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.
Style: Folk Art
Color: Brown
Mexican Burnished Clay Hand Oaxaca Sculpture Mixtec Ceramic with Red Face
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
This Mexican red ceramic clay hand sculpture is a piece by artist Manuel Reyes. Made with clay from Oaxaca and Zacatecas, painted with oxides from the reg...
Category
2010s Mexican Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Soapstone Hand-Carved Bust of Brahma with Four Faces
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This bust is a beautiful representation of lord Brahma.
Brahma is a part of the holy trinity of Hinduism along with Vishnu the Preserver and Shiva the destroyer.
He is depicted in Hi...
Category
20th Century Thai Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Soapstone
Pair of Wall Plaques Modelled as an Old Couple
Located in Montreal, QC
Pair of terra cotta wall plaques modelled in high relief and painted, portraying an old couple looking out the window.
Category
19th Century Austrian Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
Large Figurative African Mangbetu Anthropomorphic Vessel / Jar
Located in Studio City, CA
This is a fantastic piece likely made by the Mangetu tribe of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is finely detailed and quite large and hefty. These pieces were originally made...
Category
20th Century Congolese Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
Large French 19th Century Hand Carved Wooden Fragment of a Marionette
Located in Buisson, FR
Very nice handcarved fragment of a marionette.
France, circa 1850. Weathered, small losses and old repairs
Measurement include the wooden base.
Category
19th Century French Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Textile, Wood
Folk Art Carved and Painted Owl Decoy, USA, 1900's
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Folk Art carved and painted owl decoy, USA 1900's
A decorative barn owl carving decoy
Original paint with even wear.
Mounted over a new iron stand.
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Primitive Horse Carving
Located in Nantucket, MA
A Folk Art carved wood and gesso painted standing horse
with painted cloth saddle and horse hair tail
Mounted on a later made black painted platform.
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Paint, Gesso, Pine
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 w...
Category
2010s Mexican Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Palmwood
Vintage German Christmas Tree Stand Iron Folk Art .
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Hugh Christmas tree stand made of iron. The stand is decorated with three large hands painted Santa Claus. The Santa Claus is decorated on both si...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Iron
18th Century French or Italian Santo Nativity Figure
Located in Nantucket, MA
18th century French or Italian Santo Nativity Figure, a hand carved and painted fruitwood figure for a Christmas Crèche or Krippe. Excellent and delicate details to the head and hands. The half figure stands on a dowel set into platform base, dressed in original fine linen robe...
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Linen, Fruitwood
French 19th Century Folk Art Metal Rooster or Cockerel Weathervane
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful metal weathervane representing a rooster or cockerel,
France, 1850-1900.
Weathered and small losses. Measurement here below is inclusive the wooden base.
Category
19th Century French Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Copper, Iron
Mexican Vintage Ken Edwards Tonala Pottery Hand Painted Quail Bird
By Ken Edwards
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Ken Edwards Mexican ceramic quail bird form Tonala Pottery.
Beautiful vintage Mexican hand made and hand painted TONALA Art Pottery.
Deco...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Pottery
Folk Art Beautifully Hand Carved and Painted Horse Sculpture, United States
Located in Shippensburg, PA
FOLK ART PAINTED AND CARVED WOOD HORSE
20th century, unsigned, designed to be entirely disassembled
Item # 305FEB10P
An incredibly fun and playful carved and painted folk art horse...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Paint
Antônio Julião. Wood Sculpture
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Exceptional sculpture made by artist Antônio Julião, one of the great exponents of Brazilian popular art. This piece of museological importance was made in the 1970's and is one of t...
Category
1970s Brazilian Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Late 20th Century Nude Figure Sculpture, Unsigned
Located in Charleston, SC
Nude sculpture figure of woman kneeling. Late 20th century.
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Clay
Tall Swedish organic wooden wabi sabi style sculpture
Located in Valby, 84
Rare big wabi sabi style sculpture made in Sweden in the 1970’s.
The sculpture is hand crafted by talented Swedish artist in solid wood which has been partially stained and mounted ...
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
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
Vintage Cotton Elephant Covered in Indian Textiles
By Harrods
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage cotton elephant, covered in Indian textiles, retailed in the 1950s by Harrods. Interior frame composed of wire and straw. Textiles originally s...
Category
1950s English Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wire
Beautiful Sculpture of Goat carved in wood by Israeli Artist
Located in Mexico, DF
Beautiful robust sculpture of a Goat carved from a solid mahogany block by an Israeli artist (the signature in Hebrew letters is illegible).
