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
Contemporary indigenous art. Turuza Wauja. Sculpture "Tamanduá Noir", 2022.
Located in PARIS, FR
Turuza Wauja
Sculpture Tamanduá Noir, 2022
Solid Piranheira wood and hand-painted graphics with natural pigments
Dimensions: 17 × 43 × 12 cm (6 69/100 × 16 93/100 × 4 18/25 in)
Carv...
Category
2010s Brazilian Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Hardwood, Paint
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
Ferocious Bronze Tiger Statue
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Ferocious bronze tiger statue
A handsome piece made in spelter with a bronzed finish to the animal standing on his rocky plinth
3 dimensional and look...
Category
Late 20th Century Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Spelter
Antique Bronze of a Mythical Lion Beast
Located in North Hollywood, CA
An antique unusual cast bronze of a Mythical lion beast.
Bursting with character, the lion standing foursquare with his long tail curled back on itself.
Cast bronze.
Tribal Afric...
Category
Early 20th Century African Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Fiberglass Crocodile in White Paint Surface
Located in New York, NY
Modern "Folk Art" crocodile made of cast fiberglass, in distressed white paint surface. Large scale makes this an impressive decorative item, probably circa 1960s. This item is built...
Category
1960s American Vintage Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Black and White Hand-Crafted Ceramic Chicken Sculpture, Animal Figurine Folk Art
By Iittala
Located in Miami, FL
Scandinavian Modern Iittala style black and white glazed ceramic chicken, handmade in the USA.
Life-size stylized chicken animal sculpture for any interior design.
A-595-335
Category
1980s American Vintage Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Vintage Coastal Shell Encrusted Toucan
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Capture the essence of coastal charm and tropical whimsy with this delightful vintage toucan sculpture. Expertly handcrafted, this unique piece features a vibrant toucan figure metic...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Late 19th Century German Pug Dog, Heavy Terracotta with Brown Carmel Color Glaze
Located in San Francisco, CA
Late 19th century German pug dog. Heavy terracotta with brown carmel color glaze.
Seated, with the head turned, in active pose. Good confirmation and details of the face, ears, coil...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
$2,503 Sale Price
34% Off
Vintage Boho Shanghai Weave Standing Panda
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Capture hearts with this endearing vintage standing panda figure, a wonderful example of traditional woven handicraft. Meticulously crafted using detailed weaving techniques (often s...
Category
1970s Chinese Vintage Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
German Shepard 1950 s Statue
Located in Los Angeles, CA
German Shepard 1950 s gesso Italian vintage statue .
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Gesso
$680 Sale Price
20% Off
Pair of 19th Century Ceramic Parrot Money Banks, Bornholm Denmark
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Pair of 19th century ceramic parrot money banks, Bornholm Denmark.
Category
Late 19th Century Danish Antique Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
$199 Sale Price
53% Off
Small Antique Swedish Red-painted Horse in Wood, 1900th
Located in Stockholm, SE
A peasant sculpture in the form of a small working, red-painted horse with a bushy mane and tail on a painted pedestal, beautifully carved and painted wood.
On the underside, a text...
Category
Early 1900s Swedish Antique Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Greenlandica, Jakob Keke. Sculpture in soapstone.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Greenlandica, Jakob Keke, Kungmiut, East Greenland.
Sculpture in soapstone.
Approximately from the 1970s.
In excellent condition.
Label.
Dimensions: L 14.5 cm x H 7.5 cm x W 5.5 cm.
Category
1970s Greenlandic Vintage Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Soapstone
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
Greenlandica, Ortôrak, large sculpture of a lying seal made of soapstone.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Greenlandica, Ortôrak, large sculpture of a lying seal made of soapstone.
In good condition with signs of use.
Signed and dated 82.
Dimensions: Length 30.0 x Hight 10.0 cm x depth 10...
Category
1980s Greenlandic Vintage Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Soapstone
Folk Art Studio Pottery Bunny
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Folk Art Studio Pottery Bunny - We shop a lot and this bunny is one of our favorite finds. A precious little thing with a great spirit and energy. A compl...
Category
20th Century Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Pottery
Greenlandica, Figurine of a Polar Bear Carved in Soapstone, Approx. 1960-1970s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Greenlandica, figurine of a polar bear carved in soapstone.
Approx. 1960-1970s.
In good condition, signs of use.
Dimensions: W 13.0 x H 9.0 cm.
