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Folk Art Animal 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
Large Antique Painted Folk Art Pike Trade Sign, Fish Monger’s Metal Shop Sign
Located in Lisse, NL
Kindly note that we arrange the shipping ourselves to ensure a smooth, secure, and reliable delivery. This allows us to provide the best possible service and care for your purchase. ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Zinc

Antique plaster display case from a French butcher's shop, early 20th century
Located in SAINT-YRIEIX-SUR-CHARENTE, FR
Painted plaster pig from the first half of the 20th century, originating from France. Originally, these plaster sculptures were displayed in shop windows or in butchers' and delicate...
Category

1930s French Vintage Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Plaster

Vintage Large Ceramic Sitting Cat Figurine, Pink Sponge Ware Folk Art Style
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage ceramic cat figurine features hand-painted pink sponge ware decor with black accents on face and paws. The cat depicted sitting with tail curled around the hind legs, slightl...
Category

Late 20th Century Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

Early 20th century continental decorative carousel horse
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 20th century continental decorative carousel horse circa 1900. Unique continental painted merry-go-round horse circa 1900. Excellent opportunity to own this highly decorative ...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Oak, Paint

Vintage Boho Monumental Patinated Hanging Brass Fish
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A magnificent piece of coastal folk art, this monumental hanging fish sculpture is meticulously hand-formed from copper or brass and boasts a stunning, deeply patinated verdigris fin...
Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass, Copper

Vintage Large Tonala Mexico Pottery Cat, Hand Painted, Signed
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Playful stretching Tonala pottery cat figurine is decorated with beautiful hand painted abstract geometric and floral designs in blue, green, and earthy brown palette. Variations in...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

Hand-Painted Large Faience Figures: Pair French Lions, Luneville c.1800
Located in Katonah, NY
This large pair of French faience lions was hand-painted at the Luneville factory in France circa 1800. They feature bold yellow and black manes, wide...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Faience

24" Tall Antique Swedish Large Wooden Horse Carved Hand-Painted 19th Century
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Tall antique Swedish horse in carved wood with original patinated paint in off-white color with blue dots. Made circa end of the 19th century. Th...
Category

1890s Swedish Antique Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Leather, Wood

Vintage American Brass Sperm Whale Doorstop
Located in Chicago, IL
This vintage American brass sperm whale doorstop is a delightful blend of charm and functionality, perfect for adding a splash of coastal flair to your space. Cast in solid brass, th...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Puerto Rican Hand Crafted Wood Rooster Sculpture
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Puerto Rican Hand Crafted Wood Rooster Sculpture by Emilio Rosado. It depicts a hand carved and hand painted white, red, yellow and plum color standing proud and tall roost...
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Early English Cast Iron Pointer Setter Dog Door Stop
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
English 1930's cast iron door stop of a pointer setter dog with original paint. This sculpture has fantastic patina with great age and wear. Wonderful addition to an existing collect...
Category

Early 20th Century English Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Puerto Rican Hand Crafted Wood Rooster Sculpture
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Puerto Rican Hand Crafted Wood Rooster Sculpture by Emilio Rosado. It depicts a hand carved and hand painted white, red, yellow and plum color standing proud tall rooster. ...
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Antique Hand Carved Wood Elephant
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Hand carved wood in a form of an elephant. No tusk
Category

Early 20th Century East Asian Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Tonala Folk Art Bird Mexican Hand Painted Colorful Pottery 1960s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Tonala Folk Art Pottery Plate Hand Painted Flying Bird, Mexico, circa 1960's. Vintage Mexican Tonala hand painted pottery bird Folk Art. Flora de la Cruz ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Moroccan Decorative Cat Sculpture Handbuilt and Handpainted by Potter Houda
Located in Marseille, FR
- Hand built decorative cat sculpture - made of clay collected from the potter's surroundings. - decorative motifs painted with a goat hair brush made b...
Category

2010s Moroccan Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Clay, Earthenware

Fully Articulated Artist's Model Of Horse, Signed
Located in Bradenton, FL
Antique hand-carved artist's model of a horse, fully articulated at every level including wooden ears. Has a horsehair tail. Fixed on a brass stem and raised on a wooden base. Artist signed on base as Philippe Leo.
Category

