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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Item Ships From: USA
Style: Folk Art
Porte Dogon Terre/Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Traditional Dogon architecture throughout a Dogon village consists of a series of unique and exceptional mud buildings which the Artist, Victor Anicet, featured in an organic sculptural manner in his Porte Dogon...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Caribbean Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
19th Century Tobacconist’s Trade Sign
Located in Greenwich, CT
English carved and polychrome decorated wood tobacconist’s trade sign in the form of a “Turk” wearing a distinctive headdress and dressed in a long robe, this advertising figure rela...
Category
19th Century British Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Jim Rose Barn House Structure, Welded Steel Object 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
Australian Aboriginal Carved and Painted Spear from Melville Island
By Patrick Freddy Puruntatameri
Located in Atlanta, GA
Title: A ceremonial spear with clan design paint
Artist: Patrick Freddy Puruntatameri
DOB: 19/04/1973
Medium: Ocher paint on ironwood carving
DOC:...
Category
Early 2000s Australian Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Monumental Folk Art Carved TOTEM Statue Sculpture Man Flute Animals
Located in Dayton, OH
The carving features a man dancing and playing a flute in the treetops with cows / ox, snakes, lizards, frogs, monkeys, a pipe and insects. Carved from one piece. Unsigned.
Category
20th Century Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Hardwood
Pair of Life Size Antique Carved and Painted Swan Figures
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A large and impressive pair of hand carved Swans which may have at one time been decoys having fine form and presence. In newer white paint with black beaks and eyes. The unpainted i...
Category
19th Century Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
"Ven Dan Vouel" /Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A Unique Representation of the history and travels through the Caribbeans, by the Martinican artist Victor Anicet.
Each sculpture is unique and symbolic and brings a unique and con...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Caribbean Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Large Wild West Cowboy and Horse Sculpture
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Gilt brass sculpture on stand, depicting a celebrating cowboy on a wild horse with great patina.
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Antique Bronze of a Mythical Lion Beast
Located in North Hollywood, CA
An antique unusual cast bronze of a Mythical lion beast.
Bursting with character, the lion standing foursquare with his long tail curled back on itself.
Cast bronze.
Tribal Afric...
Category
Early 20th Century African Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
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
Hand Made Stylized Folk Art Wooden Mannequin
Located in Troy, MI
New, hand-crafted mannequin torso composed of spaced and layered unfinished wood. Created and acquired from an English artist.
Category
2010s English Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Midcentury Pair of Italian Terracotta Lions
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of midcentury Italian lions, male and female crafted in terracotta with a white glaze and painted details looking quite friendly.
Category
20th Century Italian Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
Hand Carved Goan Indian Elephant
Located in Dallas, TX
Hand painted and carved wooden Indian elephant from Goa.
Intricate detailing.
Category
19th Century Indian 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
Folk Art "Standing Man" Carved Tree Branch Sculpture After Giocometti
By Giocometti
Located in Buffalo, NY
Charming little tree branch Folk Art sculpture hand-carved in the manner of Giocometti.
Category
1930s Unknown Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Important Antique Folk Art Carnival Figure of a Macaque
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A hollow finely carved wood macaque figure dressed as a human with short green hair, a blue jacket and yellow slacks. He stands and holds a walking stick in his left hand and crosses...
Category
19th Century Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Hardwood
Charles Hart Folk Art Penguin Massive
By Charles Hart
Located in Litchfield, CT
By Charles Hart, Gloucester, Massachusetts, circa 1930s. Charles Hart (1862-1960), working in Gloucester, Massachusetts, was known as a carver of fine duck decoys. Hart also had a passion for penguins which he carved in different sizes. This one is a larger example of his penguins, very similar to the pairs flanking the entrance to his house. It is complete with an original wood base. The artist often sold his carved penguins during the summer tourist season alongside the road on the way to the beach, many smaller examples from this stand are known. Very good condition.
Remark: " No home décor is complete without a penguin, even Monty Python...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
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
American Cast Iron Doorstop in the Form of a Boston Terrier
Located in Downingtown, PA
The Boston Terrier was made in cast iron by Bradley and Hubbard Co. Meriden CT in the 1920s
Model #7294-N.
A finely modeled hollow half round cast form with natural brindle paint.
