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
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
Pop Surrealist Sculpture by Robert Brock, circa 1974
Located in Buffalo, NY
Pop surrealist sculpture by Robert Brock, cirac 1974. Laminate and cast plaster
Brock was born in Tacoma, Ohio and was a graduate of the University of Dayton, Dayton Art Institute...
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Laminate, Plaster, Wood
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
Carved American Carnival Head, circa 1890s
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Finely featured carved man's head found in the southern United States. Most likely a late 19th century carnival head featured in a ball or ring toss game.
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Wooden Tramp Art Sculpture
Located in Dallas, TX
Wonderful Wooden Decorative Tramp/Outsider Art Sculpture,
In the form of an architectural tower,
made of 100's of interlocking pieces of hand-carved wood,
withou...
In the form of an architectural tower,
made of 100's of interlocking pieces of hand-carved wood,
withou...
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Folk Art Heavy Carved Log Bench Rhinoceros Sculpture
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Folk Art heavy carved log wood bench in form of sculpture.
Category
20th Century Unknown Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Teak
Larger Than Life Extravagant Folk Art Sculpture
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Outrageous larger than life piece of Folk Art painstakingly composed of found objects such as sea shells, beads, toys, vintage jewelry buttons, and bottle caps (to name a few). There...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Shell
Fantastic Diminutive 19thc Rare Eagle Full Body Weather Vane on Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This amazing small-scale rare 19th century eagle weather vane sits on top of the unusual arrow in a verdigris copper patina. The nose is in zinc and so is the tip of the arrow. This ...
Category
1880s American Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Copper
18th Century Carved Wooden Angel
Located in Houston, TX
Carved wooden angel from Private Chapel in Provence. Wonderful detail in Angel's hair and draped dress. Figure is mounted on an iron stand.
Category
18th Century French Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Iron
19th Century Tramp Art Box with Chip-Carved Decoration, Date and Velvet Inside
Located in Atlanta, GA
A 19th century Tramp Art rectangular wooden box featuring elaborate chip-carved decoration. Each side of this box is adorned with hand-carved tiered frames of four-layered notches, characteristic of the traditional chip-carving technique of Tramp Art, a 19th century form Folk Art that transforms salvaged materials into furniture and art. The lid, attached to the base with hinges, is covered with a burgundy velvet pad bordered by a chip-carved trim centered around a carved lion head. The lid, which lifts by a ring pull, opens to reveal a velvety green storage...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Pair of Black Smith Art Sculptures of a Bicyclist and a Hunter, circa 1900s
Located in New York, NY
Fabulous pair of hand-forged iron sculptures from a black smith, circa 1900s of man on a bicycle with a cigar and a hunter with his dog, bird and gun. T...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Rare 19th Century Cast Iron Court Jester Folk Art Hanging Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic 19th century wall hanging folk sculpture of the English court jester, looks like the joker. This folky cast sculpture looks like it was somethi...
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Iron
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
Bronze Statue of Toddler Climbing on Chair by Juan Clara ca. 1900
By Juan Clara
Located in Petaluma, CA
Juan Clara was a noted Spanish sculptor who specialized in small children having difficulty with chairs. That's pretty much all he did. This is very large piece for him and is a very...
Category
Early 20th Century Spanish Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Large 19th Century Carousel Figure of a Scotsman
Located in New York, NY
Large nineteenth century large carved and painted wooden figure representing a Scottish Highlander wearing a traditional plumed cap and uniform wit...
Category
19th Century Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Paint
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
Vintage English Terra-Cotta Pot Man Sculpture for Home, Garden Cty Staffordshire
Located in Chicago, IL
Outstanding vintage English terra-cotta flower pot man. This guy is the perfect folk art host for most anywhere, here at the store we have him in the foyer welcoming guests...
Category
20th Century English Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
Rare Pair of Fireman's Axe Parade Torches
Located in York County, PA
Rare pair of fireman’s axe parade torches, 1860-1880:
Pair of fireman’s axe parade torches with traditional wooden axe handles and the heads made o...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Vintage Carved Wood Articulated Clown Figure
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Chunky hand carving with simple facial detailing a pointed hat. Found in the southern US. Presented on a custom museum stand.
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Late 19th Century Painted Articulated Figure with Overalls
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Late 19th century articulated figure with a nicely detailed carved face, navy overalls and red-painted shirt, tie, and shoe.
Category
19th Century Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wire
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
Small Sailor Whirligig, circa 1930-1940
Located in Nantucket, MA
Figural standing sailor whirligig, carved from Pine wearing a white hat with metal brim,
a blue sailor’s middy with scarf, striped red and white unde...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Pine
Quirky American Folk Art Human Form Chair
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Have a seat! One of a kind human form chair. Wonderfully carved muscles, toes, clenched fists for support. Looks like the chair is ready to go crawling ac...
Category
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Horse Head Trade Sign, Last Quarter of the 19th Century
Located in York County, PA
An exceptional, painted American trade sign made from carved wood in the full-bodied form of a race horse’s head. Wonderful movement, tremendous f...
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Scottish Brass and Nickel Silver Horse Hobble, Bide A Blink, Circa 1830
Located in Hollywood, SC
Scottish brass and nickel silver horse hobble with an eagle heads horse shoe handle and resting on the faithful servant creature Bide a Blink. Signature...
Category
1830s Scottish Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Iron, Nickel, Brass
Exceptional Exotic Carousel Zebra by Karl Muller
Located in Greenwich, CT
A late 19th century-early 20th century carousel zebra by eminent creater Karl Muller in carved, painted wood. Ex-coll. Muller/Thummel studio in Molbitz, Ge...