Early 20th Century French Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

German Painted & Carved Wood Carousel Horse w/ Saddle Seat on Stand 19th Century
Located in Charleston, SC
German hand carved wood and decorative painted carousel horse with carved flowing mane, carved hairy tail, upholstered muslin saddle seat, flanking original glass eyes, and mounted o...
Category

19th Century German Antique Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wrought Iron

Marble Camel Sculpture, Zoomorphic Carved Figurine, Morocco 1970s
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Marble Camel Sculpture, Zoomorphic Carved Figurine, Morocco 1970s Folk Art piece from Morocco made of marble. Hand-crafted object, finely engraved with geometric patterns on both s...
Category

Mid-20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Limestone, Marble, Sandstone

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 Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Hand Carved & Hand Painted Rooster Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand carved & hand painted rooster sculpture. Very folky rooster.
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Guerrero Pottery Bull Bank
Located in Fairfield, CA
A vintage Mexican folk art pottery bank. Hand made in Guerrero, Mexico. The bank is in the shape of bull with a rider, featuring beautiful hand painted te...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Pottery

Beautiful Wooden Metal coated Tang-Style Horse, Vintage Asia, 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful decorative horse statue. Some wear with a nice patina, but this is old-age. Wooden horse coated with metal. Very decorative and nice to display ...
Category

1980s Chinese Vintage Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Metal

South Indian Life Sized Carved Polychrome Peacock Sculpture Statue
Located in Dayton, OH
20th century South Indian carved and painted peacock statue. Hand carved on a plinth base. Features bright colors of yellow, green, red and orange. A la...
Category

20th Century Indian Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Hardwood, Paint

1960s Large Hand-carved Iron Wood American Bald Eagle Art Sculpture
Located in North Hollywood, CA
A large hand-carved iron wood eagle perched on a tree stump and surveying the surroundings ready to fly. Hand carved wood vintage extremely detailed bald eagle perched upon rockery with glass eyes. Hand carved Ironwood Southwestern seri...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Two Dala horses. Hand-painted with floral motifs on a blue background. Folk art.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Pre-owned goods are exempt from import duties for U.S. customers. Therefore, no import tariffs will be applicable to your purchase. Two Dala horses. Hand-painted with floral motifs...
Category

20th Century Swedish Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Antique French Painted Cast Concrete Rooster Garden Statue
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This charming antique French painted concrete rooster statue is a striking piece of vintage farmhouse décor. Crafted from solid cast concrete, it showcases intricate feather detailing and a weathered patina that adds to its rustic appeal. The statue is hand-painted in white with red, yellow, and green accents, giving it an authentic aged look. Perfect for indoor or outdoor use, this robust sculpture makes a wonderful decorative piece for gardens, patios, or farmhouse-style interiors. Whether used as a statement ornament, a focal point in a garden setting, or a collectible item, this vintage rooster...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Concrete

Mexican Vintage Ken Edwards Tonala Pottery Hand Painted Quail Bird
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Ken Edwards Mexican ceramic quail bird form Tonala Pottery. Beautiful vintage Mexican hand made and hand painted TONALA Art Pottery. Deco...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Pottery

Large Antique Cast Iron Seated Frog Door Stop
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Large Antique cast iron seated frog door stop. USA, Circa 1920s. A rare and unusual model, of large size, depicts a seated green frog on a r...
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Antique Folk Art Horse Sculpture
Located in Sheffield, MA
Wonderfully charming hand-carved 19th Century American folk art horse sculpture on stand. Pay special attention to its face and the carved details to appreciate this fine specimen. ...
Category

19th Century American Antique Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Folk Art Animal Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful art glass animal sculpture, Folk Art design, circa mid-20th century. Sculpture is hand-blown art glass of farm animals, from base to top, a horse, dog, cat, and rooster. ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Blown Glass, Art Glass

8-19th Century Wooden Horse
Located in Kastrup, DK
A Indian 18-19th century hand-carved wooden horse decorated with polychrome colors. In original untouched condition with a beautiful age-related patina, showing the antique authentic...
Category

