Folk Art Sculptures
FOLK ART STYLE
Folk art is a genre of art that shares the creator’s traditions, offering not just an artistic display but an opportunity to learn about a culture. Antique, new and vintage folk art typically reflects a heritage or location. It can include utilitarian objects and handmade art as diverse as weather vanes, duck decoys, portraiture and paintings, carnival art and quilts.
Quilts are a quintessential part of American folk art but their roots are international, with quilting dating back to Ancient Egypt. The practice spread to Europe and was especially prominent in the Middle Ages, with one of the oldest surviving examples being the Tristan quilt made in Sicily in the 14th century. They were made as bedcovers and clothing, including as a layer for knights to wear beneath their armor. Native American folk art includes functional objects reflecting their heritage, such as baskets, textiles and wooden pieces.
Elsewhere, the vast range of work associated with Mexican folk art includes masks made by Mexican craftspeople for traditional celebrations and ceremonial dances. Mexican masks are part of the country’s folk-art traditions that go back thousands of years and play a role in festivals and theater.
Works in the folk art tradition are valuable because of the skills involved, like weaving, hand-carving wood and even stonework. Many folk artists are self-taught, while some train as apprentices within their community. By using available materials and taking a personal approach to their creations, artists ensure each piece is unique and conveys a story.
During the Great Depression, artistic materials in America were hard to come by, so artisans used discarded wood from cigar boxes and shipping crates to make highly stylized, notched pieces — most often picture frames and boxes — that are today sought after by collectors. This folk art style is called tramp art and was popular from roughly 1870 until the 1940s.
Folk art brings vibrant culture and traditions into your home. Browse an extensive collection of antique, new and vintage folk art on 1stDibs.
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Style: Folk Art
Large Sculpture Hand Carved in Mahogany of Sleeping Man with Large Hat
By Alberto Oliva
Located in Mexico, DF
Beautifully hand carved sculpture of sleeping man with large "Sombrero", signed by "Olvera México". The sculpture was carved in two separate chunks of Mahogany, one for the hat and a...
Category
1960s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage Folk Art Carved Wood Parrot on Stick Tropical Bird Figurine Sculpture
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage brightly painted carved wood figurine of a parrot, perched on a dowel rod.
Category
Late 20th Century Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Hardwood, Paint
Jim Rose Barn House Structure, Welded Steel Sculpture Made with Salvaged Steel
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
This is a welded steel sculpture made by furniture creator Jim Rose. It is sustainable design created from salvaged and recycled steel panels left over from his larger projects. These sculptures reference traditional American Folk Art barn...
Category
2010s American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Steel
Life Size Papier Mache Elephant
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Life size elephant made to celebrate the visit of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej's visit to Chiang Mai in the 70's.
Chiang Mail is famous for its pap...
Category
1970s Thai Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Paper
Pair of Faux Bois Iron Log Sculptures
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of Faux Bois iron log sculptures.
Unusual vintage pair of faux bois iron log planters or sculptures. This unique pair of faux bois sculptures would...
Category
Mid-20th Century Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Jim Rose Barn House Structure, Welded Steel Sculpture Made with Salvaged Steel
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
This is a welded steel sculpture made by furniture creator Jim Rose. It is sustainable design created from salvaged and recycled steel panels left over from his larger projects. These sculptures reference traditional American Folk Art barn...
Category
2010s American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Steel
Cornish Carved Serpentine Stoneware Model of a Lighthouse
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stylish Cornish carved red serpentine stone ware model of a lighthouse dating from the early to mid 20th Century. The lighthouse is carved from a single piece of stone with the bas...
Category
20th Century English Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Serpentine
Antique Folk Art Swedish Handmade Toy Horse
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique hand-made toy horse in folk art from Sweden. The horse is from the late 1800s and in good vintage condition with traces and marks of use. The horse is made by hand in pine an...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Pine
Monumental Antique Architectural Wood Carving Perched Eagle Bird
Located in Forney, TX
I think it's safe to say you have never seen a bird this big before!
A rare, nearly 8ft tall, one-of-a-kind antique architectural hand carved wood sculptural element, in the form ...
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Vintage Felipe Benito Archuleta Style Wooden Watermelon Folk Art
By Felipe Archuleta
Located in Charleston, SC
A vintage folk art watermelon which has been carved from wood and hand painted. This piece is attributed to master New Mexican carving artist Felip Archuleta, who carved animals, wat...
