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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
20th Century Terracotta Diana Goddess of the Hunt Bust France 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This is an impressive bust formed with terracotta of Diana Goddess of the Hunt. This beautiful sculpture is hand formed, 20th century. Signed by Artist but can not identify the maker...
Category

Early 20th Century German Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta, Ceramic

Large Antique Painted Folk Art Pike Trade Sign, Fish Monger’s Metal Shop Sign
Located in Lisse, NL
Kindly note that we arrange the shipping ourselves to ensure a smooth, secure, and reliable delivery. This allows us to provide the best possible service and care for your purchase. ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Zinc

1991 Jose Rodriguez Fuster "Guajiros Con Caballo" Ceramic #5 Sculpture, Cuba
By José Rodríguez Fuster
Located in San Carlos, CA
For Sale: Exquisite Ceramic Folk Art by Jose Rodriguez Fuster "Guajiros Con Caballo" Ceramic #5 (1991) We are delighted to offer a stunning piece of ceramic folk art by the renowned...
Category

1990s Cuban Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

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 Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

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 Sculptures

Materials

Oak, Paint

Beautiful Wooden Metal coated Tang-Style Horse, Vintage Asia, 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful decorative horse statue. Some wear with a nice patina, but this is old-age. Wooden horse coated with metal. Very decorative and nice to display ...
Category

1980s Chinese Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Seresier Louis-Juste Haitian Cut Steel Sculpture Spirit God & Birds
Located in Rochester, NY
Seresier Louis-Juste ( Haitian / Croix des Bouquets, b. 1952 ) recycled sculpted cut steel standing sculpture of a Loa / Lwa ( a spirit god in the voodoo religion of Haiti ) and bird...
Category

1970s Haitian Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Steel

Painted French Tole Mushroom Decoration
Located in Houston, TX
Painted French tole mushroom decoration for planters or gardens. Circa 1950s. Probably originally created as a prop for a Parisian department store window or a theater. Twenty-six in...
Category

1950s French Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Steel

Early English Cast Iron Pointer Setter Dog Door Stop
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
English 1930's cast iron door stop of a pointer setter dog with original paint. This sculpture has fantastic patina with great age and wear. Wonderful addition to an existing collect...
Category

Early 20th Century English Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Large Heavy Shiva Lignam Fertility Banalinga Stone Brahmanda Egg
Located in Dayton, OH
Shiva Lingam is a crypto-crystalline member of the Quartz family. This heavy stone is found in only one of seven sacred Indian rivers. Villagers visit the Narmada River in Onkar Mand...
Category

Late 20th Century Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Stone

24" Tall Antique Swedish Large Wooden Horse Carved Hand-Painted 19th Century
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Tall antique Swedish horse in carved wood with original patinated paint in off-white color with blue dots. Made circa end of the 19th century. Th...
Category

1890s Swedish Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Leather, 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 Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

Hand-Painted Large Faience Figures: Pair French Lions, Luneville c.1800
Located in Katonah, NY
This large pair of French faience lions was hand-painted at the Luneville factory in France circa 1800. They feature bold yellow and black manes, wide...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Faience

Arts & Crafts Folk Art Chandelier w Music Making & Dancing Sculptures, Great Fun
Located in Lisse, NL
Unique and all handcrafted, practical size antique circular chandelier. Some chances you only get once in your life and that is exactly what we thought when we first saw this unique...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Iron

20th Century American Folk Art Carved Stop Sign
Located in Chicago, IL
A 20th century American Folk Art hand-carved and painted wood stop sign mounted on a custom steel stand.
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wood, Paint

Stunning German Yard or Garden Gnome Statue, Antique Germany 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous character ceramic figural gnome statue. This character statue has been made by a unknown Company in Germany, in the 1910s or older. Absolutely gorgeous item with lots of c...
Category

