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
Wonderful Bronze Antelope Sculpture Signed Gorham Founders OGLM on Base
By Gorham CO.
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful patinated bronze of free standing antelope sculpture signed Gorham founders OGLM on rectangular base.
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Indian Goddess Figurine Statue
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautifully authentic hand carved statue of an Indian deity goddess. Distressed paint finish.
Category
18th Century and Earlier Indian Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
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
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
Large Italian Giltwood Ornamental Corona Crown, Late 19th Century
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Italian Architectural Element Giltwood 19th Century Carved Corona Crown
Large gilt-wood element, featuring decorative acanthus leaves, carving around the...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Giltwood
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
Found and Salvaged Steel House Structure, Modern and Minimalist Sculpture
By Jim Rose
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
Early 20th Century Leather Sculpture of a Horse
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
An Early 20th Century animal figurative sculpture of a rising horse in leather and papier-maché. This decorative equine figure is standing with the help of its tail. There is quite a...
Category
Early 20th Century French Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Leather
Italian 16th century Hand Carved Wooden Lion
Located in Buisson, FR
Unique period piece. Extremely rare 16th century Italian hand carved lion. Most likely once part of a piece of furniture. Beautifully carved in a simple folk art way with traces of i...
Category
16th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Vintage Murano Hand Crafted Green and Blue Koru Representing a Fern Frond
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Vintage Murano Hand Crafted Green and Blue Koru
Representing a Fern Frond uncurling the Koru is a representation of the New beginning
The piece is 7” tall, 4.5” wide and 1.5” deep
F...
Category
1950s Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Art Glass
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 is also a great piece...
Category
1890s Austrian Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Antique Adjustable Dressmaker Curvy 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 is also a great piece...
Category
1890s Austrian Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Brass Sculpture of Monkey Holding Business Card Holder, Late 19th Century
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Late 19th Century Brass Sculpture of Monkey Holding Business Card Holder
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Brass
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
Folk Art Antique Carved Walnut Statue of Abraham Lincoln Circa 1880s Era
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a very large, larger than life, folk art or primitive carved statue of Abraham Lincoln. The piece looks like it was made by a naive artist and was from a northern New Jersey ...
Category
1880s American Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Walnut
Early 20th Century Folk Art Hand Carved Wooden Eagle
Located in Oakland, CA
Early 20th Century hand carved wooden eagle with a red wash finish. The eagle has out stretched wings and a up right posture resting on a rectangular wooden base. Extensive carving ...
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Scrap Wood
Antique Wood Animal Horse Sculpture, Northern Swedish Folk Art Original Paint
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique wooden horse sculpture from northern Sweden. The horse is from around 1850 and has a body in pine with original paint. The sculpture is made by hand and a one of a kind piece...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Pine
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
Vintage Cubist Clay Sculpture
By Henry Moore
Located in West Reading, PA
This is a very vintage, marginally figural clay sculpture, depicting what seems to be a group of curvy female characters.
The unknown artist attached the sculpture to a piece of we...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Clay
Sterling Silver Rooster Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This sterling silver heavy hollow body rooster figure is signed 925 on the base and is in fine condition.
Beautifully made and proportioned well. Great patina.
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
Royal Doulton Porcelain Figurine “Omar Khayyam” Persian Scholar 1964
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Royal Doulton “Omar Khayyam” Persian Scholar 1964 Decorative Porcelain Figurine.
Made in England, by Royal Doulton England. finely painted porcelain figure collectable, high ...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Early 20th Century American Cast Iron Eagle
Located in Chicago, IL
This early 20th century American cast iron Bald Eagle statue captures the majestic strength and spirit of this national symbol. With its wings fully ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Found and Salvaged Steel House Structure on a Reclaimed Steel Plate, Wooden Base
By Jim Rose
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 and...
Category
2010s American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Steel
Antique Real Skull of a Crow or Magpie, Germany ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Real Skull of a Crow or Magpie, Germany ca. 1900s
An antique taxidermied skull of the crow (Corvidae) mounted on an ebonized wooden turned bas...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Bone, Wood
1950s Wooden Fireman Sculpture
By Hennecke
Located in Antwerp, BE
1950s wooden fireman sculpture or fire-fighter sculpture.
This original old fireman was made for Hennecke, a German company who is known for wooden carnival sculptures.
The fireman sculptures were used on the fire truck of the merry-go-round, fairground - funfair.
Not many of these original wooden fireman sculptures still exists and are mostly stuck in private collections of fairground sculptures and carnival art.
It's also a great sculpture for a fireman or a former fireman.
Would look great in a collection of fireman collectibles between old and antique fire helmets, antique and vintage fire extinguishers, fireman statues...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Found and Salvaged Steel House Structure on a Reclaimed Steel Base
By Jim Rose
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
Vintage Folk Art Wood Sculpture of a Pig Running into a Tree by R. Harper 1991
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Folk Art Wood Sculpture of a Pig running into a Tree by R Harper 1991
This piece is a handcrafted wooden sculpture by artist R Harper signed and dated 4-91.