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Paint
Large Sculpture Made of Handwoven Palm Leaves with Two Spheres
Located in West Hollywood, CA
These large hand-woven palm sculptures are made from natural palm and provide rustic, organic modern, contemporary design for any home decor. Their unique woven pattern is sure to ad...
Category
2010s Mexican Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Palmwood
Early 1950’s Italian Wood Pinocchio Folk Art Toy Sculpture
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large Antique Articulated Wood Pinocchio Toy Figure, Early 1950’s Italy
Oversized Italian wooden sculpture, that later became the famous and popular Disney character has articulated...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Woven Grounds Chair, Prototype, Award Winning by Vanessa Lee Jackson/ Sculpture
By Oliver Lee Jackson
Located in Buffalo, NY
Woven Grounds Chair, prototype. Award winning by Vanessa Lee Jackson/ sculpture.
narrate my version of beauty through traditional practices of craft. I a...
Category
2010s Canadian Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Antique Lathed Turned Wood Drill Bit Holder & Bits, As Found Sculpture Object
Located in Rochester, NY
Antique American lathe turned wood drill bit holder with drill bits. Bits are not fixed and can put in many different positions. Measure 17" high x 7" acr...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Large Vintage Cast Iron Black and White Piggy Money Bank Cow
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large Vintage cast iron black and white piggy money bank cow.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Mounted Submarine Toilet Humor Sculpture
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
There’s trench art, and then there’s toilet humor - this is a little bit of both! Creative & fun sculpture composed of a copper toilet float, mounted on a small piece of hard driftwo...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Copper
Large 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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Carved Wooden Dog Head Statue Sculpture Bust, Vintage Austria, circa 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Adorable unique wood carved head. Austria, 1920s or older. Ideal decoration item, Hand carved from one piece of solid wood. Nice display piece in any room. Found at an Estate Sale in...
Category
1920s Austrian Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Large Sculpture Made of Handwoven Palm Leaves
Located in West Hollywood, CA
These large hand-woven palm sculptures are made from natural palm and provide rustic, organic modern, contemporary design for any home decor. Their unique woven pattern is sure to ad...
Category
2010s Mexican Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Palmwood
Charming Northern Swedish Handmade Folk Art Wooden Figurines
Located in Kramfors, SE
Charming hand-carved wooden figurines in folk art from northern Sweden. The set of 6 figurines are made by hand in solid Swedish pine and painted by My...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Pine
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 Sculptures
Materials
Clay, Earthenware
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 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 Sculptures
Materials
Clay, Earthenware
Pipe Smoking Standing Vintage German Yard or Garden Gnome Statue, 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous character ceramic figural gnome statue. This character statue has been made in Germany, in the 1920s or older. Absolutely gorgeous item with lo...
Category
1920s German Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Earthenware
Carved Wood Falcon Sculpture 1960s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Handmade carved wood Falcon sculpture 1960s.
Vintage Seri Ironwood Animal Hand-Carved Sculpture of a American Eagle or Falcon.
Vintage Hand carved walnut wooden beautiful design decorative bird falcon sculpture.
Carved wood figure of an Eagle sculpture from the 1960s. Eagle figure perched on a wooden trunk would be a great eye-catcher in any room or interior.
Excellent condition.
Natural dark brown color.
Dimensions: 9" H x 5".
Vintage hand carved Ironwood Southwestern seri sculpture of an eagle or falcon.
Ironwood hand carved falcon sculpture.
Hand crafted in amazing detail from one of earth's hardest natural ironwood.
This is an authentic art piece crafted in the Sonoran Desert from native Olneya ironwood.
Found almost exclusively in the desert of Arizona, this tree is truly one of nature's wonders.
North American Southwestern desert ironwood gets its name from its amazing hardness and heavy weight (similar to petrified wood).
Though this wood is very difficult to work, it is meticulously carved and etched to reveal incredible detail, in very nice polished heavy dark wood, no dents with a smooth finish over all excellent condition with beautiful visible wood grains.
circa 1970.
From Wikipedia: "Mexican ironwood carvings...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Pipe Smoking Resting Vintage German Yard or Garden Gnome Statue, 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous character ceramic figural gnome statue. This character statue has been made in Germany, in the 1920s or older. Absolutely gorgeous item with lo...