1950s German Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

South Indian Life Sized Carved Polychrome Peacock Sculpture Statue
Located in Dayton, OH
20th century South Indian carved and painted peacock statue. Hand carved on a plinth base. Features bright colors of yellow, green, red and orange. A la...
Category

20th Century Indian Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Hardwood, Paint

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 Sculptures

Materials

Blown Glass, Art Glass

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 Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Horse Head Trade Sign, Last Quarter of the 19th Century
Located in York County, PA
An exceptional, painted American trade sign made from carved wood in the full-bodied form of a race horse’s head. Wonderful movement, tremendous f...
Category

19th Century American Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Found and Salvaged Steel Industrial Objects on Wooden Base
Located in Chicago, IL
Jim Rose, known primarily for his steel furniture, was an avid collector and scoured salvage yards for unique, interesting items. Here, a beautifully rusted tobacco box, a steel egg...
Category

2010s American Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Steel

Hand Carved 20th Century Wooden Musician Figure by ANRI, Italy
By ANRI
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful hand carved wooden Figure, found at an estate sale in Germany. We believe that this piece is from around 1990s, because it's dated at the base like seen in picture. A nice ...
Category

1990s Italian Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Rare Pair of Fireman's Axe Parade Torches
Located in York County, PA
Rare pair of fireman’s axe parade torches, 1860-1880: Pair of fireman’s axe parade torches with traditional wooden axe handles and the heads made o...
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures

Mexican Dia De Los Muertos Day of the Dead La Catrina Folk Art Figure Sculpture
Located in Studio City, CA
A quite wonderful Mexican Day of the Dead (Dia De Los Muertos festival held throughout Mexico) La Catrina symbolic skeleton figure. La Catrina is the festival’s most recognizable image/figure. She is the model of a high-society woman who has met Death, her maker. She represents something between the fear induced by her skeletal form and the revelry exhibited by the comical way she is typically portrayed, making her a perfect symbol of the Mexican holiday. She often appears in paintings, window displays, and costumes all around Mexico during the Day of the Dead festivities. La Catrina was originally conceived in the early 1900s by newspaper illustrator and printmaker José Guadalupe Posada...
Category

20th Century Mexican Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Textile, Wood, Paper

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 Sculptures

Materials

Wood

A Mounted 17th Century Folk Art Brass Bassinoire Cover from France
Located in Buisson, FR
This pierced brass decorative element from France was originally the cover of a bassinoire from the 1600s. A bassinoire is a device where hot coals are inserted into a vented recept...
Category

17th Century French Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Carved Wooden African Head
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wonderful hand carved head of Hardwood. A stunning sculpted and carved piece. A stand alone decorative piece or can be used as a large book end. Trul...
Category

20th Century African Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wood, Hardwood

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 Cat Sculpture Handbuilt and Handpainted by Potter Houda
Located in Marseille, FR
- Hand built decorative cat sculpture - made of clay collected from the potter's surroundings. - decorative motifs painted with a goat hair brush made b...
Category

2010s Moroccan Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Clay, Earthenware

Marble Camel Sculpture, Zoomorphic Carved Figurine, Morocco 1970s
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Marble Camel Sculpture, Zoomorphic Carved Figurine, Morocco 1970s Folk Art piece from Morocco made of marble. Hand-crafted object, finely engraved with geometric patterns on both s...
Category

Mid-20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Limestone, Sandstone, Marble

Antique Sicilian Opera dei Pupi Theater Marionette, ca. 1930s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Sicilian Opera dei Pupi Theater Marionette, ca. 1930s A large Sicilian theater (Opera dei Pupi) marionette, which is made of tin, wood and canvas ca. 1930s. The Sicilian Pu...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Grand Scale Hand Carved Wood Giraffe Sculpture on Base circa 1970's
Located in St. Louis, MO
Grand scale African folk art hand carved wood giraffe, with charred black stained spots. Appears to be carved from log. In fine vintage condition. Unsigne...
Category

