Skip to main content

British Colonial Sculptures

BRITISH COLONIAL STYLE

Typically made of mahogany, teak or bamboo and featuring a range of fabrics and prints with botanical patterns, antique British Colonial furniture and decor varies as it involved local materials and techniques and spanned centuries of design styles.

As the British Empire expanded from the 16th to the 20th century, its conquest and control of colonies around the world bolstered its wealth through the extraction of resources. Including colonies in the Americas, Africa, Asia and Australasia, this spread of often violent subjugation imposed British culture, language and faith on Indigenous peoples. The design of homes was included in this expression of imperial power, with government officials, merchants and military officers creating homes mimicking the luxuries they were used to in England.

Local artisans were commissioned to replicate British designs, resulting in versions of Regency, Chippendale, Sheraton and other styles of furniture being crafted from mahogany, rosewood, ebony and teakwood as opposed to beech and oak, which were more common in Europe. Whereas the colonial furniture for the Portuguese and Dutch regularly had motifs of indigenous flora and fauna, the British tended to want more exact reproductions of their home country’s designs.

To escape the summer heat in places such as India and the Caribbean, British colonizers relocated to airy houses in the hills or plantations, leading to foldable chairs and collapsible desks in the style of military campaign furniture. Rather than upholstery as they might have in Europe, chairs and sofas in the British Colonial style had rattan and cane seating for these higher temperature climates. The contrast between the light textiles and the dark colors of the sturdy furniture became a defining aesthetic of British Colonial interiors.

Find a collection of antique British Colonial outdoor furniture, seating, bedroom furniture, decorative objects and other items on 1stDibs.

to
3
28
1
3
25
1
4
8
2
1
2
6,948
4,742
2,981
903
877
718
644
524
473
449
380
246
208
201
91
85
85
77
10
6
6
5
5
26
3
7
6
5
5
4
Height
to
Width
to
29
29
29
2
1
Style: British Colonial
Maitland Smith Jockeys on Horse Bronze Equestrian Racing Statue 18"
Maitland Smith Jockeys on Horse Bronze Equestrian Racing Statue 18"

Maitland Smith Jockeys on Horse Bronze Equestrian Racing Statue 18"

By Maitland Smith

Located in Dayton, OH

Vintage Maitland Smith bronze two jockeys on horses equestrian racing statue featuring leather wrapped base. Dimensions: 17.5" x 9.5" x 15" h

Category

Late 20th Century British Colonial Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Leather Giraffe Sculpture
Leather Giraffe Sculpture

Leather Giraffe Sculpture

Located in Delray Beach, FL

Beautifully hand crafted leather giraffe sculpture. Excellent decorative addition for any home. Expertly crafted. 19.5” tall 11” deep 4.5” wide Would fit in traditional, British c...

Category

Early 20th Century British Colonial Sculptures

Materials

Leather

Maitland Smith Tessilated Marble & Brass Turtle Thinker Obelisk Sculpture 20”
Maitland Smith Tessilated Marble & Brass Turtle Thinker Obelisk Sculpture 20”

Maitland Smith Tessilated Marble & Brass Turtle Thinker Obelisk Sculpture 20”

By Maitland Smith

Located in Dayton, OH

Vintage Maitland Smith stone tesslated marble stone obelisk sculpture standing on the backs of four brass turtles, which in turn sit atop a square pedestal. At the tip of the obelisk sits another brass turtle, anthropomorphized in the position of The Thinker. Marked 198 on base. Hand Made in the...

Category

Late 20th Century British Colonial Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Brass

Carved Wood Colorful Life Size Palm Tree Sculpture
Carved Wood Colorful Life Size Palm Tree Sculpture

Carved Wood Colorful Life Size Palm Tree Sculpture

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Extraordinary tall vintage palm tree sculpture handcrafted in wood carved and paint decorated with leaves, coconuts, trunk, and weighted terra firma base.

Category

20th Century Balinese British Colonial Sculptures

Materials

Hardwood, Paint

Vintage Import Leather Bengal Tiger
Vintage Import Leather Bengal Tiger

Vintage Import Leather Bengal Tiger

Located in Delray Beach, FL

Vintage import leather wrapped bengal tiger. 15” long 7” tall 4” wide. Exquisite details throughout and excellent muscle formation.

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown British Colonial Sculptures

Materials

Leather

English Terracotta Pug Dog Sculpture with Glass Eyes, Early 20th Century
English Terracotta Pug Dog Sculpture with Glass Eyes, Early 20th Century

English Terracotta Pug Dog Sculpture with Glass Eyes, Early 20th Century

Located in Atlanta, GA

English Pug Dog Sculpture In Painted Terracotta, Early 20th Century This engaging figural sculpture depicts a stout, alert pug modeled in a forward-stepping stance, its compact body...