See:
The Doorstop Book, John and Nancy Smith...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Bonbon Chouval "Mini Me Terre"/Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Bonbon Chouval (Horse Biscuit in Creole) was originally a traditional pastry from the island of Martinique. Carelessly shaped as a horse, the biscuits were sold on the village m...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Caribbean Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Bonbon Chouval "Jean"/Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Bonbon Chouval (Horse Biscuit in Creole) was originally a traditional pastry from the island of Martinique. Carelessly shaped as a horse, the biscuits were sold on the village m...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Caribbean Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Large Bamana Marionette Figure of Charming Police Man, African Figure
Located in Buffalo, NY
Large Bamana marionette figure of a charming police man. African figure retains original paint, amazing patina, also retains original fabric wrap. (outfit).
Category
20th Century African Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Bonbon Chouval Terre/Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Bonbon Chouval (Horse Biscuit in Creole) was originally a traditional pastry from the island of Martinique. Carelessly shaped as a horse, the biscuits were sold on the village m...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Caribbean Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Hand Carved & Polychrome Folk Art Santo Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand carved and painted santo with child, possibly John The Baptist. The vivid polychrome colors and primitive wood carving make for a striking...
Category
20th Century Mexican Folk Art Sculptures
20th Century Hand Carved Wood Folk Art Sculpture by Duane Hansen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This distinguished and very plump fellow has a regal face with large jowls, smooth skin and a wonderful patina. This remarkable work was hand carved from one solid piece of wood. Sculpture is unsigned, but was purchased along with two other Duane Hansen...
Category
1980s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Wire Airplane Sculptures
Located in Darnestown, MD
Wire sculptures of two matching monoplanes. These were made by the same hand as the bicycles listed as item #U120310916064 and automobiles U120310916065. The planes measure 10 1/2" ...
Category
1930s Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wire
Antique Hand Sculpted Stone Head Sculpture on Formfit Hand Carved Wooden Base
Located in Miami, FL
Antique hand-sculpted stone head sculpture presented on a hand carved wooden stand.
Head measures: Length 5 inches x 4 inches depth x 8 inches hi...
Category
1940s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Stone
American Folk Art Large Carved Wood Elephant or Donkey
Located in New York, NY
Large American Folk Art carved pine wood sculpture of an elephant or donkey with raised ears. Measures: 37.75" H x 31.5" W x 30.5" D.
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Antique Cast Bronze of a Mythical Lion Beast
Located in North Hollywood, CA
An antique unusual cast bronze of a Mythical lion beast.
Bursting with character, the lion standing foursquare with his long tail curled back on itse...
Category
Early 20th Century African Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
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
Hand Carved Wood Figural Bull Statue
Located in Cincinnati, OH
This skillfully executed hand carved figural bull is fully dimensional and has a rich brown color. The bull is depicted in a standing position atop a shaped wooden plinth. The muscular animal has been finished with realistic detail with particular attention given to the bull's facial features and folds of skin. The plinth itself is slightly domed at the center and bears carved elements which include a large rock and stylized plants.
The bull measures 8" tall and the base is 10.75" x 4.125". It weighs 1lb 15oz. The carved bull is in very good vintage condition with no cracks or signs of wear.
This early 20th century hand carved bull statue...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Leather Horse Equine Animal Sculpture in the Folk Art Style
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful all leather horse equine animal sculpture, circa late-20th century. This hand-crafted piece is clad in a light brown leather with glass eyes. For size perspective, please...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Leather
19th Century Life Sized Horse Trade Sign from a Tack Shop in Pennsylvania
Located in Charleston, SC
19th century life sized horse trade sign from a tack shop in Pottsville, PA. Horse is made of cast iron, wood, and papier mâché. The tail and cast iron e...
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Iron
"Day of the Dead" Three-Piece Sculpture of Kahlo & Rivera by Demetrio Aguliar
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool and unique "Day of the Dead" three-piece Folk Art sculpture of Frida Kahlo & Diego Rivera signed by Mexican artist, Demetrio Garcia Agu...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Paint, Pottery
Folk Art Copper Finial Set
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Designer: Unknown.
Manufacturer: Unknown.
Period or Model: Early 1920s.
Specs: Copper.
Condition:
This Folk Art copper finial set are in used ...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Copper
Vintage Leather Parrot by Federico Mexico
Located in Miami, FL
Leather parrot from Mexico. Sitting on a brass perch.
Marked Federico Made in Mexico.
Category
1970s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Bonbon Chouval "Tissage"/Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Bonbon Chouval (Horse Biscuit in Creole) was originally a traditional pastry from the island of Martinique. Carelessly shaped as a horse, the biscuits were sold on the village m...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Caribbean Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Rare Early 18th century Irish Carved Folk Art Talbot
Located in Greenwich, CT
Very rare carved and painted wood talbot, a now extinct breed of dog often found in heraldic devices in both England and Ireland, this example in original painted surface and possess...
