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.
1
111
to
20
71
39
111
111
111
1,021
513
111
105
97
89
81
61
59
38
18
13
13
8
4
3
2
14
117
419
67
111
143
92
17
7
9
23
14
17
16
30
14
13
Height
to
Width
to
66
35
12
12
11
49
35
28
13
10
1
1
1
1
1
Style: Folk Art
Period: Early 20th Century
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
Early 20th Century French Folk Art Model
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century folk art model
'EST-CE UN PIETON OU UNE VOITURE?' (IS IT A PEDESTRIAN OR A CAR?)
An Early 20th century French hand carved folk art model, depicting a police...
Category
Early 20th Century French Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Swedish Folk Art Centerpiece Sculpture of 3 Cows and a Bull
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A Swedish set of four wooden carved and painted figures of a bull and three cows from early 20th century. Sweden has a long and well known tradition of folk art wooden carving. It started in the rural class, the so called "allmoge" people of the countryside. They could not afford expensive materials such as metals, ivory or ceramic so they used pine wood for the making of kids toys...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Pine
Vintage American Wood Shoe Molds Bookends
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage American wood women shoe form molds mounted as bookends
Vintage wooden shoe making mold from the 1930s.
A pair of shoe form bookends, these well carved solid wood shoe mould would have been used to make handmade shoes.
These molds were traditionally made for each customer and would be used each time they came into the cobbler for a new pair of shoes.
It is in good original condition with the patina and metal that shows age.
Cobbler molds size 6.5 B model 258
Made from solid wood, I love these moulds because of their individual nature but also they are almost a piece of sculpture.
This elegant women wooden shoes bookends form mold make a great addition to your vintage decor.
Vintage hand carved wood cobbler shoe molds...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Chinese Bookends of Soapstone hand carved, Republic Period circa 1920s
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
These are a beautiful pair of Chinese soapstone Bookends made in China during the Republic period, Circa 1920.
These bookends are individ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Soapstone
Large Antique Carved Wood Female Bambara Chi Wara Antelope Figure
Located in Nantucket, MA
Chi wara is a ritual headdress used by the Bambara people in Mali. Portrayed as both male or female figures Chi ware is associated with agriculture. This fema...
Category
Early 1900s Malian Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Hardwood
Large Antique Hand Carved Painted Stag Sculpture
Located in Forney, TX
A charming and whimsical vintage hand carved stag sculpture in wood, with original distressed painted white finish, dating to the early 20th century. Exceptionally carved and sculpted from a single log, the solid wooden sculptural figure having no separation except for the removable and adjustable intricately crafted six point antlers and folding ears. Both easily adjust to allow positioning in different locations, such as on a narrow fireplace...
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paint
Large Antique Southeast Asian Thai Carved Polychrome Rabbit Folk Art Sculpture
Located in Forney, TX
A large whimsical hand carved and painted antique Southeast Asian wooden hare sculpture with incised detailing, polychrome decoration and beautifully aged patina.
Hand-crafted in th...
Category
Early 20th Century Asian Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Paint
Large Antique Carved Wood Male Bambara Chi Wara Antelope Figure
Located in Nantucket, MA
Chi wara is a ritual headdress used by the Bambara people in Mali. Portrayed as both male or female figures Chi ware is associated with agriculture. This larg...
Category
Early 1900s Malian Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Hardwood
Early 20th Century Folk Art Carved Wood Deer Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
A stoic yet charming early 20th century Folk Art carved wood deer sculpture, nearly life size, with a wonderful dry weathered finish, and mounted on a custom steel mount. Perfect dis...
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Antique Folk Art Dog And Cat Form Brass Andirons
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An authentic Pair of Antique Cat and Dog Andirons in original as found condition. Ca. early 20th c. hollow cast brass. Each seated and looking out. The cat with a wide curled tail, t...
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Wooden Architectural Gou Mata Temple Elements, India, Ca 1900
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
Very decorative wooden architectural elements made in India around the year 1900.
These carriers, each 28 centimeters high, were part of ...
Category
Early 1900s Indian Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Ebony Wood Hand Carved African Elephant
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Hand carved wood ebony African elephant.
Handcrafted in Africa.
One of the tusk is damaged
Category
Early 20th Century African Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Ebony
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Rooster Weathervane
Located in Chicago, IL
A charming early 20th American Folk Art carved pine rooster weathervane with a wonderful silhouette with a large tail, applied wings, and copper legs all supported by an iron rod wit...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Pine
19th Century Austrian Carved Pine Folk Art Farmer and His Oxen Model
Located in London, GB
19th century carved pine folk art farmer and his oxen model
We are proud to offer a unique example of a late 19th century hand carved pine folk art model of a farmer and his oxen. R...
