass pins to the base - finished with a semi-gloss varnish - signed and dated - possibly from the ea...
Category

Mid-20th Century Canadian Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Brass

Jim Rose Barn House Structure, Welded Steel Sculpture Made with Salvaged Steel
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. Thes...
Category

2010s American Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Steel

Early 19th Century Wooden Horse
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Early 19th Century Wooden Horse A handsome Dapple Grey galloper with Horse Hair mane and tail, he has a classic open mouthed expression and bright glass eyes Our Handsome galloper h...
Category

1860s Antique Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Oak

Whimsical Folk Art Painted Lady Liberty Political Figure
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Whimsical hand made carved wood and painted folk art hanging liberty figure.
Category

1960s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Pair of Greyhound Guard Dogs, Natural Rust Weathered in Cast Iron
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Pair of Greyhound Guard Dogs, Natural Rust Weathered in Cast Iron This Super pair of Large Outdoor or Indoor Dogs these chaps have a good rusty outdoor patina they have been guard...
Category

1940s Vintage Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Iron

19th Century English Folk Art Gentleman’s Cane
Located in London, GB
19th Century English Folk Art Gentleman’s Cane A rare and quite special example of a 19th Century folk art English gentleman’s walking cane with a h...
Category

1850s British Antique Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Found and Salvaged Industrial Steel Object Sculpture Arrangement
Located in Chicago, IL
Made from found industrial objects, this face takes on different looks at every angle. A wedge, sprockets, gears are adhered to a found painted steel plate to complete this "Flatlay Face" Jim Rose Flatlay Face No. 06, 2021 found industrial objects 4.25h x 9.50w x 9.50d in 10.79h x 24.13w x 24.13d cm JR0300 Jim Rose b. 1966, d. 2023 Bio Born in Indiana, Jim Rose lived in Europe until he returned to the United States to attend college. After one year at Bard College, Jim transferred to the School of the Art Institute in Chicago (SAIC) where he graduated in 1988 with a BFA. His skillful interpretation of the Shaker design is a result of intense research and field study of Shaker furniture, architecture, culture and history. After over two decades of dedicated work, he has mastered the minimalism of the Shaker technique and created his own unique visual vernacular. The quilts of Gee's Bend have become a monumental influence taking this artist's work to new levels of unique interpretation and artistry. His selection of aged steel results in a patina directly related to that of aged wood while his colored strips beautifully mimic worn cloth. Each piece of furniture is masterfully made and intended for daily use. Jim Rose’s steel furniture is featured every year at SOFA Chicago for the past 25 years. Jim Rose b. 1966, Wisconsin Education 1989 B.F.A., Sculpture, The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, IL 1988 Student at Large, Welding Technology, Triton College, Chicago, IL 1985 Undergraduate Photography Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, New York Awards 2008 Wisconsin Arts Board Fellowship Award, Madison, WI. 2005 Elizabeth R. Raphael Founder’s Prize, Society for Contemporary Craft, Pittsburgh, PA 2003 Grant Recipient for Shaker Interpretations in Cast Iron, PA Arts Assoc / WI Arts Board 2003 Arts/Industry Residency Program for Visual Artists, John Michael Kohler Arts Center, Sheboygan, Wisconsin Solo Exhibitions 2017 New Work, Tory Folliard Gallery, Milwaukee, WI 2012 Simply Steel, Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, Wausau, WI 2007 Variation, Ann Nathan Gallery, Chicago, IL 2003 New Work, Ann Nathan Gallery, Chicago, IL 2001 Shaker in Steel / New Work, Ann Nathan Gallery, Chicago, IL 2000 Shaker in Steel / New Work, Ann Nathan Gallery, Chicago, IL 1999 Hands and Heart to Steel III, Ann Nathan Gallery, Chicago, IL National Exhibitions 2017-2018 SOFA Chicago – Gallery Victor Armendariz 2016 - 1995 SOFA Chicago, New York, Palm Beach - Ann Nathan Gallery 2011 - 2002 Art Chicago - Ann Nathan Gallery Group Exhibitions 2017 Coming Attractions: Inaugural Exhibition, Gallery Victor Armendariz, Chicago, IL 2017 Living with Art: The Newman Collection, 108 Contemporary, Tulsa, Oklahoma 2016 Form Follows Function: The Intersection of Art and Craft, The Hardy Gallery, Ephraim, Wi 2015 NEO, Chipstone Foundation, Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee, WI 2015 ICFF, Furniture Society, Javits Convention Center, New York City, NY 2013 Vahki Revisited, The Enduring Spirit of a Craft Collection” Mesa Contemporary Arts, Mesa, AZ 2013 Fearless Furniture, Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, Indianapolis, IN 2013 Inaugural Exhibition, Museum Wisconsin of Art, West Bend, WI 2012 Sitting Pretty: Furniture from RAM’s Collection, Racine Art Museum, WI 2011 Hiding Places: Memory in the Arts, John Michael Kohler Arts Center, WI 2010 Living with Art, Strohl Art Center, Chautauqua Institution, NY 2009 Summer in Wisconsin, Tory Folliard Gallery, Milwaukee, WI 2009 High Honors, James Watrous Gallery, Madison, WI 2008 Second Lives: Remixing the Ordinary, Museum of Art and Design, NY 2007 Transformation 5: Contemporary Works in Found Materials, Art Association, Jackson, WY 2007 Transformation 5: Contemporary Works in Found Materials, Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, Houston, TX (traveling exhibition) 2006 Show us Your Drawers, Herron School of Art, Indianapolis, IN 2006 Marriage of the Minds...
Category