18th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

1960s Sculpture of an American Eagle Hand Carved in Seri Ironwood
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Carved Wood American Eagle Sculpture 1960s. Vintage Sculpture of an American Eagle Carved in Seri Ironwood. Handmade large carved wood eagle ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Vintage Boho Shell Encrusted Cockatoo on Stand
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A breathtaking masterpiece of patience and coastal artistry, this monumental hanging shell cockatoo is a true showstopper. Meticulously hand-crafted from thousands of individual seas...
Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Vintage Wood Giraffe Sculpture, c. 1930-1950
Located in Kastrup, DK
A charming vintage wooden giraffe. Hand-carved from hardwood (tropical wood) with brown and black painted surface. From Africa, c. 50-100 years...
Category

Early 20th Century African Folk Art Animal 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 u...
Category

20th Century Brazilian Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Crystal

Stephen Huneck Carved Wooden Dog Footstool
By Steven Huneck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stephen Huneck hand carved wooden dog footstool. Perfect as a foot stool, ottoman or playful sculpture. Dimensions 7" width x 20" depth x 15" height. Condition Good vintage condition.
Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

American Folk Art Carved Sleeping Cat Sculpture
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage Folk Art sleeping cat figurine was hand-carved from a solid piece of rare Amaranth (or Paduk) wood. Beautiful wood grain is accentuated by the wax finish. The cat has elonga...
Category

Mid-20th Century Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Padouk

Folk Art Metal Mallard Duck Decoy late 1950s
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage metal duck decoy from the late 50s. Wonderful piece of Folk Art duck sculpture handmade with metal sheet comprising the body and attached metal head. Hand painted to simulate...
Category

1950s American Vintage Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Metal

American Copper Full Bodied Pig Directional Weathervane on Stand, circa 1880
Located in Charleston, SC
American Copper full bodied pig directional weathervane resting on squared iron stand, late 19th century.
Category

1880s American Antique Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Copper, Iron, Zinc

Early 20th Century Folk Art Fairground Elephant
Located in London, GB
Early 20th Century Folk Art Fairground Elephant We share what we love, and we love this charming and naively formed early 20th century hand craved fairground ride figure. With a de...
Category

1920s British Vintage Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

American Folk Art Carved and Painted Wooden Cat Sculpture, Flower Power
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage whimsical and playful American Folk Art hand carved wood sculpture depicts a stretching cat with a lifted expressive face. The cat has a beautiful flower power style hand-pa...
Category

20th Century Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Boston Terrier Heavy Cast Iron Doorstop
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sweet faced Boston Terrier cast iron doorstop. This doorstop is very heavy with great patina. The Boston Terrier hasa very soft look due to the wear.
Category

20th Century North American Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Vintage Tonala Mexico Pottery Cat, Hand Painted
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Charming vintage Tonala pottery figurine depicts a reclining cat with folded front paws and raised head; the cat is looking forward with wide open, large eyes and a slightly surpris...
Category

20th Century Mexican Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

A Charming Collection of Painted and Carved Decoy Ducks
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Charming Collection of Painted and Carved Decoy Ducks This is a good group of 4,19th Century French Decoy Ducks, they are carved in wood and the feathers and features are painted...
Category

19th Century Antique Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Pine

Antique Folk Art Dog And Cat Form Brass Andirons
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An authentic Pair of Antique Cat and Dog Andirons in original as found condition. Ca. early 20th c. hollow cast brass. Each seated and looking out. The cat with a wide curled tail, t...
Category

Early 20th Century Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Greenlandica, Figure of a Walrus Made of Soapstone, Approximately 1960/1970s.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Greenlandica, figure of a walrus made of soapstone. Approximately 1960/1970s. In good condition, signs of use. Dimensions: L 12.5 x D 4.0 x H 8.0 cm.
Category

1960s Greenlandic Vintage Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Soapstone

19th Century Carved Bull Sign
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Carved and painted wood bull sign. Life size head with carved and painted details, real horns fitted to the head by lead sleeves. The top of the head fashioned from a thick sheath of...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Iron

Mexican Tonala Pottery Hand Painted Bird Folk Art
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Mexican Tonala hand painted pottery bird Folk Art. Flora de la Cruz Acapulco Gro Mexico hand painted bird dove ceramic. Warm earth tone polych...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

Pair of Carved and Painted Horn Birds
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Chinese vintage carved and painted horn eagles or hawks with an alluring, stylized interpretation of these majestic birds of prey.
Category