1970s African Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Antique Hand Carved Wood Elephant
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Hand carved wood in a form of an elephant. No tusk
Category

Early 20th Century East Asian Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Puerto Rican Santos De Palos/Wood Carved Sculpture of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Located in Guaynabo, PR
A renown tradition in Puerto Rico is the making of Santos de Palos by Masters Carvers since the 19th century. They hand carved and hand painted the saints inspired in their personal ...
Category

19th Century American Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Large Figurative Folding Wood Stand
Located in Fairfield, CA
A large vintage carved wood folding stand. Tripod shape with carved people as each leg. Nice larger size, perfect for using as a plant stand, to hold a bowl, or to display a decorati...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wood

American Copper Spread Winged Eagle Weathervane with Sphere and Arrow, C. 1880
Located in Charleston, SC
American molded copper spread winged eagle weathervane with circular sphere, arrow, and mounted on cast iron squared base. Weathervane has a fine natural verdigris patina in the orig...
Category

1880s American Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Copper, Iron

Found and Salvaged Steel House Structure, Modern and Minimalist Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
Jim Rose, known primarily for his steel furniture, was an avid collector and scoured salvage yards for unique and interesting items. Here, a collection of found steel is reworked, pr...
Category

2010s American Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Steel

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 Sculptures

Materials

Wood

German Painted & Carved Wood Carousel Horse w/ Saddle Seat on Stand 19th Century
Located in Charleston, SC
German hand carved wood and decorative painted carousel horse with carved flowing mane, carved hairy tail, upholstered muslin saddle seat, flanking original glass eyes, and mounted o...
Category

19th Century German Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wrought Iron

18th Century Wooden Cross, Guanajuato, Mexico
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Wooden cross Guanajuato, Mexico Wood, paint 22 x 13 inches, (56 cm x 33 cm) 18th century A wonderful old wooden cross with a painted crucified Christ figure, an angel, possibly Mary Magdelene...
Category

18th Century Mexican Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wood, Paint

Guerrero Pottery Bull Bank
Located in Fairfield, CA
A vintage Mexican folk art pottery bank. Hand made in Guerrero, Mexico. The bank is in the shape of bull with a rider, featuring beautiful hand painted te...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Pottery

Early 20th Century Folk Art Fairground Elephant
Located in London, GB
Early 20th Century Folk Art Fairground Elephant We share what we love, and we love this charming and naively formed early 20th century hand craved fairground ride figure. With a de...
Category

1920s British Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Found and Salvaged Steel House Structure on a Reclaimed Steel Base
Located in Chicago, IL
Jim Rose, known primarily for his steel furniture, was an avid collector and scoured salvage yards for unique and interesting items. Here, a collection of spare parts come together ...
Category

2010s American Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Steel

American Gilt Carved Wood and Poly Chromed Roman Guard Figurehead, Circa 1890
Located in Charleston, SC
American gilt carved wood and poly chromed nautical figurehead of Roman guard in military attire. Late 19th century.
Category

1890s American Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wood, Giltwood, Paint

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 Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century American Folk Art Wood Articulated Man Figure
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a Folk Art wooden articulated man, circa the 1950s. This nearly 5-foot tall, handcrafted piece, epitomizing Mid-century American craftsmanship, is made ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Hardwood

Antique Adjustable Dressmaker Skinny Mannequin , Austria, 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A great looking originally used by Austrian tailors and dressmakers for draping, alterations, and creating the latest fashion, this vintage dressmaker mannequin...
Category

1890s Austrian Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Early 20th Century Scandinavian Faded Wooden Milliners Head, 1900's
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Beautiful faded wooden gent milliners hea from the early 1900's. The faded lines and the non-treated wood give this head his beautiful character. Absolutely top of the line decorati...
Category

Early 1900s Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Butcher's Piggy Bank
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This uniquely humorous piggy bank is the perfect blend of wit and practicality, designed in the shape of a plump, adorable pig. What sets it apart is the quirky butcher's diagram of ...
Category

