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
Beaded Ndebele Ceremonial Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king). As beads become gradually more accessible throughout the 19th century, they began to displace the organic materials used in traditional art and attire.
This colorful example of African beadwork is a ceremonial doll...
Category
Mid-20th Century South African Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Twine, Cotton, 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. These sculptures reference traditional American Folk Art barn...
Category
2010s American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Steel
Memphis Style Abstract Free-Standing Welded Steel Sculpture by Jerry Dodd
By Mike Dodd
Located in Buffalo, NY
Memphis style abstract free-standing Welded steel sculpture by Jerry Dodd, his sculptural pieces are painted with enamels and are suitable for display indoors or protected areas outd...
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Steel
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
Mexican Burnished Clay Chicken Kitchen Vessel Hen Egg Basket Decoration
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
This Mexican ceramic hen is an egg basket, perfect to keep eggs fresh -- a utilitarian kitchen piece by artist Manuel Reyes. Made with clay from Oaxaca and Zacatecas, painted with oxides from the region. Done with the hand-modeled technique and cooked in traditional wood-fired oven. Reyes has been constantly innovating with his hen collection, making this one of his most iconic works.
Ceramic artist, sculptor and painter, Manuel Reyes (Mexico City, 1972) atended the Escuela Nacional de Artes Plásticas in Xochimilco, México. He was later mentored by Royer Von Guten, Joy Laville...
Category
2010s Mexican Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
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
Contemporary Elliptical Bamboo Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
Folk art style oval/elliptical bamboo sculpture, contemporary. Lengths of lighter colored bamboo form the larger ovals with short pieces of darker bambo...
Category
Late 20th Century Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Bamboo
Oskar Raoul Papier Mache Chaplin Little Tramp Sculpture Signed by Artist 1970
Located in Monrovia, CA
OSKAR RAOUL Papier Mache / Paper Mache Sculpture Of A Clown Or Tramp Resembles The Likeness Of Charlie Chaplin, The Little Tramp.
OSKAR RAOUL Is A Well Known Mexican Papier Mache Clown...
Category
Late 20th Century Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Paper
Vintage Sculpture of an American Eagle Carved in Seri Ironwood
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Sculpture of an American Eagle Carved in Seri Ironwood.
Vintage hand carved Ironwood Southwestern seri sculpture of an Eagle.
Dimensions: 5.5" x 3.5". circa 1970.
Ironwood hand carved eagle or falcon...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Ferocious Bronze Tiger Statue
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Ferocious bronze tiger statue
A handsome piece made in spelter with a bronzed finish to the animal standing on his rocky plinth
3 dimensional and look...
Category
Late 20th Century Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Spelter
Maritime Architectural Element
Located in Stamford, CT
A maritime architectural element of painted and carved wood representing Neptune.
Category
19th Century English Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Majestic Benin King Oba, Finely Carved Ebony Bust, Nigeria West Africa C1930s
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Truly a majestic Benin Oba. Beautifully and finely hand carved in Ebony hardwood from the 1930's
A piece of this quality and stature holds enormous presence...
Category
1930s Beninese Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Ebony
Kentucky Horse Farm Fireplace Mantel Horse Legs
Located in Santa Monica, CA
This pair of giant sculptural wooden horse legs, at 5 ft. tall, was once part of a large mantel at the home of a horse ranch in Kentucky. Said to have been A...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Hand-Crafted Vintage Hat Mold Form Made of Pine from Stockholm, Sweden
Located in Stockholm, SE
This beautifully aged, hand-carved vintage hat mold comes from the renowned hat-making company Hugo Landahl in Stockholm, Sweden. Rich in character and patina, it serves as a unique ...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Swedish Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Pine
Pair of Australian Aboriginal Wood Sculpture Echidna
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of echidna sculpture carved from wood with found branches made by Australian Aboriginal artist Bob Burruwal (Born 1952-). Bob Burruwal is a celebrated Rembarrnga artist, who l...
Category
Early 2000s Australian Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Venus Pumice Stone Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pumice stone sculpture of a seated woman's figure, 'Venus'
Dimensions
6" width x 5.5" depth x 8.5" height.
Condition
Good vintage condition.
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Stone
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
Three Plaster and Sheet Metal Human Head Prototypes
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Very interesting collection of three male human head forms. We found them perched on a nickel-plated iron hat stands. The stands are marked Hugh Lynons & Co, Lansing MI. Most likely store display...