Category
1960s Greenlandic Vintage Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Soapstone
Bonbon Chouval "Mini Me Terre"/Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Bonbon Chouval (Horse Biscuit in Creole) was originally a traditional pastry from the island of Martinique. Carelessly shaped as a horse, the biscuits were sold on the village m...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Caribbean Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
$972 / item
Contemporary Hunting Dog Painted Iron Sculpture by José Jerónimo
Located in Coimbra, PT
Hunting Dog by José Jerónimo single piece of art.
Iron sculpture with use of tools and other objects.
Dimensions 22,00 x 10,00 x 42,00 cm
Private collection.
Category
Late 20th Century Portuguese Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Metal, 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
A Cute Labrador Puppy, Door Stop A charming piece for all dog lovers
Located in Godshill, 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
Folk Art Dual Dog Pipe Holder
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Hand-carved wooden pipe holder with twelve slots for pipes (circa 1930s, USA).
Crude design (figures themselves are ambiguously two dogs meeting at the jaws).
Nice patina/age present...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Porte Dogon Terre/Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Traditional Dogon architecture throughout a Dogon village consists of a series of unique and exceptional mud buildings which the Artist, Victor Anicet, featured in an organic sculptural manner in his Porte Dogon...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Caribbean Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
$2,160 / item
Brass Kondh Sculpture of a Tribal Warrior Riding a Beast
By Konda Tribe
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wonderful decorative and heavy cast brass of a warrior horse or beast rider.
The horse and warrior are very modern tribal elongated form.
The tribal ho...
Category
Early 20th Century Indian Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Brass
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
$6,800 Sale Price
20% Off
Bonbon Chouval "Jean"/Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Bonbon Chouval (Horse Biscuit in Creole) was originally a traditional pastry from the island of Martinique. Carelessly shaped as a horse, the biscuits were sold on the village m...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Caribbean Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
$2,196 / item
Boho Hand-Carved Wooden Owl Sculpture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Bring a touch of woodland wisdom to your space with this charming hand-carved wooden owl sculpture. Crafted from solid wood with rich natural grain, this piece features bold, stylize...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Eight Curlews by Guy Taplin
Located in Basildon, GB
An original piece of English folk-art sculpture by the acclaimed British sculptor Guy Taplin (b. 1939). Eight individual wooden birds carved and painted, th...
Category
1990s British Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Driftwood
$16,229
Bonbon Chouval "Bleu Voodoo"/Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Bonbon Chouval (Horse Biscuit in Creole) was originally a traditional pastry from the island of Martinique. Carelessly shaped as a horse, the biscuits were sold on the village m...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Caribbean Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
$2,484 / item
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
Piggy Bank for Charity
Located in Copenhagen, K
Lovely piggy bank with inscription aiming to collect money for the society for children’s footwear. This union was established in 1889 and was still active ...
Category
1910s Danish Vintage Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Fantastic Nantucket Hand Carved and Painted Folk Art Seagull Sculpture
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A wonderful Folk Art carved and hand painted wooden seagull on base having an authentic weathered patina and faded grey, black and yellow color palette.
Category
1950s American Vintage Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wood
$1,516 Sale Price
20% Off
Vintage Coastal Monumental Shell Encrusted Cockatoo
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A truly spectacular example of vintage coastal artistry, this monumental shell-encrusted cockatoo sculpture is a guaranteed conversation starter. Meticulously handcrafted from thousa...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Shell, Wood
19th Century Dutch Carved Monumental Wood Eagle Figure Seated on a Pedestal
Located in Queens, NY
Continental 19th century Dutch life-sized carved wooden eagle figure with open mouth on square pedestal.
Category
19th Century Dutch Antique Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Bonbon Chouval Terre/Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Bonbon Chouval (Horse Biscuit in Creole) was originally a traditional pastry from the island of Martinique. Carelessly shaped as a horse, the biscuits were sold on the village m...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Caribbean Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
$2,484 / item
Antique Cast Bronze of a Mythical Lion Beast
Located in North Hollywood, CA
An antique unusual cast bronze of a Mythical lion beast.
Bursting with character, the lion standing foursquare with his long tail curled back on itse...
Category
Early 20th Century African Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Primitive Architectural Carved Wood Mounted Indian Horse Head
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Primitive architectural carved wood mounted Indian horse head
A beautiful piece of folk architecture from the Indian continent, the horse head was usu...
Category
Late 18th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Pair of Large Vintage Carved Wooden Panthers
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Stunning Pair of Life Size Vintage Carved Hardwood Panthers in a seated pose. Each cat is intricately carved with expressive faces and glass eyes. These are Southeastern Asia in orig...