Category
1890s German Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
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
Early 19th Century Scandinavian Folk Art Mangle Board
Located in Greenwich, CT
Charming early 19th Century Swedish folk art mangle board having a stylized horse handle, the body with geometric carving and traces of original polychrom...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
American Papier-Mache Camel Figure
Located in New York, NY
American life size camel figure standing on a platform base with hollow construction (attr: Luke Saunders Carnival Show, Michigan, Circa 1930)
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Paint
Carved and Painted Primitive Deer
Located in Nantucket, MA
American carved and painted deer, carved from two pieces of pine
with leather ears and tail and natural antlers.
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Pine, Antler
Tatyana Nazarenko Life-Sized Painted Wooden Props of a Russian Family
By Tatyana Nazarenko
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Russian artist signed, titled and dated on back, 1996. Painted on 5//8"plywood. Each has a pair of slotted wedges for standing.
Woman and child: 63.25" high by 27" wide
Seated yout...
Category
1990s Russian Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Plywood, Paint
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
Hand-Carved and Painted 19th Century Cigar Store Figure
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand-Carved and Painted 19th Century Cigar Store Figure.
The man is hand carved from one piece of wood. He is probably late 19th century and over pa...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Monumental Carousel Rooster Figure
Located in New York, NY
Carousel style (19/20th Cent) carved walnut monumental rooster figure on iron stand with brass pole
Category
19th Century Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Iron, Brass
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
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
Important Folk Art Trade Sign
Located in Greenwich, CT
A mid 19th Century folk art trade sign of demilune form, depicting a Native American chief holding a peace pipe and tomahawk wearing a headdress of white and red feathers, wearing a decorated tunic, supported by “s” scrolls, possibly a cover for a paddle boat wheel...
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
One Pair of Charming Wooden Shoe Moulds Mounted as Bookends Great Character.
Located in Buchanan, MI
One pair of charming wooden shoe moulds mounted as bookends, comes with four leather bound books. Feel free to call with further questions.
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Steel
Large Papier Mâché Hippopotamus by Sergio Bustamante
Located in Palm Beach, FL
A very fun and decorative papier mâché hippopotamus by Sergio Bustamante, complete with custom pedestal. Very light and easy to handle, this hippo adds humor and taste to any room. W...
Category
1970s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Papier Mâché
Brass Sculpture Inspired by Tribal Chinese Miao Hook Talisman
Located in New York, NY
A vintage brass sculpture, influenced by Miao Hook tribal talismans of China. It consists of two tightly wound coils connected with a stylized ...
Category
20th Century Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Fiberglass Crocodile in White Paint Surface
Located in New York, NY
Modern "Folk Art" crocodile made of cast fiberglass, in distressed white paint surface. Large scale makes this an impressive decorative item, probably circa 1960s. This item is built...
Category
1960s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Whimsical Wood Sculpture by Noted NJ Artist Fred Schumm
By Fred Schumm
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A wonderful wood sculpture by the noted NJ artist Fred Scumm. It is inscribed near the base with no date. Likely from the late 1980s or early 1990s. Colorfu...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Heavy Terra Cotta Folk Art Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Heavy terra cotta Folk Art sculpture, made by a worker from the Modesto brick factory, with unused clay from the day.
Category
1960s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
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
Art Deco Cubist Sculpture, circa 1930
Located in Houston, TX
Whimsical Art Deco patinated metal cubist sculpture, figure, or cardholder, circa 1930s. A fabulous Art Deco Folk Art sculpture!.
Category
1930s Unknown Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Folk Art Hunter Carving, circa 1930s
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Hand-carved wooden Folk Art hunter with a sheet metal hat. Original red, white and black paint surface.
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Sheet Metal
Wire Bicycle Sculptures
Located in Darnestown, MD
These two finely detailed wire sculptures depict slightly different bicycles. The piece on the left is actually a tricycle and on the right is what is called a bonecruncher. Both are...
Category
1930s Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Concrete Soldier Statue circa 1900 Chicago Area Garden
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Exceptional 6 ft. tall American Folk Art concrete soldier statue with original paint surface and inset glass 'gem.' Fantastic workmanship. Originally pa...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Concrete
Hand-Carved Wooden Folk Art Figures
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Kenneth Anthony Krogmeir carvings. Mr. Krogmeir was a dairy farmer from Fort Madison, Iowa. He also owned a small sawmill that he operated for personal use and for milling wood for n...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
19th Century Finely Carved and Gilded Scotsman Counter-Top Tobacco Trade Figures
Located in Nantucket, MA
Mid-19th Century carved and decorated counter-top Tobacconist’s Trade figures, circa 1850. Each with striking detail and beautiful patina, with the original gilding rubbed well into ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Unknown Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Nude glass male dancer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A great looking glass sculpture of a male nude dancer with incredible detail. Please see the work in the hands and feet.
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Glass
A Wooden Doll for a Religious Procession
Located in Washington, DC
A Wooden Doll for a Religious Procession.
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
English Folk Art Newel Post Figure of a Wildman
Located in Greenwich, CT
Most unusual English early 19th Century folk art carving of a wild man, most likely a newel post figure, depicted with groomed European hair, beard a...
Category
19th Century British Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Oak
Carved Hand Chair after Pedro Friedeberg
Located in NYC, NY
A unique, hand-carved wood chair in the shape of a cupped hand with detailing down to the wrinkles and fingernails. The base whimsically detailed as a shirt cuff with buttons. Solid....
Category
1950s French Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Direct Wood Carving of a Nude Woman
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A uniquely stylized direct wood carving of a nude woman. Unfortunately I cannot find any signature. Well executed.
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Set Of Three Indian Folk Art Figures
Located in Asheville, NC
Set of three Indian figures vividly painted. They appear to be kneeling in prayer two have their hair in buns and the third wears a crown. It is likely that the third blue figure is ...
Category
20th Century Indian Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
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
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
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.