2010s American Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Steel

19th Century Carved Oak Folk Art Wall Figurative Plaque.
Located in London, GB
19th Century Carved Oak Folk Art Wall Figurative Plaque. Just carved for the fun of it, this 19th century hand carved oak plaque illustrates an old ...
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1890s British Antique Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Oak

Folk Art Carved and Painted Owl Decoy, USA, 1900's
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Folk Art carved and painted owl decoy, USA 1900's A decorative barn owl carving decoy Original paint with even wear. Mounted over a new iron stand.
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20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Early 19th Century Unusual Painted Folk Art Coconut
Located in London, GB
Early 19th Century Unusual Painted Folk Art Coconut A piece of 19th Century curiosity with a very quirky charm. In the form of a hand painted coconut shell. We guess someone got bo...
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Early 1900s British Antique Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Natural Fiber

19th Century Hand Carved Folk Art Tyrolean Figure
Located in London, GB
19th Century Hand Carved Folk Art Tyrolean Figure A lovely example of a mid-19th Century folk art hand carved Tyrolean (Austrian) figure of a man with moveable arms. A wonderful n...
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1850s Austrian Antique Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Pair of Canadian Folk Art Carved Japanese Internment Camp Figures or Sculptures
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This pair of Folk Art carved figures is believed to have been made by a Japanese immigrant to Canada either while or after being interned by the Canadian government during the Second World War. The male carved figure is hand painted in vibrant colors and the base reads: June 11, 1942" and "Ontario" underneath. The nude female carving...
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Mid-20th Century Canadian Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Softwood

Jim Rose Barn House Structure, Welded Steel Sculpture Made with Salvaged Steel
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 house models or bird houses. This sculpture works alone on a shelf or table or can be grouped with other house sculptures by the artist. Each house sculpture is unique in design and color. Jim Rose Structure No. 245 repurposed painted steel 6.50h x 8w x 3d in 16.51h x 20.32w x 7.62d cm JR0333 Jim Rose b. 1966, d. 2023 Bio Born in Indiana, Jim Rose lived in Europe until he returned to the United States to attend college. After one year at Bard College, Jim transferred to the School of the Art Institute in Chicago (SAIC) where he graduated in 1988 with a BFA. His skillful interpretation of the Shaker design is a result of intense research and field study of Shaker furniture, architecture, culture and history. After over two decades of dedicated work, he has mastered the minimalism of the Shaker technique and created his own unique visual vernacular. The quilts of Gee's Bend have become a monumental influence taking this artist's work to new levels of unique interpretation and artistry. His selection of aged steel results in a patina directly related to that of aged wood while his colored strips beautifully mimic worn cloth. Each piece of furniture is masterfully made and intended for daily use. Jim Rose’s steel furniture is featured every year at SOFA Chicago for the past 25 years. Jim Rose b. 1966, Wisconsin Education 1989 B.F.A., Sculpture, The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, IL 1988 Student at Large, Welding Technology, Triton College, Chicago, IL 1985 Undergraduate Photography Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, New York Awards 2008 Wisconsin Arts Board Fellowship Award, Madison, WI 2005 Elizabeth R. Raphael Founder’s Prize, Society for Contemporary Craft, Pittsburgh, PA 2003 Grant Recipient for Shaker Interpretations in Cast Iron, PA Arts Assoc / WI Arts Board 2003 Arts/Industry Residency Program for Visual Artists, John Michael Kohler Arts Center, Sheboygan, Wisconsin Solo Exhibitions 2017 New Work, Tory Folliard Gallery, Milwaukee, WI 2012 Simply Steel, Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, Wausau, WI 2007 Variation, Ann Nathan Gallery, Chicago, IL 2003 New Work, Ann Nathan Gallery, Chicago, IL 2001 Shaker in Steel / New Work, Ann Nathan Gallery, Chicago, IL 2000 Shaker in Steel / New Work, Ann Nathan Gallery, Chicago, IL 1999 Hands and Heart to Steel III, Ann Nathan Gallery, Chicago, IL National Exhibitions 2017-2018 SOFA Chicago – Gallery Victor Armendariz 2016 - 1995 SOFA Chicago, New York, Palm Beach - Ann Nathan Gallery 2011 - 2002 Art Chicago - Ann Nathan Gallery Group Exhibitions 2017 Coming Attractions: Inaugural Exhibition, Gallery Victor Armendariz, Chicago, IL 2017 Living with Art: The Newman Collection, 108 Contemporary, Tulsa, Oklahoma 2016 Form Follows Function: The Intersection of Art and Craft, The Hardy Gallery, Ephraim, Wi 2015 NEO, Chipstone Foundation, Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee, WI 2015 ICFF, Furniture Society, Javits Convention Center, New York City, NY 2013 Vahki Revisited, The Enduring Spirit of a Craft Collection” Mesa Contemporary Arts, Mesa, AZ 2013 Fearless Furniture, Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, Indianapolis, IN 2013 Inaugural Exhibition, Museum Wisconsin of Art, West Bend, WI 2012 Sitting Pretty: Furniture from RAM’s Collection, Racine Art Museum, WI 2011 Hiding Places: Memory in the Arts, John Michael Kohler Arts Center, WI 2010 Living with Art, Strohl Art Center, Chautauqua Institution, NY 2009 Summer in Wisconsin, Tory Folliard Gallery, Milwaukee, WI 2009 High Honors, James Watrous Gallery, Madison, WI 2008 Second Lives: Remixing the Ordinary, Museum of Art and Design, NY 2007 Transformation 5: Contemporary Works in Found Materials, Art Association, Jackson, WY 2007 Transformation 5: Contemporary Works in Found Materials, Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, Houston, TX (traveling exhibition) 2006 Show us Your Drawers, Herron School of Art, Indianapolis, IN 2006 Marriage of the Minds...
Category