Category

Early 20th Century English British Colonial Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta, Paint

Whimsical Bronze Painted Monkey Butler with Tray
Whimsical Bronze Painted Monkey Butler with Tray

Whimsical Bronze Painted Monkey Butler with Tray

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Whimsical bronze monkey dressed as a butler holding a tray. Perfect for calling cards or your keys.

Category

20th Century British Colonial Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Pair of British Colonial Terracotta Lions
Pair of British Colonial Terracotta Lions

Pair of British Colonial Terracotta Lions

Located in Atlanta, GA

A pair of British colonial terracotta lions. This majestic pair of painted terracotta lions from the early 20th century will bring an air of regalness to any room.

Category

20th Century Indian British Colonial Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Pair of English Brown Leather Boots with Shoe Trees
Pair of English Brown Leather Boots with Shoe Trees

Pair of English Brown Leather Boots with Shoe Trees

Located in Queens, NY

PAIR of English brown leather riding boots with shoe trees

Category

20th Century British British Colonial Sculptures

Materials

Leather

Pair of White Terracotta Lions
Pair of White Terracotta Lions

Pair of White Terracotta Lions

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Whimsical pair of Italian midcentury terracotta male and female lions with a white glaze and painted details. Although hardly ferocious these seated big c...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian British Colonial Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

British Colonial Wood Column on Custom Stand
British Colonial Wood Column on Custom Stand

British Colonial Wood Column on Custom Stand

Located in Atlanta, GA

A single 19th century British Colonial carved wood column with custom Stand. This antique hand carved wooden architectural element from India, ...

Category

19th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Early 20th Century Leather Elephant Sculpture
Early 20th Century Leather Elephant Sculpture

Early 20th Century Leather Elephant Sculpture

Located in Delray Beach, FL

Hand made leather elephant sculpture. Original condition. Likely an Anglo-Indian era import. Faux ivory tusks. Would make a great adornment to a bookshelf or desk. Would fit well i...

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown British Colonial Sculptures

Materials

Leather

Bronze Finish Spelter Bust William Ewart Gladstone FRS FSS
Bronze Finish Spelter Bust William Ewart Gladstone FRS FSS

Bronze Finish Spelter Bust William Ewart Gladstone FRS FSS

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Bronze Finish Spelter Bust William Ewart Gladstone FRS FSS William Ewart Gladstone FRS FSS was of the PrimeMinister of United Kingdom for 12 years, this is very attractive bust, it ...

Category

1960s Vintage British Colonial Sculptures

Materials

Spelter

Rustic Wooden Teak Wood Horse Head Sculpture
Rustic Wooden Teak Wood Horse Head Sculpture

Rustic Wooden Teak Wood Horse Head Sculpture

Located in Queens, NY

Rustic horse head sculpture made of pieces of teak wood secured on a rectangular foot.

Category

19th Century Unknown Antique British Colonial Sculptures

Vintage Hand Crafted Leather Jaguar Sculpture
Vintage Hand Crafted Leather Jaguar Sculpture

Vintage Hand Crafted Leather Jaguar Sculpture

Located in Delray Beach, FL

Beautiful hand crafted leather jaguar. Leather wrapped and hand painted. Beautiful details and life like. 20” long 10.5” tall 6” wide

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown British Colonial Sculptures

Materials

Leather

Large Carved Arab Sculpture with Coffee and Pipe, Vienna, circa 1900
Large Carved Arab Sculpture with Coffee and Pipe, Vienna, circa 1900

Large Carved Arab Sculpture with Coffee and Pipe, Vienna, circa 1900

Located in Berghuelen, DE

Large Carved Arab Sculpture with Coffee and Pipe, Vienna, circa 1900 A masterly carved wooden statue of an Arab drinking coffee and smoking his pipe. An antique shop...

Category

Early 20th Century Austrian British Colonial Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Facing Pair of Early to Mid-20th Century Regal, Majolica Lion Figures
Facing Pair of Early to Mid-20th Century Regal, Majolica Lion Figures

Facing Pair of Early to Mid-20th Century Regal, Majolica Lion Figures

Located in Palm Beach, FL

A pair of very regal seated Majolica lions, a white glaze over a terracotta base, great condition, with some of the terracotta showing through the glaze,...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage British Colonial Sculptures

Materials

Pottery

Brass Palm Tree Sculpture
Brass Palm Tree Sculpture

Brass Palm Tree Sculpture

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Brass banana tree or palm tree sculpture with a custom burnished bronze like finish, removable leaves, a weighted base decorated with floral designs,...

