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
Folk Art Sculpture of the Head of a Seal, South America, 1930´s
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Folk Art sculpture of the head of a seal. South America 1930´s.
The head is mounted over a brass base, as a way to exhibit it.
The head has several crack as you can see on the pictur...
Category
Mid-20th Century Argentine Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
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
$1,500
Primitive Architectural Carved Wood Mounted Indian Horse Head
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Primitive architectural carved wood mounted Indian horse head
A beautiful piece of folk architecture from the Indian continent, the horse head was usu...
Category
Late 18th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Fred Schumm Lifesize Whimsical Painted Wood Sculpture of a Nude
By Fred Schumm
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A great whimsical colorfully painted lifesize wood sculpture of a nude. The base has been re-painted black. It is signed on the leg Schumm, 1995.
The artist's statement from a 2007 article follows;
Fred Schumm does not view life through rose-colored glasses.
He doesn't have to.
Schumm, Rowan University's artist-in-residence, is a former U.S. Marine who lived through some of the most horrific battles of World War II. He served at Peleliu -- two months of carnage on a tiny Pacific atoll where 12,000 perished - and then four long months on the bloodied isle of Okinawa.
Since then, Schumm, 82, has mostly tried to see life's beauty. It's sort of like how sunlight, warm but ordinary to the naked eye, is refracted into myriad, impossibly beautiful combinations of color when viewed through a kaleidoscope.
And, like sunlight, he finds art everywhere.
"Inspiration is all around but mostly I'm inspired by the ancients," Schumm said recently. "I love Prehistoric African carvings, the works of ancient Greeks, Japanese and Chinese. I especially love Eskimo work."
The celebrated sculptor loves Eskimo work so much he once hitchhiked from his home state of Colorado to Alaska just to see native carvings.
"I wanted to see the TOTEM poles," he said. "The Alaskan Indians were fantastic artists."
Schumm, artist-in-residence since 2003, works with various hardwoods, stone, even metals. A studio in which he works at Westby Hall has pieces in various stages of completion, from an eight-foot-tall, stainless steel sculpture he calls "Aviary" to a solid, six-foot log of black locust...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Hand Carved wooden Folk Art traditional Cookie Board. Set of 2
Located in Seattle, WA
This pair of traditional Cookies boards are hand carved with nice patina and character and feature holes on the back for hanging. Vintage Condition as pictured. Listing is for descri...
Category
1970s Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
David Segel 1970s 3-D Wooden Double Kiot Folk Art Sculpture
By David Segel
Located in Monrovia, CA
David Segel 3-D wooden folk art / Gothic sculpture, signed, titled and numbered ''RIBALD #1
David Segel, well known Artist of Venice, Ca and throughout Paris, France has hand-scul...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Primitive hand carved and handmade Mask
Located in Seattle, WA
This primitive handmade mask sculpture is a true work of art. This possible Folk Art piece is unknown in origin but perfect for those who appreciate the beautify of pottery and the c...
Category
1970s Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Pottery
Jill Johnston Hand-Turned Maple Vessel
By Jill Johnston
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A beautiful hand-turned maple vessel signed on the base Jill Johnston N245 3-99 and maple. It has a ring of inlaid decoration.
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Maple
Pivoting Carved Wood Gull on Marble Base
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A wonderful carved wood bird in flight mounted on a bronze arm painted black which attaches to a marble base. The person we acquired this sculpture from claimed that it belonged to h...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
American Carnival Wagon or Band Organ Carved Female Head
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Late 19th century American carnival wagon or band organ female head carving. Very detailed wood carving with great old white painted surface. Presented on a...
Category
19th Century American Antique 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
Unusual Antique Hand Carved African Fertility Primate / Baboon, Gorilla
Located in Buffalo, NY
Unusual Antique Hand Carved African Fertility Primate / Baboon, Gorilla,, Extremely well executed,, all hand carved,, remnants of original hair, bone eyes and teeth detail.
Category
1910s Cameroonian Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Bone, Wood
W P A Style Terracotta "Bear" Sculpture, Art Deco, Modern
Located in Buffalo, NY
W P A style terracotta "BEAR" sculpture, Art Deco, Modern, charming stylized depiction. Painted, minor chipping (bottom).
