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
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
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 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
Duck Decoy Three-Piece Sculpture by Herb Watson
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool and unique duck decoy three-piece sculpture by Herb Watson, circa 1987. The detail, craftsmanship and painting of the ducks is amazing; they look absolutely real! The set includes a green winged teal drake and hen (3.25"W x "7D x 3.5"H) on a round pond...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Paint
$1,440 Sale Price / set
20% Off
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
$716 Sale Price
20% Off
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
Sterling Silver Rooster Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This sterling silver heavy hollow body rooster figure is signed 925 on the base and is in fine condition.
Beautifully made and proportioned well. Great patina.
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
$1,196 Sale Price
20% Off
1930s Austrian Horse Toy
By Craft and Folk Art Museum
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Beautiful 1930s Austrian horse toy. Wonderful patina.
Category
1920s Austrian Vintage Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Bentwood
$2,800
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
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
Long Folk Art Articulated Flexible Carved and Hand-Painted Snake Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Charming folk art carved articulated snake sculpture crafted to mimic realistic snake motion (ca. 1980s, likely South American).
Hand-painted body and facial details present.
Unusual...
Category
1980s South American Vintage Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wood
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
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
$1,248 Sale Price
46% Off
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
$1,036 Sale Price
20% Off
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
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
Large Antique Carved Wood Male Bambara Chi Wara Antelope Figure
Located in Nantucket, MA
Chi wara is a ritual headdress used by the Bambara people in Mali. Portrayed as both male or female figures Chi ware is associated with agriculture. This larg...
Category
Early 1900s Malian Antique Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Hardwood
Vintage Large Brass Duck "Decoy" Decorative Sculpture
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Large Brass Duck "Decoy" Decorative Sculpture.
Handcrafted decorative vintage collectible brass duck shape sculpture.
Beautiful handcrafted large ca...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Brass, Copper
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
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
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
Vintage Mexican Tonala Pottery Hand Painted Bird
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
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
Antique English Carved Folk Art Dog Head Cane over Ebonized Black Shaft
Located in Shippensburg, PA
CARVED FOLK-ART DOG HEAD CANE OVER EBONIZED SHAFT
Probably English, circa late 19th century
37 1/4: H x 2 7/8" W
A very attractive late 19th century Victorian walking cane, it fea...
Category
19th Century European Antique Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Brass
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
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
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 Wood Animal Horse Sculpture, Northern Swedish Folk Art Original Paint
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique wooden horse sculpture from northern Sweden. The horse is from around 1850 and has a body in pine with original paint. The sculpture is m...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Pine
Mexican Vintage Ken Edwards Tonala Pottery Hand Painted Quail Bird
By Ken Edwards
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
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 Sculpture of an American Eagle Carved in Seri Ironwood
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Sculpture of an American Eagle Carved in Seri Ironwood.
Vintage hand carved Ironwood Southwestern seri sculpture of an Eagle.
Dimensions: 5.5" x 3.5". circa 1970.
Ironwood hand carved eagle or falcon...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Butcher's Piggy Bank
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This uniquely humorous piggy bank is the perfect blend of wit and practicality, designed in the shape of a plump, adorable pig. What sets it apart is the quirky butcher's diagram of ...
Category
20th Century Unknown Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Mexican Hand Painted Colorful Tonala Pottery Ducks Set of Three
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Mexican Tonala hand painted pottery birds Folk Art with brass decoration in the style of Sergio Bustamante.
Vintage Mexican ceramic and brass hand painted Tonala pottery duc...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Early 19th Century Rectangular Delft Tile with Rabbit
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Charming delft blue and white tile featuring a running rabbit. We see this piece displayed on a table or shelf and would make a wonderful addition to any collector of these desirabl...
Category
Early 19th Century Dutch Antique Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Delft, Paint
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
$1,295 / set
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
19th Century Life Sized Horse Trade Sign from a Tack Shop in Pennsylvania
Located in Richmond, VA
19th century life sized horse trade sign from a tack shop in Pottsville, PA. Horse is made of cast iron, wood, and papier mâché. The tail and cast iron e...
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Iron
JARKO ZAVI - Studio Pottery Cottontail Rabbit Figure - Canada - Circa 1976
Located in Chatham, ON
JARKO ZAVI (Czech-Canadian 1907-1987) - Fine vintage studio pottery ceramic model of a cottontail rabbit on a plinth base - small size - featuring elaborate hand made and hand crafte...
Category
Mid-20th Century Canadian Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
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
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
Hand Painted Midcentury Resin White Jumper Carousel Horse by C.W. Parker
By Charles Looff Or C.W. Parker
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Perfectly captured in all it’s glory, this vintage C.W. Parker carousel horse is sure to gallop your heart. One look at this radiant mare, and you’ll see why. The animal’s strength a...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Brass
$2,396 Sale Price
20% Off
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
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
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
Pair of Tonala Mexico Modernist Horse Figurines, Planters or Ashtrays
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
A pair of modernist horse figurines were hand made in Tonala, Mexico, in modernist style with short legs, long bodies, and expressive heads, and are hand painted in typical Tonala s...
Category
20th Century Mexican Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Midcentury Brass and Copper Pelican Sculpture
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Amusing mixed metal pelican sculpture crafted in brass, copper, and silvered metal in a distinctive and captivating composition that combines technique ...
Category
20th Century Mexican Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Copper
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
Large Antique Southeast Asian Thai Carved Polychrome Rabbit Folk Art Sculpture
Located in Forney, TX
A large whimsical hand carved and painted antique Southeast Asian wooden hare sculpture with incised detailing, polychrome decoration and beautifully aged patina.
Hand-crafted in th...
Category
Early 20th Century Asian Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Paint
$3,112 Sale Price
29% Off
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
Antique English Pottery Horse with Sponged Decoration Circa 1800
Located in Katonah, NY
This pottery figure of a horse is sponge decorated in shades of pink and brown.
It was made at St. Anthony’s Pottery, located in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England, between 1800 and 1810.
...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Pottery
Large Early 20th Century Belgian Oak Folk Art Eagle Sculpture
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Early 20th century Belgian oak Folk Art eagle sculpture.
Category
1920s Belgian Vintage Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Oak
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
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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