Category

20th Century Italian British Colonial Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Limited Edition Cast Elephant by Louis Paul Jonas
Limited Edition Cast Elephant by Louis Paul Jonas

Limited Edition Cast Elephant by Louis Paul Jonas

By Louis Paul Jonas

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Limited edition cast elephant that captures the essence of these noble animals. This composition edition is presented on a classical wood base signed Louis Paul Jonas...

Category

20th Century American British Colonial Sculptures

Materials

Composition

Tole Military Hat Trade Sign on Lucite
Tole Military Hat Trade Sign on Lucite

Tole Military Hat Trade Sign on Lucite

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Trade sign depicting an 18th century British officer's hat with a weathered finish and presented on a custom Lucite stand.

Category

20th Century English British Colonial Sculptures

Materials

Tôle

Pair of Sea Fan Sculptures
Pair of Sea Fan Sculptures

Pair of Sea Fan Sculptures

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Pair of sea fan sculptures crafted or dipped in silvered metal with amazing accuracy and presented on classic form lacquered stands. Signed Eduardo Garza...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American British Colonial Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Glass Beaded Parrot Sculpture
Glass Beaded Parrot Sculpture

Glass Beaded Parrot Sculpture

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Glass beaded parrot sculpture ambitiously crafted with glass beads and perched on a custom wood, brass, and Lucite stand.

Category

20th Century South African British Colonial Sculptures

Carved Coral Bowl or Planter
Carved Coral Bowl or Planter

Carved Coral Bowl or Planter

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Here is a large piece of bowl coral with its bleached white color and sea inspired texture, carved and repurposed as a bowl or planter. Available only in the United States of Americ...

Category

20th Century American British Colonial Sculptures

Materials

Coral

Antique Rustic Anglo-Indian Candleholder
Antique Rustic Anglo-Indian Candleholder

Antique Rustic Anglo-Indian Candleholder

Located in Sheffield, MA

The large sculptural antique rustic Anglo-Indian candleholder made from architectural element. Carved hardwood with an indented metal disk and spike or pricket for candles with extra...

Category

Late 19th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Sculptures

Materials

Hardwood

E 11 R Gold Monogrammed on Teak, from a Royal Vessel  This interesting piece
E 11 R Gold Monogrammed on Teak, from a Royal Vessel  This interesting piece

E 11 R Gold Monogrammed on Teak, from a Royal Vessel This interesting piece

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

E 11 R Gold Monogrammed on Teak, from a Royal Vessel This interesting piece probably came from one of the Tenders for a Royal Craft, it is 3 dimensional and it is carved, about 70 ...

Category

1950s Vintage British Colonial Sculptures

Materials

Teak

Pair of Eclectic 20th Century British Colonial Terracotta Elephants in Pale Pink
Pair of Eclectic 20th Century British Colonial Terracotta Elephants in Pale Pink

Pair of Eclectic 20th Century British Colonial Terracotta Elephants in Pale Pink

Located in Atlanta, GA

A pair of British colonial terracotta elephants from the early 20th century, India, with nicely rendered details. These eclectic statues have a very subtle, nicely aged, layer of pal...

Category

20th Century Indian British Colonial Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Vintage Boho Hand Painted Ceramic Military Figure
Vintage Boho Hand Painted Ceramic Military Figure

Vintage Boho Hand Painted Ceramic Military Figure

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Bring a touch of refined whimsy and historical charm to your decor with this hand-painted vintage ceramic military figure. Dressed in an 18th-century style tricorne hat and regal blue and pink coat, this figurine holds a spyglass, poised as if surveying a distant horizon. The bold colors, expressive face, and classic detailing make it a delightful accent for bookcases, desktops, or curio cabinets—perfect for lovers of antique militaria...

Category

Mid-20th Century American British Colonial Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Related Items
Large Vintage Italian Ceramic Tiger, 1970s
Large Vintage Italian Ceramic Tiger, 1970s

Large Vintage Italian Ceramic Tiger, 1970s

$1,359

H 35.44 in W 20.48 in D 13.39 in

Large Vintage Italian Ceramic Tiger, 1970s

Located in Asaa, DK

Large Vintage Italian Ceramic Tiger, 1970s. A stunning large hand painted ceramic animal sculpture of a sitting tiger. Very lifelike and anatomi...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage British Colonial Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Bronze Polo Player Statue - Horse Jockey Casting
Bronze Polo Player Statue - Horse Jockey Casting

Bronze Polo Player Statue - Horse Jockey Casting

Located in Potters Bar, GB

Stunning English Bronze statue showing polo player on a bucking bronze Stands in at over two feet tall so an impressive work The patina to the bronze is superb and this is ready to d...