Category
1930s Unknown Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
A Set of Black Americana Baseball Memorabilia Folk Art Figures, Circa 1930s-40s
Located in Atlanta, GA
This collection of three Black Americana baseball figures, circa 1930s-1940s, are attributed to the San Antonio folk artist, Control Valadez. The set of Black memorabilia, sometimes called Black Americana, includes a pitcher, catcher & batter, each having been set and raised onto a custom iron base. They are all quite chippy with losses, nice patina and showing of age, still retaining much of their original paint colors. Likely once outdoor ornaments, we would suggest, due to their delicate condition, that these pieces remain indoors. Though historically, much black memorabilia portrayed racist and offensive ideas, there was also art, such as this collection, which reflects a more positive connotation, commemorating athletic achievements within the black community. These nicely sized baseball sculptures...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Iron
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
French Zinc Horse Head, circa 1930
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
French zinc horse head, circa 1930
Category
Early 20th Century European Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Zinc
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
1960’s Folk Art Flag Waving on Stand
Located in Charleston, SC
FOLK ART CARVED AND PAINTED WOODEN PATRIOTIC FLAG, single-sided form retaining an old painted surface over gesso. 20th century. Acquired from a folk art collector, where many pieces...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Paint
$1,024 Sale Price
20% Off
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
Vintage Boho Shanghai Weave Reclining Panda
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Bring a touch of whimsical charm and global flair to your space with this delightful vintage reclining panda figure. Expertly handcrafted using intricate weaving techniques (often as...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
$716 Sale Price
20% Off
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
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
Len Norman, American 20th Century the Prestidigitator Whirligig
Located in Buchanan, MI
Len Norman, American 20th century) the prestidigitator. Assembled and painted whirligig depicting a magician and body sawing act
Measures: 23" x 27" x 12".
Category
20th Century Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
One-of -a-Kind Rooster Sculpture - France, Circa 1960s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Impressive and characterful unique cockerel sculpture made of very heavy iron pieces.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Folk Art Sculptures
"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
$9,000 / item
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
$2,196 / item
Chubac Albert, Large Painted Sculpture, Signed, Dated and Numbered
Located in Nice, Cote d' Azur
Chubac Albert (1925-2008), Sculpture,
Large iron sculpture painted in primary colors,
Signed, dated 1991 and numbered 3/3, France.
Measures : Hei...
Category
1990s French Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Artist’s Model, Bust of a Young Woman on a Slate Block
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Artist’s Model, Bust of a Young Woman on a Slate Block
This is a very attractive hand made piece dating from the middle of the 20th Century, it was discovered in an Art Studio durin...
Category
1960s Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Clay
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
Folk Art Magnificent Oxidized Rustic Iron Man Sculpture
Located in Miami, FL
Magnificent iron man sculpture. Consists of saw blades as arms, a crumpled bucket as head with a tractor seat as its main body. Two skinny square iron legs keep it all upright and ar...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Alphaious Campbell Wood Carved Profile of a Man
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Alphaious Campbell carved wood wall hanging, c.1987. The painted folk art piece showcases various profiles of a bearded man.
Dimensions
9" width x 32.5" height
Condition
Excellent...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
P. Gomez, "The Cow" Sculpture in Two Parts
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
P. Gomez, "The cow" sculpture in two parts. Sheet metal and various material.
Category
1990s French Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Eight Curlews by Guy Taplin
Located in Basildon, GB
An original piece of English folk-art sculpture by the acclaimed British sculptor Guy Taplin (b. 1939). Eight individual wooden birds carved and painted, th...
Category
1990s British Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Driftwood
$16,716
Mexican Burnished Clay Romance Torso Heart Couple Statue Contemporary Oaxaca
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
Lovers Torso, a contemporary rustic Mexican sculpture by Manuel David Reyes. This soft piece is one-of-a-kind, made with clay and natural pigments from ...
Category
2010s Mexican Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Der Frierende' by Franz Zelezny
By Franz Zelezny
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A hand carved statue of an elderly man, 'Der Frierende.'
Category
Early 20th Century German Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
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
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
Ebony Wood Hand Carved African Elephant
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Hand carved wood ebony African elephant.
Mid-20th Century Hand-Carved African Elephant Sculpture in Solid Ebony Wood
Hand-carved African elephant sculpture, crafted from dense solid ...
Category
1950s Kenyan Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Ebony
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.
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