20th Century Unknown Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Antique Plaster Statue of a Breeding Stallion - by Max Landsberg 1899
By Max Landsberg
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Plaster Statue of a Breeding Stallion - by Max Landsberg 1899 Antique plaster statue of a stallion, made by Max Landsberg (1850 - 1906...
Category

1890s German Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Moroccan Antique Brass Sugar Hammer
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Set of two Moroccan brass Berber tribal sugar hammer. Moroccan Collectible Brass Berber Sugar Hammer,Brass Berber Tribal Sugar Hammer. Authentic old Tuare...
Category

Early 20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Two Dala horses. Hand-painted with floral motifs on a blue background. Folk art.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Pre-owned goods are exempt from import duties for U.S. customers. Therefore, no import tariffs will be applicable to your purchase. Two Dala horses. Hand-painted with floral motifs...
Category

20th Century Swedish Folk Art 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

Chinese Bookends of Soapstone hand carved, Republic Period circa 1920s
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
These are a beautiful pair of Chinese soapstone Bookends made in China during the Republic period, Circa 1920. These bookends are individ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Soapstone

Wood Carved Chinese Restaurant Entry Arch, circa 1940s
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Impressive and grand arch that graced the entry of a Chinese restaurant in the 1940s American Midwest. Impressively carved and double-sided solid wo...
Category

1940s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Large Modern Owl Sculpture on Hanging Perch by Sergio Bustamante
Located in Pasadena, CA
Perched on a thin crossbar, this owl sculpture made by Sergio Bustamande stares at the viewer with painted eyes, their spiraling, hypnotic contours. The green and gold of its gaze su...
Category

1970s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Brass, Copper

Carved Stone Cockatoo Sculpture
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Carved stone cockatoo sculpture caught in the action of landing on an amethyst geode. Featuring a lofty combination of colors and textures with an u...
Category

20th Century Brazilian Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Crystal

Large Early 20th.Century Pine Horse
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large Early 20th.Century Pine Horse This is a substantial animal, he has previously been stripped back to mostly bare wood, which does help to show what sound condition he is in He...
Category

1910s Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Pine

1950s Asian Handcrafted Wood Burmese String Opera Marionette Wall Decor
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Exquisite Vintage 1950s Handcrafted Wooden Marionette with Burmese String, Reflecting Asian Opera Artistry. This splendid Burmese-Thai marionette is a testament to masterful hand carving and intricate hand painting. Adorned with ornate fabrics in red and gold colors heavily embellished with beads, sequins, colored glass, embroidery, and gemstones, this marionette is a true work of art. Whether you choose to display it on your wall, use it as a mobile to bring color to a child's room, or incorporate it into your authentic boho and ethnic decor, it will captivate your senses. A fine representation of handcrafted village folk puppets from Asia, this marionette stands out for its unique quality. What sets marionettes apart from regular puppets is their manipulation through strings controlled from above, offering an unparalleled range of movement. Operating these strings demands a high level of skill, making marionettes a cherished form of puppetry. In Asia, marionette troupes were often sponsored and patronized by royalty, and while their performances were undoubtedly captivating and entertaining, they also served a significant cultural role. This marionette is not only a collector's delight but also a stunning piece of art. It portrays Minthar, the prince, in all his vintage glory...
Category

Mid-20th Century Thai Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Vintage Bronze Gilt Thai Teppanom Temple Guard Dancing Statue Sculpture
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage statue in gilt bronze metal of Thai Teppanom Temple Guard Dancing statue sculpture. Vintage Handcrafted Gilded Thai Teppanom Temple Guard Dancer...
Category

Mid-20th Century Thai Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

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 Jim Rose, Tonala Pottery, Victor Anicet, and Royal Doulton. 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 $38 and tops out at $225,000 while the average work can sell for $1,404.

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