Category

1980s Vintage British Colonial Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Terracotta Pug Dog
Terracotta Pug Dog

Terracotta Pug Dog

$6,250

H 13 in W 9 in D 6 in

Terracotta Pug Dog

Located in New York, NY

Charming Victorian English terracotta pug dog with realistic rust color buckle collar. Adorable ears!

Category

19th Century English Antique British Colonial Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Hand Carved & Hand Painted Rooster Sculpture
Hand Carved & Hand Painted Rooster Sculpture

Hand Carved & Hand Painted Rooster Sculpture

$895

H 14.5 in W 14 in D 6.5 in

Hand Carved & Hand Painted Rooster Sculpture

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Hand carved & hand painted rooster sculpture. Very folky rooster.

Category

20th Century American British Colonial Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Leather Giraffe Sculpture
Leather Giraffe Sculpture

Leather Giraffe Sculpture

$550

H 18 in W 4 in D 10 in

Leather Giraffe Sculpture

Located in Denton, TX

Beautiful sculpted leather giraffe sculpture. Great decorative addition for a bookshelf.

Category

Mid-20th Century British Colonial Sculptures

Materials

Leather

Large Vintage Italian Hand Made Glazed Ceramic Tiger Sculpture
Large Vintage Italian Hand Made Glazed Ceramic Tiger Sculpture

Large Vintage Italian Hand Made Glazed Ceramic Tiger Sculpture

Located in Vilnius, LT

Vintage Italian ceramic tiger sculpture, from 1980's. Hand crafted sculpture of sitting tiger is created in glazed and hand painted ceramic. Very good/excellent vintage condition.

Category

20th Century Italian British Colonial Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

18th Century, Spanish Conquistador Carved Wood Figure
18th Century, Spanish Conquistador Carved Wood Figure

18th Century, Spanish Conquistador Carved Wood Figure

Located in Houston, TX

18th century Spanish Conquistador carved wood figure. 18th century Carved and painted wood Spanish Conquistador figure or sculpture. This beautif...

Category

18th Century Spanish Antique British Colonial Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Antique Bronze Sculpture of a Scottie Dog - Early 20th Century
Antique Bronze Sculpture of a Scottie Dog - Early 20th Century

Antique Bronze Sculpture of a Scottie Dog - Early 20th Century

Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant

A lovely bronze animal sculpture. This charming bronze sculpture depicts a characterful terrier, most likely a Scottish Terrier, captured in an alert and proud stance. Crafted in the...

Category

1920s French Vintage British Colonial Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Mid Century Brass and Marble Obelisk by Maitland-Smith
Mid Century Brass and Marble Obelisk by Maitland-Smith

Mid Century Brass and Marble Obelisk by Maitland-Smith

By Maitland Smith

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Standout vintage obelisk crafted in brass and rouge marble in a modern stylized form on ball feet. Signed Maitland-Smith on the bottom.

Category

20th Century Philippine British Colonial Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Brass

Hand Carved Wood Bear Head Nutcracker Brienz Switzerland
Hand Carved Wood Bear Head Nutcracker Brienz Switzerland

Hand Carved Wood Bear Head Nutcracker Brienz Switzerland

Located in Berghuelen, DE

Hand Carved Wood Bear Head Nutcracker Brienz, Switzerland A wooden carved nutcracker with a bear head. It is a fine antique Black Forest woodcarving ...

Category

Early 20th Century Swiss British Colonial Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Vintage Italian Glazed Terra Cotta Tiger
Vintage Italian Glazed Terra Cotta Tiger

Vintage Italian Glazed Terra Cotta Tiger

$5,350

H 32 in W 20 in D 12 in

Vintage Italian Glazed Terra Cotta Tiger

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Striking mid century tiger sculpture crafted in terra cotta, hand decorated in vivid colors and glazed. Stamped Italy on the bottom.

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian British Colonial Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Previously Available Items
Pair of 19th Century Decorative Elephants
Pair of 19th Century Decorative Elephants

Pair of 19th Century Decorative Elephants

Located in Gloucestershire, GB

Pair of large 19th Century Anglo-Indian, very important, wooden elephants with Kashmir work. With the quality and scale of these magnificent items, they were quite possibly made for ...