Category
1920s German Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Earthenware
Vintage German Yard or Garden Gnome with Frog Statue, 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous character ceramic figural gnome statue. This character statue has been made in Germany, in the 1910s or older. Absolutely gorgeous item with lo...
Category
1910s German Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Earthenware
Vintage Hand Carved Hard-Wood Elephant Sculpture
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage hand carved hard wood elephant sculpture.
Large heavy ebony dark wood hand carved Anglo Indian elephant sculpture.
Gorgeous vintage black hand carv...
Category
Mid-20th Century Indian Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Hardwood
Early 19th Century French Hand Carved Theatre Figure
Located in London, GB
Early 19th century French Hand Carved Theatre Figure
Quite simply this is one of our favourite items uncovered. A hand carved polychrome painted Paris/French theatre fragment in ...
Category
1820s French Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Timber man Vintage German Yard or Garden Gnome Statue, 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous character ceramic figural gnome statue. This character statue has been made in Germany, in the 1910s or older. Absolutely gorgeous item with lo...
Category
1910s German Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Earthenware
Vintage Cuban Papier Mache Car Sculptures 'Almendrones' Set of 3
By Lladró Atelier, Jonathan Adler
Located in San Diego, CA
With a combination of 1940s and 1950s cars (called almendrones or yank tanks), Cuba is probably the only country in the world where car lovers can admire old American car design. Thi...
Category
1990s Cuban Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Paper
Matching Couple / Pair Large Polychromed Burmese Nat Temple Dancers
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Absolutely rare and beautiful couple of two large matching polychromed Burmese temple dances from the 19th century hand-carved out of a piece of teak.
These two dancers are a great ...
Category
Early 20th Century Burmese Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Teak
Large 19th Century Polychromed Statue of a Burmese Nat Temple Dancer
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Absolutely beautiful large polychromed Burmese temple dancer from the 19th century hand carved out of a piece of teak. Very decorative piece of art. 127 cm / 50 Inches tall. Please n...
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Teak
Large 19th Century Polychromed Statue of a Burmese Nat Temple Dancer
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Absolutely beautiful large polychromed Burmese temple dancer from the 19th century hand-carved out of a piece of teak.
Very decorative piece of art. 127 cm / 50 Inches tall.
Pleas...
Category
Mid-19th Century Burmese Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Teak
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 Sculptures
Materials
Copper
Moroccan Decorative Dragon Sculpture Handbuilt and Handpainted by Potter Houda
Located in Marseille, FR
- Hand built decorative dragon sculpture
- made of clay collected from the potter's surroundings.
- decorative motifs painted with a goat hair brush made by the potter to apply nat...
Category
2010s Moroccan Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Clay, Earthenware
Folk Art Wood See-Saw
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This vintage wooden horsehead see-saw teeter-totter from the 1940s is a unique piece of Americana. The remnants of old gray, red, and blue paint add to its vintage charm, making it a great decorative sculpture for any room. However, due to its age it is not recommended for children to use as a toy. This teeter-totter is a rare find of vintage Americana.
Category
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Early 19th Century Spanish Colonial Mexico Polychrome Santo Altar Figure
Located in Forney, TX
A wonderful rare large hand carved and painted Spanish Colonial Mexican santo altar figure, Saint Michael the Archangel standing over d...
Category
Early 19th Century Mexican Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Early 20th Century American Double Sided Whirligig Figure
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century American double sided whirligig figure
A brilliant example of early 20th century American Folk Art. In the form of a hand carved wooden double sided whirligig f...
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Pine
19th Century French Wooden Decoration
Located in High Point, NC
A wooden sculpture of a horse made in 19th century France. A horse mid-gallop has been frozen in time by the immaculate sculpting of 19th century artisans. I...
Category
19th Century French Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Asian Gilt Bronze Teppanom Kneeling Thai Sacred Angels
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Two Asian gilt bronze Teppanom kneeling Thai sacred angels.
Bronze gilded temple guardians in a sitting position. These temple guardians were made in Th...