This one of a kin...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Found and Salvaged Steel House Structure on a Reclaimed Steel Plate, Wooden Base
By Jim Rose
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 whi...
Category
2010s American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Steel
Vintage Monumental Carved Wood Tiki Sculpture. French Polynesia. Creation Sanobo
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage Monumental Carved Wood Tiki Sculpture. French Polynesia.Tahiti. Wonderfully carved, Strong presence. Carved signed Creation Sanobo,, (see photo). Hand delivery avail to New Y...
Category
1950s Polynesian Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
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
Small Antique Swedish Red-painted Horse in Wood, 1900th
Located in Stockholm, SE
A peasant sculpture in the form of a small working, red-painted horse with a bushy mane and tail on a painted pedestal, beautifully carved and painted wood.
On the underside, a text...
Category
Early 1900s Swedish Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
20th Century Native American Painted Totem Pole A painted animal totem
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
20th Century Native American Painted Totem Pole
A painted animal totem.
Animal totems are believed to have spiritual significance, watching over Pacific Northwest Indian tribes and...
Category
1960s Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Beech, Birdseye Maple
18/19th Century Bodhisattva
Located in Stockholm, SE
Bodhisattva, a religious sculpture, probably made in India 1750-1850.
The sculpture has been painted and gilded, but with very little remains.
Bodhisattva, in Buddhism, is one who s...
Category
Late 18th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Barber Shop Trade Sign, Giant Comb and Scissors Larger than life
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Barber Shop Trade Sign, Giant Comb and Scissors
Larger than life and very noticeable “Barber Shop” trade sign, made in steel
Both Pieces of the set can be hung individually by susp...
Category
1960s Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Steel
Group of Six Vintage Folk Art Painted Metal Pelican Sculptures-Priced per Pair
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Flock of pelicans hand crafted in metal in a charming stylized form, painted and ready for a new environment. Priced per pair.
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Vintage Carved Wood Folk Art Lion
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Eye catching whimsical lion sculpture or figure, hand carved, in a naive style, paint decorated and caught in mid roar.
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Hardwood
Hand Carved 20th Century Wooden Girl with Doll and Cat 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 1980s, because it's dated at the base like seen in picture. A nice ...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
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
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
American Folk Art Door Stop in the Form of a Sitting Cat, Early 20th Century
Located in Downingtown, PA
American Folk Art Door Stop in the form of a Sitting Cat,
Early 20th Century
This charming doorstop, crafted in the early 20th century, embodies the spirit of American Folk Art. De...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Tibetan Sheep Footstool w/ Natural Sheep Horns
Located in Norwalk, CT
The most charming sheep stool/sculpture we have ever seen. Wonderful quality featuring dense Tibetan wool coat, natural sheep horns and natural leather ears. Sheered lambswool covere...
Category
1990s Unknown Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wool
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
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
Large Ceramic Sculpture, Albert Thiry, Vallauris c. 1990
By Albert Thiry
Located in St Ouen, FR
Very large female figure executed in grogged clay and decorated with slips.
Albert Thiry and his wife Pyot founded their workshop in Vallauris in 1961.
Their creation is distinguish...
Category
1990s French Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Swedish Dala Horse by Grannas Anders Olsson Hemsjöjd
By Nils Olsson
Located in Balen, BE
Vintage Swedish Dala Horse by Nils Olsson for Grannas A. Olssons Hemslöjd, circa 1990s. The horse is in good vintage condition and is hand-painted red with decorative accents.
This D...
Category
1990s Swedish Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Pine, Paint
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
Large Early 20th.Century Pine Horse
Located in Chillerton, 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
Savage or folk story figure in bronze.
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
A savage or folk-art figure in bronze on a (recent) bluestone base.
The figure with his long pointed beard is wearing a cape with hood.
In front is a cross. In his hands he holds a ...
Category
Late 18th Century Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Bronze
Jim Rose - Construct No. 05, Salvaged Steel and Aluminum Industrial Objects
By Jim Rose
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 he has welded together various metal pieces to...
Category
2010s American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Steel
Bronze Toy Horse
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cast bronze toy horse on four wheels. Reminiscent of early 19th century Indian toys, these pieces were often left as offering in temples for children to find. The gift of the horse t...
Category
Mid-20th Century Indian Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
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
Royal Doulton "the Carpet Seller" Moroccan Decorative Porcelain Figurine
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Royal Doulton "the carpet seller," Moroccan figurine of a carpet seller.
Made in England, by Royal Doulton England, the "Carpet Seller,"
Royal Doulto...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Figurative Hand Carved Wood Sculpture - Juneau, Alaska 1984
Located in Soquel, CA
Figurative Hand Carved Wood Sculpture - Juneau, Alaska 1984
Hand carved wooden sculpture, presented on a dark wooden base. The sculpture is somewhat figural, but rather abstract. Th...
Category
1980s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
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. Thes...
Category
2010s American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Steel
Vintage Marble Flagpole Finial on Steel and Lucite Base, Denmark
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Early 20th Century Danish vintage marble flagpole finial on steel and lucite base. Desk accessory or decorative object/sculpture.
Category
Early 20th Century Danish Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Chrome
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, Pine, Paint
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
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.