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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
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

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

Chinese Polychrome Lucky Fish
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand-crafted from reclaimed wood, this artisanal koi sculpture is a traditional symbol of harmony and luck. For Buddhists, such a fish represents a freedom from all restraints. The f...
Category

20th Century Chinese Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Chinese Polychrome Lucky Fish
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand-crafted from reclaimed wood, this artisanal koi sculpture is a traditional symbol of harmony and luck. For Buddhists, such a fish represents a freedom from all restraints. The f...
Category

20th Century Chinese 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

Ayyanar India carved and polychrome wood horse - 20th
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Ayyanar India carved and polychrome wood horse Measures:100cmx23cm H117cm Material:Wood Wear Consistent with age and use
Category

20th Century Indian Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Large Carved Ironwood Whale
Located in Fairfield, CA
A beautiful vintage whale carved smooth from ironwood. A lovely dark color and rich grain to the wood. Nice larger size.
Category

Late 20th Century Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

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

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 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 section hand carved fairground octopus illuminated figure
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century section hand carved fairground octopus illuminated figure Due to the construction and metal hanging hooks on this hand carved fairground figure, we believe it wou...
Category

1920s Unknown Vintage Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Pine

Taisho Period Japanese Carved Wood Netsuke of a Shi-shi Dog
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Hand-carved Taisho period netsuke depicting a shi-shi dog with its head over its shoulder. Shi-shi are guard dogs usually found in entrances of temples and houses, which usually come...
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Boxwood

Scandinavian 19th Century Hand-Carved Folk Art Duck Decoy
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Scandinavian 19th Century Hand-Carved Folk Art Duck Decoy. The duck has a charming tilt to it head and charming patina throughout. Wonderful collectable piece to add to a grouping.
Category

Late 19th Century Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood, Paint

Circa 1900 Hand-Carved Pine Horse
Located in High Point, NC
Circa 1900 hand carved pine horse. This is a wonderful piece of folk art, and may have been a glorious rocking horse when it was made. The horse was painted at one time, as there a...
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Pine

Vintage Primitive Hand-Carved Wooden Horse Folk Art
Located in Seattle, WA
Vintage carved wooden horse folk art. Some hairline cracks (pictured) but they do not take away from the integrity of the piece. This piece has nice pat...
Category

1970s Vintage Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

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

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

Hand carved bull or bison figurine, 1960s
Located in ECHT, NL
Hand crafted from a solid piece of hardwood. A figurine depicting a bull or bison. The chisel marks give it an amazing texture. Very tactile and pleasing to the eye. Very good condit...
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Hardwood

Pair of American Cast Iron Hand Painted Preening Ducks on Squared Base, C 1880
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of American cast iron hand painted preening ducks resting on squared bases. Late 19th Century.
Category

1880s American Antique Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Iron

A Cute Labrador Puppy, Door Stop A charming piece for all dog lovers
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
A Cute Labrador Puppy, Door Stop A charming piece for all dog lovers, he or she is made in cast iron and in a resting position just right to keep the door in place even on windy day...
Category

1960s Vintage Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Iron

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

Pair of Oversized Zinc Garden Frogs
Located in Branford, CT
Pair of oversized zinc garden frogs. Likely mid 20th century. H 10-1/2" W 11" D 10" each frog. Condition: Very good condition. One partial toe missing on one frog. Age-appropriate...
Category

1960s American Vintage Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Metal

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

Large Modernist Tonala Bird Sculpture, Signed
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Unusual large bird sculpture features striking Modernist shape and elaborate, highly detailed hand-painted decor. Traditional Tonala abstract flowers and leaves motifs in white, rus...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

Circa 1930's English Hand-Carved Terrier
Located in High Point, NC
Circa 1930's hand-carved terrier dog from England. The terrier is very sassy, wearing a top hat. Charming carving with nice proportions and a lavish coat of fur. This little guy w...
Category

1930s English Vintage Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Fruitwood

Primitive Horse Carving
Located in Nantucket, MA
A Folk Art carved wood and gesso painted standing horse with painted cloth saddle and horse hair tail Mounted on a later made black painted platform.               
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Gesso, Pine, Paint

Circa 1930's English Hand-Carved Terrier
Located in High Point, NC
Circa 1930's hand-carved terrier dog from England. The terrier is so furry and cute! This is a charming carving with nice proportions and a lavish coat of fur. He looks ready to ...
Category

1930s English Vintage Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Fruitwood