Category
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Composition, Sheet Metal
American Gilt Copper Full Bodied Horse Directional Weathervane, Fiske, C. 1870
Located in Charleston, SC
American gilt copper full bodied running horse directional weathervane with two gilt circular spheres resting on squared iron stand, J.W. Fiske, late 19th century.
Category
1870s American Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Copper, Iron, Zinc, Gold Leaf
Pair Hand Carved African Women Busts Wood Sculptures 24 Inches
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Pair of hand carved African female busts. Each figure is carved with exquisite craftsmanship. The elaborate head dress is emblematic of the women’s pride and beauty. These pieces are...
Category
1960s African Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Hardwood
Folk Art Yew Burr Sculpture Carved Human Form Life Size
Located in Cheltenham, GB
Exceptional folk art sculpture depicting a human head and body dressed in a waving organic form cloak with a bone eyepiece.
Exceptional patina with strong carved flowing lines produ...
Category
19th Century British Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Yew
Folk Art Cork Collection
Located in Seattle, WA
Folk Art Cork Manufacturer's Display piece with samples of all sizes and shapes of cork available for sale. Corks are arranged in geometric shapes and mounted on a velvet-covered bo...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Cork, Velvet, Wood
Chinese Carved Wooden Figure of Bearded Immortal Holding a Staff
Located in Asheville, NC
This statue of "Man Who Never Dies" otherwise known as an immortal, his attribute is to hold staff in one hand and the sacred peach in other. It is composed of rose colored Chinese w...
Category
20th Century Chinese Folk Art Sculptures
20th Century Terracotta Bust of an old Gentleman, Germany 1936
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This is an impressive bust formed with terracotta of an old man. This beautiful sculpture is hand formed, 20th century. Signed by Artist and dated 1936. It makes a nice addition to a...
Category
Late 20th Century German Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
Antique Architectural Parcel Gilt Wrought Iron Sculpture
Located in Forney, TX
A one-of-a-kind antique wrought iron sculpture, comprising 18th and 19th century architectural elements, in a rustic parcel gilt finish, including door lock, latch, and skeleton key,...
Category
19th Century European Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Bronze, Wrought Iron
Terracotta Articulated Doll Santos Figure
Located in Stamford, CT
Amusing Mexican terracotta doll figure with articulated limbs. Since it is solid terracotta it is likely this is a mold from which other dolls were made. As a folk art sculpture it i...
Category
Early 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
Mexican Burnished Clay Woman with Child Oaxacan Sculpture Mixtec Ceramic
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
This Mexican ceramic clay hand sculpture is a piece by artist Maricela Gómez López. Made with clay from Oaxaca and Zacatecas, painted with oxides from the region. Done with the hand-...
Category
2010s Mexican Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Set of Six Carnival Knockdown Dolls
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Set of six vintage folk art carnival knockdown dolls crafted in canvas, hand painted on both sides, trimmed with cotton fur and weighted at the bottom....
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Cotton
Vintage Leather Carousel Horse Signed By Teresa Corning
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Leather Carousel Horse Signed By Teresa Corning
This Antique Carousel Horse is made of leather and the pole is made of metal. The sculpture is fa...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Large Elephant Stone sculpture hand made and signed under the foot, Circa 1920
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a large stone sculpture of an elephant, made from a cast or composite stone all hand painted and signed. We date this piece to the early 20th Century , Circa 1920.
This piec...
Category
Early 20th Century British Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Cast Stone
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...
Category
1890s Austrian Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
XIXth century french marotte brown ceramic figure from ménigoutte 1880 folk art
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Marotte - head form
original 19th century folk art ceramic figure Marotte
Unique handmade piece Realised in Menigoutte - France
Circa 1880
original good condition - see details ...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Rare 20th Century Wood Carving of standing Child with a Book Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare Vintage wood carving of Standing child with holding a book. Sculpture, Hand carved and Handcrafted with Hand Painted Natural Patina, the Sculpture is in good condition
Category
1920s Unknown Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Paint, Hardwood
Royal Doulton Porcelain Figurine, "The Mendicant"
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Royal Doulton The Mendicant, Moroccan figurine of a man wearing a turban and playing a tamburine.
High glazed, finely modeled bone china with exquisi...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Large Antique English Trench Art Table Cannon
Located in Forney, TX
Antique English Trench Art mixed metal miniature howitzer - signal style table cannon. Hand-crafted, assembled in the early 20th century, fashioned in par...
Category
Early 20th Century European Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Brass, Bronze, Copper
Mexican Burnished Clay Mother and Child Oaxacan Sculpture Mixtec Ceramic
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
Maricela Gómez López, a hardworking mother and artist portrays her life through her work. Living and growing up in Santo Domingo Yanhuitlán, a small town in central Mexico, the role ...