The goat is st...
Category
Mid-20th Century Israeli Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Mahogany
J. Hübner Carved Wood Carousel Horse, Early 20th Century, Germany
Located in Antwerp, BE
Antique Carousel horse by J.Hübner.
A hand-carved wooden carousel horse made by Atelier Hübner Germany - Josef Hübner - Joseph Hubner.
This piece of Carnival Art - funfair roundabout horse - Merry-go-round Horse
dates circa 1910 and has sulfide eyes, a real tale and stirrups.
It's a European Springer Horse - Jumping Horse - Galopping Horse
on a metal base.
During his life, already more then 110 years !! it does have some old restorations
and old repainting but that gives this antique horse the charm of his history: making people and children happy and offer them a ride.
Antique carved horses - Antique German Carousel Horses - Hübner horses...
Category
Early 20th Century German Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Trio of Metal Horses on Wood Bases
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of three metal horses mounted on wood bases. These charming horses came out of the same collection.
Sizes:
1) 13.5"H X 11"W X 3.5"D
2) 14.5"H X 10.5"W X 3.5"D
3) 12.5"H X 8.5"W ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Pair of Gilded Angel Wings
Located in Sheffield, MA
Pair of large and very impressive angel wings. Perfect as wall decoration, sculpture en relief. 48" per wing span each in length. Made from a synthetic material.
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Synthetic
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 Sculptures
Materials
Hardwood
Large Early 20th Century Belgian Oak Folk Art Eagle Sculpture
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Early 20th century Belgian oak Folk Art eagle sculpture.
Category
1920s Belgian Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Oak
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
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
1930s Vintage Handcrafted Carousel Horse: A Restored Wooden Masterpiece
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of yesteryears with our stunning 1930s Sculpted Carousel Horse. This handcrafted vintage treasure has been meticulously restored by our expert team of craftsmen, bringing its unique beauty and rich history back to life.
Adorned with vibrant paintwork, this wooden carousel horse showcases a unique patina finish that eloquently narrates its storied past. Its charm and character are evident in every brushstroke, making it a captivating centerpiece that's rich in history.
The horse's solid base has received the same level of attention and care, polished to perfection to enhance its mesmerizing patina allure. This carousel horse isn't just a decorative piece; it's a slice of history, a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of the 1930s.
Standing as a definite head-turner, this antique carousel...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Maple, Paint, Wood
Large Carved Wood 'Man & Woman' Figural African Folk Sculpture
Located in Glendale, CA
Large carved wood 'Man & Woman' figural African Folk sculpture. An expressive pair of human figures exquisitely handcrafted from richly colored wood and mounted independently on a me...
Category
20th Century African Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Metal
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 Sculptures
Materials
Wood
1930s Austrian Horse Toy
By Craft and Folk Art Museum
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Beautiful 1930s Austrian horse toy. Wonderful patina.
Category
1920s Austrian Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Bentwood
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
French 19th Century Folk Art Iron Rooster or Cockerel Weathervane
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful iron weathervane representing a rooster or cockerel,
France, 1850-1900. The weathervane is placed on an oak pedestal of later date
Weathered and small losses. Measurement...
Category
19th Century French Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Antique English Folk Art Toy Horse
Located in London, GB
Utterly charming one of a kind wooden folk art horse. Totally scratch built from glorious elm and oak with leather bridle. Made in England during the early part of the 20th century. ...
Category
Early 20th Century English Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Hardwood, Elm, Oak
Benin Kingdom Ebony Carving of a Young King Oba, Nigerian
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Wonderful hand carved ebony hardwood figure of a young Benin man, possibly a
future King Oba
Excellent traditional Benin artistic carving
A delightful piece
Circa 1970
Height 13...
Category
Late 20th Century Beninese Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Ebony
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
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 ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Copper
Hand Carved Mexican Folk Art Archangel, circa 1940-1970 (FREE SHIPPING)
Located in San Francisco, CA
About
Hand carved, painted Mexican wooden folk art archangel on custom stand.
Creator Unknown. Mexico.
Date of manufacture circa 1940-1970.
Materials and techniques paint, w...
Category
Early 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Paint
Ebony Wood Hand Carved African Elephant
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Hand carved wood ebony African elephant.
Handcrafted in Africa.
One of the tusk is damaged
Category
Early 20th Century African Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Ebony
American Folk Art Carved Cat Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
A whimsical and bold 20th century American Folk Art cared wood sculpture depicting a stylized seated cat with a long neck, expressive face, and a beautiful chip carved surface. It cr...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Pine
Brass Duck Form Decorative Sculpture
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Handcrafted decorative vintage collectible brass duck shape sculpture.