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...
Category

2010s Moroccan Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Clay, Earthenware

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

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

Distinctive Pair of Forged Antique Folk Art Snake Andirons
Located in New York, NY
Wonderful pair of antique Folk Art snake andirons with inset glass eyes. They were blacksmith made of hand-hammered wrought iron. The artist used pieces ...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Cast Iron Bulldog Dog Door Stopper Statue
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Cast Iron Bulldog Dog Door Stopper Statue. Versatile piece that can be used functionally as well as add to a collection of these vintage cast iron figures.
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Pair of Vintage Folk Art Painted Metal Pelican Sculptures
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of pelicans hand crafted in metal in a charming stylized form, painted and ready for a new environment.
Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Metal

French Folk Art Owl Decoy - Bird Scarer, 1930s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
There is a great deal of rawness and authenticity to this 1930s French owl decoy. It is carved in wood and nail - upholstered with some kind of animal leather. Its eyes and beak is m...
Category

1930s French Vintage Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Iron

American Folk Art Hand-Carved Wooden Spindly Snake Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Hand-carved wooden spindly stick in the form of snake (ca. late 19th Century, USA). Sinuous body with hand carved scale and facial details with metal nails as eyes. Impressive, long ...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

American Folk Art Hand-Carved Rosewood Snake
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Folk Art hand-carved rosewood snake (ca. 1940s, USA). Attractive two-tone rosewood variations (rich brown tones throughout with two contrasting light patches). Very good, vintage con...
Category

1940s American Vintage Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Rosewood

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

German Hand Carved Wood and Painted Carousel Horse with Saddle Seat 19th Century
Located in Charleston, SC
German hand carved wood and decorative painted carousel horse with flowing mane, hairy tail, upholstered saddle seat, original glass eyes, and mounted on a wrought iron scrolled brac...
Category

19th Century German Antique Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood, Paint

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

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

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

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

24" Tall Antique Swedish Large Wooden Horse Carved Hand-Painted 19th Century
Located in Aarhus C, DK
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

Westmoore Pottery Lion, Signed 2005
Located in High Point, NC
Large pottery lion of clear yellow glaze having applied curly clay mane, tail, and whiskers, pencil hole eyes, grinning expression, signed on the bottom "2005 WESTMOORE POTTERY...
Category

Early 2000s American Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Pottery

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

Vintage Leather Carousel Horse Signed By Teresa Corning
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Leather Carousel Horse Signed By Teresa Corning This Antique Carousel Horse is made of leather and the pole is made of metal. The sculpture is fa...
Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Welded Owl Metal Sculpture, France 1970s
Located in ROUEN, FR
Welded Owl Metal Sculpture, France 1970s. Handcrafted sculpture, composed of various metal pieces welded together. A nice piece of folk art with a lovely patina ! Note : On the ri...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Iron, Sheet Metal

Signed Bustamante Brass Fireplace Screen / Wall Animal Sculpture
Located in Stamford, CT
Mexican artist, Sergio Bustamante wall sculpture or fireplace screen with a Garden of Eden menagerie of flora and fauna. Lions, giraffes, birds, butterflies, turtle, armadillo, rabbi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass, Copper

Brass Sculpture of Monkey Holding Business Card Holder, Late 19th Century
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Late 19th Century Brass Sculpture of Monkey Holding Business Card Holder
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

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

2010s Moroccan Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Clay, Earthenware

Beautiful Pair of Cast Iron Door Stopper Stands Decorative Item, 20th Century
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic 20th century door stoppers and decoration accessories, made of heavy metal, probably bronze or iron. Nice addition to your House or just to display them in your room. Found a...
Category

20th Century German Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Early 20th Century Leather Sculpture of a Horse
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
An Early 20th Century animal figurative sculpture of a rising horse in leather and papier-maché. This decorative equine figure is standing with the help of its tail. There is quite a...
Category

Early 20th Century French Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Leather

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

Life Size Pair Of Dogs
Located in West Palm Beach, US
These charming dog sculptures make a bold statement with their unique patina. Hand-sculpted with concrete and reinforced with rebar, these pieces showcase intricate details like the ...
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Concrete

20th Century Native American Painted Totem Pole A painted animal totem
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
20th Century Native American Painted Totem Pole A painted animal totem. Animal totems are believed to have spiritual significance, watching over Pacific Northwest Indian tribes and...
Category

1960s Vintage Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Beech, Birdseye Maple

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, Pine, Paint

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

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

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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