Category

Mid-19th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Sculptures

Materials

Wood, Paint

Group of Three Orange Sea Fans on Lucite, Priced Individually
Group of Three Orange Sea Fans on Lucite, Priced Individually

Group of Three Orange Sea Fans on Lucite, Priced Individually

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Lofty group of three organic sea fans each with its ocean inspired form, texture and alluring orange colors. Presented on lucite bases to enhance the sculptural charm. Priced individ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Solomon Islands British Colonial Sculptures

Materials

Other

Cast Iron Bookends of Colorful Cockatoos- Set of 2
Cast Iron Bookends of Colorful Cockatoos- Set of 2

Cast Iron Bookends of Colorful Cockatoos- Set of 2

Located in Ross, CA

Cast Iron cockatoo bookends made in the second half of the 20th century. Cast iron settings for cockatoos hand painted and perched on top.

Category

1980s Unknown Vintage British Colonial Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Maitland Smith Bronze Monkey Basket Votive Candle Holder Toothpick Pen Holder 8"
Maitland Smith Bronze Monkey Basket Votive Candle Holder Toothpick Pen Holder 8"

Maitland Smith Bronze Monkey Basket Votive Candle Holder Toothpick Pen Holder 8"

By Maitland Smith

Located in Dayton, OH

Late 20th century bronze figurine / votive candholder / toothpick / pen holder / library bookend in the shape of a monkey / chimpanzee wearing a red vest, carrying a cylindrical bask...

Category

Late 20th Century British Colonial Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

After Joseph Pitts, Parian Bust of F.A. Cox, 1854
After Joseph Pitts, Parian Bust of F.A. Cox, 1854

After Joseph Pitts, Parian Bust of F.A. Cox, 1854

Located in Astoria, NY

After Joseph Pitts (English, active 1830-1870), A Parian Ware Bust of F[rancis]. A[ugustus]. Cox (English, 1783 - 1853), signed "Jos.h Pitts, SC / London / 1854" to left side, and in...

Category

Mid-20th Century European British Colonial Sculptures

Materials

Marble

Vintage Bronze Indian Circus Elephant Figurine Sculpture Statue Paperweight 9"
Vintage Bronze Indian Circus Elephant Figurine Sculpture Statue Paperweight 9"

Vintage Bronze Indian Circus Elephant Figurine Sculpture Statue Paperweight 9"

Located in Dayton, OH

Late 20th century bronze figurine in the shape of an Indian elephant, dressed in tasseled cap and saddle blanket, ready for a circus performance. Bottoms of all feet padded with felt...

Category

Late 20th Century British Colonial Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Large White Table Coral Sculpture on Lucite
Large White Table Coral Sculpture on Lucite

Large White Table Coral Sculpture on Lucite

Sold

H 22.5 in W 19.5 in D 15 in

Large White Table Coral Sculpture on Lucite

By FS Henemader Antiques, Inc.

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Striking white coral sculpture or assemblage hand crafted in sustainable staghorn and table coral with its sea inspired forms and textures. Presented on a...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Solomon Islands British Colonial Sculptures

Materials

Coral

Large Blue Coral Sculpture on Lucite
Large Blue Coral Sculpture on Lucite

Large Blue Coral Sculpture on Lucite

Sold

H 14 in W 24 in D 16 in

Large Blue Coral Sculpture on Lucite

By FS Henemader Antiques, Inc.

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Enchanting blue coral sculpture or assemblage hand crafted in sustainable organic blue coral with its alluring blue color and sea inspired form. Presented...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Solomon Islands British Colonial Sculptures

Materials

Coral

Large Blue Coral Sculpture on Lucite
Large Blue Coral Sculpture on Lucite

Large Blue Coral Sculpture on Lucite

Sold

H 16 in W 21 in D 11 in

Large Blue Coral Sculpture on Lucite

By FS Henemader Antiques, Inc.

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Inspired blue coral sculpture or assemblage hand crafted in sustainable organic blue coral with alluring periwinkle color and sea inspired form. P...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Solomon Islands British Colonial Sculptures

Materials

Coral

British Colonial sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique British Colonial 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 sculptures created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, building and garden elements, folk art and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, ceramic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used British Colonial sculptures made in a specific country, there are Europe, Asia, and United Kingdom pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original sculptures, popular names associated with this style include Maitland Smith, James Hinks & Son, Joseph Hinks & Sons, and Louis Paul Jonas. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for sculptures differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $180 and tops out at $25,000 while the average work can sell for $3,200.