Category
Mid-20th Century Thai Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
"Protector One" Folk Art Crow Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
Richly textured with whimsical appeal, this late 20th century wooden crow is a delightful example of naive American sculpture. Poised mid-caw, the crow's wings are outstretched, read...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Antique Swedish Folk Art hand carved Wooden Horse
Located in Kramfors, SE
Swedish antique wooden horse in folk art from northern Sweden. The horse was carved by hand from solid Swedish pine around 1860 to 1880 and is fr...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Pine
Vintage Central European Figurative Sculpture
Located in High Point, NC
This cheery and enigmatic figure stands in a natural contrapposto pose, with her arms clasped above her head as if to shield her eyes from the sun. Made in Central Europe, the concre...
Category
20th Century Czech Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Concrete
19th Century Carved American Eagle
Located in Nantucket, MA
Small eagle wall plaque, spread winged, clutching an American unoin shield standing a rocky plinth. Carved from a single piece of Pine with the original polychrome and gilding with a...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Pine, Giltwood
Whale Whirligig by Lincoln Ceely, circa 1940s
Located in Nantucket, MA
Whale Whirligig by Lincoln Ceely, circa 1940s
Carved and painted sperm whale whirligig,
in its original black paint, with carved teeth
and tack eyes, signed on the base, appropiat...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Pine
Late 19th Century Sheet Iron and Metal Trotting Horse Weathervane
Located in Incline Village, NV
Late 19th century sheet iron and metal "Trotting Horse" weathervane. It has a nice weathered color and patina and is very authentic with six "healthy" bullet holes to boot.
I basi...
Category
1890s Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Sheet Metal
Henry Munyaradzi Signed African Zimbabwean Shona Figurative Stone Sculpture
Located in Studio City, CA
A beautiful, wonderfully executed sculpture by renowned African sculptor/artist Henry Munyaradzi (1931-1998). He was also known as Henry Mudzengerere/...
Category
20th Century Zimbabwean Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Stone
Beautiful Lot of Three Gnome Elf Snowbaby Bisque German Antique Christmas 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A lovely set of three Santa Gnomes or Elves, made in Germany in the early 20th Century. Found at an estate sale in Nuremberg, Germany. They are made of Bisque Porcelain and are not marked. A nice addition to your Christmas collection...
Category
Early 1900s German Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
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 Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
Full Body Weathervane of American Indian Warrior
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Americana folk art copper weathervane circa early 20th century. The full-bodied piece depicts a Native American warrior in feather headdress and a wide belt shooting an arrow from...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Copper
Carved Narwhal by Frank Finney
By Frank Finney
Located in Nantucket, MA
Carved and painted by master carver and folk artist Frank Finney. The narwhal has glass eyes and is upright mounted on a wave, which is mounted on a stepped mahogany base
Signed "Fi...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Mahogany, Pine
Vintage 1970s Cocobolo Rosewood Female Sculpture Rocking Chair
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredibly unique and striking sculptured chair. An incredible achievement in carved wood, this chair is more than utilitarian, but a piece of art. The incredible carved detailing in...
Category
1970s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Rosewood
Sandstone Carving of a Peregrine Falcon
Located in Nantucket, MA
Masterfuly carved Peregrine Falcon, depicted on a stump, showing a nice contrast pof mixed polish and rough contrast, with inserted black stone eyes
Unknown maker.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Sandstone
Large Gold Leaf Fish Weathervane
Located in Nantucket, MA
Unusually large full-bodied copper codfish, molded sheet copper fins with soldering, and a iron barbel. Original gold leaf surface, with minor dents and surface wear, showing some ve...
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Copper, Gold Leaf
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 Sculptures
Materials
Brass, Copper
Decorative Iron Horse Head
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Dark greenish black iron. Hollow cast with open back and a stand. Hole in the muzzle. Very good condition with good weight.
H. 13 3/4", Depth 3 1/2", L. 9 3/4"
Please see photos f...
Category
20th Century Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Large Modernist Abstract Kinetic Metal Hanging Sculpture
By Yaacov Agam
Located in Buffalo, NY
Large 60" x 60" Modernist Abstract kinetic metal hanging sculpture. Attributed to Yaacov Agam. Eight metal squares graduating in size. Sculpture has been outside for 40-50 years show...
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Folk Art sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique folk art 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, folk art, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art 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 sculptures, popular names associated with this style include Tonala Pottery, Victor Anicet, Jim Rose, and Sergio Bustamante. 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 $39 and tops out at $72,500 while the average work can sell for $1,495.