20th Century Chinese Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Horn

Pink Cast Iron Pig Money Bank or Doorstop with Wings, Denmark
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Danish piggy pink cast iron money bank or doorstopper with wings. This smiling and charming Lady Pig is newly powder-coated in "pretty pink". She is good sturdy condition.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Folk Art Hand-Made Iron Rooster
Located in Chicago, IL
A mischievous 20th century American folk art rooster sculpture with a wonderful disposition, and beautiful rusted finish. Perfect indoors or out!
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Folk Art Hand-Made Iron Rooster
Folk Art Hand-Made Iron Rooster
$712 Sale Price
25% Off
Large Folk Art Driftwood Horse Head Sculpture
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This large and substantial sculpture of a horse's head is unsigned, but believed to have been made in Canada in circa 1980. The sculpture is made completely of pieces of driftwood...
Category

Late 20th Century Canadian Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Driftwood

American Folk Art Carved Painted Wood Cat Sculpture
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage whimsical and playful American Folk Art carved wood sculpture features a hand carved and hand-painted seated cat with large expressive eyes and surprised look on its face. Th...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Moroccan Decorative Horse Sculpture Handbuilt and Handpainted by Potter Houda
Located in Marseille, FR
- Hand built decorative horse sculpture - made of clay collected from the potter's surroundings. - decorative motifs painted with a goat hair brush made by the potter to apply natu...
Category

2010s Moroccan Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Clay, Earthenware

Antique Plaster Statue of a Breeding Stallion - by Max Landsberg 1899
By Max Landsberg
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Plaster Statue of a Breeding Stallion - by Max Landsberg 1899 Antique plaster statue of a stallion, made by Max Landsberg (1850 - 1906...
Category

1890s German Antique Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Vintage Folk Art Set of 3 Carved Sitting Cat Sculptures
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage set of Folk Art sitting cat figurines was hand-carved from solid pieces of wood. The cats have elongated, minimal features, accentuated with hand-painted details on the face...
Category

20th Century Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Rare Early 18th century Irish Carved Folk Art Talbot
Located in Greenwich, CT
Very rare carved and painted wood talbot, a now extinct breed of dog often found in heraldic devices in both England and Ireland, this example in original painted surface and possess...
Category

18th Century and Earlier Irish Antique Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Pine

Cast Iron Green Painted Rooster Sculpture Door Stop
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Very sturdy cast iron sculpture of a rooster. Could be used on a console or kitchen counter as a decorative centerpiece display or functional as a door stop.
Category

Early 20th Century European Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Vintage large Tonala Mexican Stretching Cat Ceramic and Brass Figurine
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage large Tonala Mexican Stretching Cat Ceramic and Brass Folk Art Figurine. Vintage handcrafted Tonala pottery cat with brass overlay in Sergi0...
Category

Mid-20th Century Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Carved Wood Falcon Sculpture 1960s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Handmade carved wood Falcon sculpture 1960s. Vintage Seri Ironwood Animal Hand-Carved Sculpture of a American Eagle or Falcon. Vintage Hand carved walnut wooden beautiful design decorative bird falcon sculpture. Carved wood figure of an Eagle sculpture from the 1960s. Eagle figure perched on a wooden trunk would be a great eye-catcher in any room or interior. Excellent condition. Natural dark brown color. Dimensions: 9.5" H x 4.5". Vintage hand carved Ironwood Southwestern seri sculpture of an eagle or falcon. Ironwood hand carved falcon sculpture. Hand crafted in amazing detail from one of earth's hardest natural ironwood. This is an authentic art piece crafted in the Sonoran Desert from native Olneya ironwood. Found almost exclusively in the desert of Arizona, this tree is truly one of nature's wonders. North American Southwestern desert ironwood gets its name from its amazing hardness and heavy weight (similar to petrified wood). Though this wood is very difficult to work, it is meticulously carved and etched to reveal incredible detail, in very nice polished heavy dark wood, no dents with a smooth finish over all excellent condition with beautiful visible wood grains. circa 1970. From Wikipedia: "Mexican ironwood carvings...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Folk Art animal sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique folk art animal 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 animal sculptures created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, folk art, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art animal 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 animal sculptures, popular names associated with this style include Tonala Pottery, Victor Anicet, Sergio Bustamante, and Nils Olsson. 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 animal 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 $55,000 while the average work can sell for $1,516.

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