2010s American Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Steel

Spanish Colonial Mexico Carved Painted Archangel Santo Religious Sculpture
Located in Forney, TX
A large vintage Spanish Colonial style Mexican religious folk art carved wood santo figure - bulto carving. Mid-20th century, Mexico, primitive hand-crafted construction, one-of-a-kind, likely depicting San Miguel Arcángel (Saint Michael the Archangel), hand carved gessoed polychromed solid wood figural sculpture, standing on integral plinth base, affixed with metal wings, right hand raised holding a sword. Provenance / Acquisition: From the estate of Margaret "Candy" Becker (Austin, Texas 1942-2022). She was an artist in all areas of her life who created art in many different media, including needlework, quilting, watercolor, acrylics, mosaic, and clay. Candy was a consummate traveler who spent time in Mexico, Guatemala, Japan, Iran, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Spain, England, and Ireland. Acquired from the highly reputable auction house Austin Auction Gallery, est.1983, Austin, Texas. Important Western & Religious Art catalog Dimensions: (approx) 16" High, 10" Wide, 6.5" Deep Condition: Great original antique / vintage condition with nicely aged patina. Includes the original sword, which is very rare. Wear consistent with age and use, including scattered chippy paint losses and worn paint, nothing that detracts from the display but only adds to the overall authenticity, character and old world rustic charm Interesting, colorful, with a unique sculptural form and rich history, this large wooden statue would make for a wonderful decorative object - curiosity in your authentic Mexican hacienda, Santa Fe New Mexico adobe...
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Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Metal

Antique wood "Nandi" bull carving with storage space, India 1900th
Located in ECHT, NL
Hand carved and hand painted wood Nandi bull statue. Made around the turn of the 20th century in India. It depicts Vahana, the bull of hindu god Shiva. The statue has a small compartment with a lid on its back. This was probably meant to store an artifact of some kind. Nandi Nandi in a zoo-anthropomorphic form Affiliation Mount of Shiva Abode Mount Kailash Consort Suyasha[1] Part of a series on Shaivism show Deities show Scriptures and texts show Philosophy show Practices show Schools show Scholars show Related Hinduism portal vte Nandi (Sanskrit: नन्दि), also known as Nandikeshvara or Nandideva, is the bull vahana (mount) of the Hindu god Shiva. He is also the guardian deity of Kailash, the abode of Shiva. Almost all Shiva temples display stone...
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Early 20th Century Indian Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Leather, Wood

Handmade Diminutive Metal Owl Sculpture
Located in Ferndale, MI
Nicely detailed diminutive metal owl sculpture for desktop or collection. Weighty - possibly pewter. Signed Clarence.
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Late 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Metal

Oversized Carved wood and painted Sheaffer Fountain Pen Store Display , 5 feet
Located in Buffalo, NY
Amazing ! Oversized Carved wood and painted Sheaffer Fountain Pen Store Display , Selling two pens. One 5" high 6 " in diameter.. other 50" h , 4" in diameter. Very well made, Qualit...
Category

1950s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Steel

Folk Art sculptures and carvings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique folk art sculptures and carvings 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 and carvings created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include folk art, decorative objects, 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 and carvings 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 and carvings, popular names associated with this style include Mosche Bianche, Jim Rose, Nils Olsson, and Benin People. 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 and carvings differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $95 and tops out at $38,000 while the average work can sell for $1,340.

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