Beautiful handcrafted large cast polished brass bird form.
Vintage large heavy soli...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Brass, Copper
Mexican Tonala Pottery Hand Painted Bird Folk Art
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Mexican Tonala hand painted pottery bird Folk Art.
Flora de la Cruz Acapulco Gro Mexico hand painted bird dove ceramic.
Warm earth tone polych...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Pottery, Ceramic
Vintage Gilded Sculpture of a Thai Standing Buddha
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage gilded Asian wooden sculpture of a standing Buddha.
Southeast Asian carved gilt wood and polychrome sculpture of the Buddha standing.
Mandalay standing Thai...
Category
Mid-20th Century Thai Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Giltwood
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
Early 20th Century Carved Wooden Miniature Pequot Ship's Figurehead Model
Located in Nantucket, MA
Early 20th Century Carved Wooden Miniature Pequot Ship's Figurehead Model, circa 1920s, a wonderful folk art carving of a Pequot-Mohican Indian in the form of a ship's figurehead: this is in fact the figurehead of the Whale Ship...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Pine
African Folk Art Hand Carved Sculptures Fork and Spoon Dark Ebony Wood
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Hand carved African tribal dark ebony wood carved sculpture of a men and women,
Africa tribal Art Decor.
Kenyan tribal sculptures featuring an elongated standing man and women with a crown and metal choker.
Very simple modern look carved ethnic sculptures...
Category
Mid-20th Century Kenyan Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
24" Tall Antique Swedish Large Wooden Horse Carved Hand-Painted 19th Century
Located in Aarhus C, DK
Tall antique Swedish horse in carved wood with original patinated paint in off-white color with blue dots.
Made circa end of the 19th century.
Th...
Category
1890s Swedish Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Leather, Wood
Early 20th Century French Butcher's Shop Sign
Located in Chicago, IL
A playful early 20th century French painted steel butcher's shop sign in the shape of a pig, and mounted on a custom steel table-top mount. The sign...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Steel
Mixed Media Sculpture Architectural Assemblage
Located in Seguin, TX
Small tabletop mixed media assemblage sculpture by Linda Thompson. Using all antique and vintage components. Wood casting mold from Alamo Ironworks for Swearingen Co. , antique architectural engravings, brass rosette, silverplate shaker...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Mexican Hand Painted Colorful Tonala Pottery Ducks Set of Three
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Mexican Tonala hand painted pottery birds Folk Art with brass decoration in the style of Sergio Bustamante.
Vintage Mexican ceramic and brass hand painted Tonala pottery duc...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Brass
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
Paint, Wood
Folk Art / Pop-Art Comic Strip Papier Mache Teddy Bear Sculpture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine folk-art papier-mache sculpture.
In the form of a teddy bear.
The papier mache appears to be from various 20th Century Philippine comic books, such as Superkat by L.S. M...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Paper, Plaster
Late 19th Century Hand Carved And Painted Wooden Carousel Horse Head
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Hand-carved and painted massive wooden horse head, late 19th century, probably from a small carousel or children's toy. Very nice patina through peeling paint and wear.
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Mid-20th Century English Papier Mache Giraffe Puppet Head
Located in London, GB
Mid-20th Century English Papier Mache Giraffe Puppet Head
A charming example of a mid-20th Century English Papier Mache giraffe puppet head. M...
Category
1950s British Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Paper
Elephant Décor Planter
Located in Pasadena, TX
Late 20th century ceramic elephant garden planter
Handmade of ceramic. Nice addition to your home, patio or garden.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Americana Folk Art Nude Man Wood Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Americana Folk Art wood carved statue sculpture depicting a standing nude man with a child on his shoulders covering his eyes, apparently unsigned, ...
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Hand Carved & Hand Painted Rooster Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand carved & hand painted rooster sculpture. Very folky rooster.
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Hand Carved Wood Pig with Original Paint, Signed
By David Barr
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand carved wooden pig with original paint. Signed David Barber. Very well done.
33 W x 19.5 H x D.
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Paint
Massive Hand Carved Monkey Pod Exotic Hardwood Lovers Embrace Coffee Table
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Masterfully hand carved from what must have been a colossal solid piece of monkey pod hardwood. This nude figural sculpture weighs around 250 lbs. Although ...
Category
Late 20th Century Southeast Asian Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Glass, Hardwood
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.