Category
18th Century and Earlier Irish Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Pine
Vintage Terracotta Monkey
Located in Houston, TX
Terracotta monkey holding a glazed fig, the symbol of fertility, Majorca, circa 1950.
Category
1950s Spanish Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
Large Carved Bust of African Man
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is an exceptionally well-carved portrait bust of an African man dating to the mid-20th century. The bust is carved from a single piece of mahogany; th...
Category
Early 20th Century African Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Mahogany
American Gilt Carved Wood and Poly Chromed Roman Guard Figurehead, Circa 1890
Located in Hollywood, 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
Doctor's Pomander Cane
Located in New York, NY
Carved wood doctor's cane with silver pomander handle for diffusing scents. Cane intricately carved with twisting snake and leaves.
Category
19th Century Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Tall Zinc Bird on Globe with Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wonderful rendition of a bird sitting atop a globe and set on a wooden stand. Great detail and patina of this vintage decorative piece.
Category
1880s French Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Zinc
Pair of Carved and Painted Horn Birds
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Chinese vintage carved and painted horn eagles or hawks with an alluring, stylized interpretation of these majestic birds of prey.
Category
20th Century Chinese Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Horn
Unusual Iron Welded Handmade Folk Art Locomotive, Train
Located in Buffalo, NY
Unusual iron welded handmade folk art locomotive, train, very well executed. Artist /maker unknown.
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Steel, Iron
Late 19th Century German Pug Dog, Heavy Terracotta with Brown Carmel Color Glaze
Located in San Francisco, CA
Late 19th century German pug dog. Heavy terracotta with brown carmel color glaze.
Seated, with the head turned, in active pose. Good confirmation and details of the face, ears, coil...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
Early Papier Mâché Folk Art Store Display "Stork and Baby"
Located in Buffalo, NY
Early papier mâché Folk Art store display "Stork and Baby". Charming depiction stylized stork and baby, retains original paint, slight damage to beak...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Paper
Swordfish Weathervane, 20th Century
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large-scale wooden weathervane from Chappaquiddick Massachusetts. Some old paint remaining. Almost eight feet long!
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Beautiful Hand Turned Exotic Wood Bowl
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Out of an estate collection of hand turned bowls including some by Edward Moulthrop comes this unique beautiful hand turned bowl out of some exotic wood. ...
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Sergio Bustamante Early Lion Papier-mâché Sculpture Hand-painted, 1975
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sergio Bustamante (20th century, Mexican) life sized paper mache lion from the early years of his Family Workshop Studio in Tlequepaque, Jalisco, Mexi...
Category
Late 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Paper
Emile Deyrolle 19th Century Plaster, Wire and Wood Didactic Germination Models
Located in Buffalo, NY
LES FILS D'EMILE DEYROLLE, PARIS. Extremely rare set of four 19th century French painted plaster, wire and wood Didactic models depicting progression, ANATOMIE VEGETALE, beautifully ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wire
Large Figurative African Mangbetu Anthropomorphic Ceramic Vessel or Jar
Located in Studio City, CA
This is a wonderful 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
American Midcentury Folk Art Benedict Tatti Squirrel Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
American midcentury Folk Art sculpture of a squirrel by Benedict Tatti. The piece is carved in wood and depicts a sitting squirrel holding on to a nut. In great vintage condition.
D...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
"Man with Cup" by Allan Winkler
Located in Chicago, IL
Although this whimsical sculpture by Allan Winkler has the look of outsider art, this ceramic work stems from the art school-trained artist’s interest in...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Unusual Hand Carved Clown Motif Umbrella, Paragon, S. Fox & Co
By S. Fox & Co.
Located in Buffalo, NY
Unusual Hand Carved Clown Motif Umbrella, Paragon, S. Fox & Co
Category
1920s English Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Metal
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
Large Oversize Asian Round Decorative Figural Head with Chinese Calligraphy
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Large oversize round Asian decorative head in red and gold. This piece is perfect for a bookshelf, or as a statement piece for a side table. Painting i...
Category
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Plastic, Plaster
31 Brazilian Silver Amulets
Located in New York, NY
These 31 Brazilian amulets, or balangada, were hammered from sheets of silver in the 19th century to form pomegranates, sugar apples, guava, and other...
Category
Mid-19th Century Brazilian Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Silver
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.