Category
2010s Mexican Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
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
Stephen Huneck Carved Wooden Dog Footstool
By Steven Huneck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stephen Huneck hand carved wooden dog footstool. Perfect as a foot stool, ottoman or playful sculpture.
Dimensions
7" width x 20" depth x 15" height.
Condition
Good vintage condition.
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Assembly Line Folk Art Whirligig
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Amazing eight man assembly line whirligig. Attributed to an auto worker in Detroit. Fantastic original dry paint surface. Crank turns and figures move pe...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Antique Hubley Cast Iron Parrot Doorstop – Original Hand-Painted Finish
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This rare antique Hubley cast iron parrot doorstop is a stunning example of early 20th-century craftsmanship. Featuring a beautifully sculpted...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Metal
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
Mid-20th Century Folk Art Ram's Horn Wall Mount Plaque
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Impressive mounted ram's horn wall-hanging. These horns have been mounted to a shaped piece of wood which brings an overall softness to the piece, and some character.
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Antler, Horn, Leather, Wood
Terracotta Articulated Doll Santos Figure Wearing a Bowler Hat
Located in Stamford, CT
Unusual, and quite amusing Mexican terracotta doll figure with articulated limbs. Since it is solid terracotta it is likely this is a mold from which other dolls were made. As a folk...
Category
Early 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Clay, Terracotta
Large Hand-Carved Cypress Knee Figural Sculpture After Botticelli's Venus, 1970s
Located in San Francisco, CA
An impressively sized and strikingly beautiful semi-nude female figural sculpture strongly evocative of Sandro Botticelli's "Birth of Venus", hand-carved from an unusually large cypr...
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Cypress
19th Century Iron Indian Weathervane with Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic and rare original painted surface iron Indian weather vane, worn painted surface. Great original Directional's in iron and attached. This Indian weather vane was found in t...
Category
19th Century American Antique 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 whi...
Category
2010s American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Steel
Found and Salvaged Steel Structure on a Steel & Wooden Circular 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
Mexican Burnished Clay Chicken Kitchen Vessel Hen Egg Basket Decoration Flowers
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
This Mexican ceramic hen is an egg basket, perfect to keep eggs fresh -- a utilitarian kitchen piece by artist Manuel Reyes. Made with clay from Oaxaca and Zacatecas, painted with oxides from the region. Done with the hand-modeled technique and cooked in traditional wood-fired oven. Reyes has been constantly innovating with his hen collection, making this one of his most iconic works.
Ceramic artist, sculptor and painter, Manuel Reyes (Mexico City, 1972) atended the Escuela Nacional de Artes Plásticas in Xochimilco, México. He was later mentored by Royer Von Guten, Joy Laville...
Category
2010s Mexican Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Clay, Ceramic
1960s Large Hand-carved Iron Wood American Bald Eagle Art Sculpture
Located in North Hollywood, CA
A large hand-carved iron wood eagle perched on a tree stump and surveying the surroundings ready to fly.
Hand carved wood vintage extremely detailed bald eagle perched upon rockery with glass eyes.
Hand carved Ironwood Southwestern seri...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Figurines by Dr. Harley Niblack
Located in South Charleston, WV
This grouping of 3 figurines and 9 sculpture head figures were obtained directly from Dr. Harley Niblack by the consignor's father (who was also a woodt...
Category
1950s 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
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
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
Vintage Boho Shanghai Weave Standing Panda
Located in west palm beach, FL
Capture hearts with this endearing vintage standing panda figure, a wonderful example of traditional woven handicraft. Meticulously crafted using detailed weaving techniques (often s...
Category
1970s Chinese Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
African Wood Sculpture
By Craft and Folk Art Museum
Located in San Francisco, CA
Very kool piece of African art. I am not exactly sure how old, but from bottom of base I would guess 1st quarter of 20th century. It is all wood and depicts wh...
Category
1920s North American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Early English Cast Iron Black Terrier Dog Door Stop
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Cast iron sculpture of a terrier door stop with original paint. Fantastic patina on the doorstop with great age and wear. Wonderful addition to an existing collection of these vintag...
Category
Early 20th Century English Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Fantastic Original Painted and Carved 19th Century Indian Plaque
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This wonderful original old surface plaque has a great old patina and a hand-carved and painted Indian chief. The Indian is in full original clothes with the feathers in his head. Wi...
Category
19th Century American 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
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.