Category
Mid-20th Century Asian Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Hardwood
$3,900 / set
Vintage Boho Sergio Bustamante Paper Mache Bird on Pedestal
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Make a bold artistic statement with this vintage Sergio Bustamante paper mâché bird sculpture, a whimsical yet elegant creation handcrafted in T...
Category
Late 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Paper
Pair of Scottish Ram in Polychrome Wood, 19 Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Superb pair of rams in polychrome carved wood from Scotland-19th century
Very elegant and unique pair of rams which are almost carved at life size which come from a Manor in Scotl...
Category
19th Century Scottish Antique Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Hardwood
"Ven Dan Vouel" /Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A Unique Representation of the history and travels through the Caribbeans, by the Martinican artist Victor Anicet.
Each sculpture is unique and symbolic and brings a unique and con...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Caribbean Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
$9,000 / item
Unusual Antique Hand Carved African Fertility Primate / Baboon, Gorilla
Located in Buffalo, NY
Unusual Antique Hand Carved African Fertility Primate / Baboon, Gorilla,, Extremely well executed,, all hand carved,, remnants of original hair, bone eyes and teeth detail.
Category
1910s Cameroonian Vintage Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Bone, Wood
Midcentury Pair of Italian Terracotta Lions
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of midcentury Italian lions, male and female crafted in terracotta with a white glaze and painted details looking quite friendly.
Category
20th Century Italian Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
$4,700 / set
Vintage Boho Horse and Rider
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Celebrate movement, strength, and storytelling with this captivating Vintage Boho Horse and Rider Sculpture. Cast in a rich, dark bronze-like metal with fine detail, the sculpture po...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Wauja/ Turuza. Monkey Sculpture, 2021, Brazilian exotic wood
Located in PARIS, FR
La sculpture intitulée "Wauja/Turuza. Singe, 2021" est une œuvre d'art réalisée par l'artiste indigène Turuza, appartenant à l'ethnie Wauja du Haut-Xingu, au Brésil. Fabriquée à part...
Category
2010s Brazilian Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Hardwood
Folk Art Sculpture of the Head of a Seal, South America, 1930´s
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Folk Art sculpture of the head of a seal. South America 1930´s.
The head is mounted over a brass base, as a way to exhibit it.
The head has several crack as you can see on the pictur...
Category
Mid-20th Century Argentine Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Arts and Crafts Leather Model of an Elephant Junior Bull
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Arts and Crafts Leather Model of an Elephant
This is a rare and beautiful find from the early part of the 20th Century, it was made for Liberty and is known as “Junior Bull”
This ...
Category
1930s Vintage Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Leather
American Folk Art Limestone Carving Snake, Shield and Stump
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Detailed American Folk Art limestone carving of a rattle snake wrapped around a tree stump and shield or coat of arms, circa 1870. Found in Tennessee. A very nice heavy and solid piece.
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Limestone
Pivoting Carved Wood Gull on Marble Base
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A wonderful carved wood bird in flight mounted on a bronze arm painted black which attaches to a marble base. The person we acquired this sculpture from claimed that it belonged to h...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Animal Sculptures
W P A Style Terracotta "Bear" Sculpture, Art Deco, Modern
Located in Buffalo, NY
W P A style terracotta "BEAR" sculpture, Art Deco, Modern, charming stylized depiction. Painted, minor chipping (bottom).
Category
1930s Unknown Vintage Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
French Zinc Horse Head, circa 1930
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
French zinc horse head, circa 1930
Category
Early 20th Century European Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Zinc
Hand Carved Goan Indian Elephant
Located in Dallas, TX
Hand painted and carved wooden Indian elephant from Goa.
Intricate detailing.
Category
19th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Bonbon Chouval "Tissage"/Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Bonbon Chouval (Horse Biscuit in Creole) was originally a traditional pastry from the island of Martinique. Carelessly shaped as a horse, the biscuits were sold on the village m...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Caribbean Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
$2,196 / item
Vintage Boho Shanghai Weave Reclining Panda
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Bring a touch of whimsical charm and global flair to your space with this delightful vintage reclining panda figure. Expertly handcrafted using intricate weaving techniques (often as...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
One-of -a-Kind Rooster Sculpture - France, Circa 1960s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Impressive and characterful unique cockerel sculpture made of very heavy iron pieces.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Folk Art Animal Sculptures
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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