Category
Early 1900s Austrian Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Pine
Old Florida Antique Bronze and Copper Palm Tree Sculpture
Located in San Francisco, CA
Incredibly detailed one of a kind Palm Tree sculpture. It is made from bronze and copper. Magnificent patina. It stands 34 inches high. The base is 9 inches wide and the trunk of tree measures 2 1/2 inches wide. In over 40 years of buying and collecting we have never seen another one. Most palm tree sculptures don't do justice to the actual palm tree. This captures the sway and curves of tree and the rungs. This came out of a 110 year old house in central Florida that still had no air condition. Could be considered a piece of Florida folk art.
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Bronze, Copper
After Jean Louis Grégoire Spelter Figure "Boy Playing Pipe"
Located in Los Angeles, CA
After Jean Louis Grégoire (France, 1840-1890) A Charming French 19th-20th Century Patinated Spelter Figure of "The Animal Charmer", depicting a sta...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Spelter
Early 20th Century Scandinavian Hand Carved and Painted Figural Nutcracker
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Scandinavian Folk Art nutcracker with man in cap decoration, circa 1920-1930s. Fine expressive facial and lovely hand painted details. Very nice, vintage condition with light wear co...
Category
Early 20th Century Scandinavian Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Large European Folk Art Carved Wooden Standing Man Carrying a Basket Sculpture
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This large Folk Art wooden sculpture is unsigned, but presumed to have been made in Europe and most likely Italy in circa 1920 in a Folk Art style. This large wooden carved sculpture depicts an elderly bearded man carrying a heavy basket on his back and holding the straps in the front to support the weight. This is quite a tall carving...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Softwood
Danish Piggy Bank for Charity, circa 1920s
Located in Copenhagen, K
Lovely piggy bank with inscription aiming to collect money for the society for children’s footwear. This union was established in 1889 and was still active in mid-1930s.
Category
1910s Danish Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Early 20th Century English Folk-art Hand Carved Gentleman Boxwood Figure
Located in London, GB
Early 20th Century English Folk-art Hand Carved Gentleman Figure
We are proud to offer a unique hand carved English folk-art figure of a quirky looking, very well dressed aged Engl...
Category
1910s British Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Boxwood
Early 20th Century Indonesian Carved Wooden Seated Gentleman
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting a glorious early 20th century Indonesian carved wooden seated gentleman.
This is Beautiful bit of ‘treen’ carved most likel...
Category
Early 20th Century Indonesian Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Hardwood
Pair of Majolica Poodle Onnaing, circa 1900
By Onnaing
Located in Austin, TX
French petite pair of Majolica poodle unsigned Onnaing, circa 1900.
Supposed to be a toy.
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Faience
Large Antique Papier Maché Carnival Masks, 1900s
Located in HEVERLEE, BE
For sale are these rare, large early 20th century carnival masks made from wood and painted papier maché.
Although looking a little creepy and intriguing they have a great decorat...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Paper
Large Early 20th Century Belgian Oak Folk Art Eagle Sculpture
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Early 20th century Belgian oak Folk Art eagle sculpture.
Category
1920s Belgian Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Oak
Early 20th Century Folk Art Driftwood Dachshund Dog
Located in Nantucket, MA
Early 20th century Folk Art driftwood dachshund, circa 1920, a natural form piece of driftwood that has been augmented with the addition of inset Periwinkle shell eyes, two drilled n...
Category
1920s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Driftwood
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
Achille D'Orsi Sculpture Pescatorello, Early 1900s
By Achille D'Orsi
Located in bari, IT
Bronze sculpture on black marble base depicting a young boy holding some pots. Engraved signature of the artist. Manufactured in Italy, early 20th century.
Category
Early 1900s Italian Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
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
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
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
Brass Kondh Sculpture of a Tribal Warrior Riding a Beast
By Konda Tribe
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wonderful decorative and heavy cast brass of a warrior horse or beast rider.
The horse and warrior are very modern tribal elongated form.
The tribal ho...
Category
Early 20th Century Indian 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
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
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
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
Folk Art Wooden Fireman Sculpture, Early 20th Century
Located in Antwerp, BE
Stunning Folk Art wooden sculpture of a Fireman.
This pre-war statue of a marching fireman or firefighter dates circa 1920-1930.
This fire-eater wears yell...
Category
Early 20th Century European Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Piggy Bank for Charity
Located in Copenhagen, K
Lovely piggy bank with inscription aiming to collect money for the society for children’s footwear. This union was established in 1889 and was still active ...
Category
1910s Danish Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Iron
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
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
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
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
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
Iron Boot Scraper with Ram's Head Finial
Located in Greenwich, CT
A generous iron boot scrape with twisted shaft handle and bronze finial of a ram's head mounted on a heraldic helmet. Decorative scrolled base imprinted with "1928". In the manner...
Category
Early 20th Century English Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Iron, Bronze
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
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
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
Early 20th Century German Statue 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
Copper and Wood American Folk Art Boxer Whilrligig
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Spectacular American Folk Art whirligig found in Rockford, IL. Wonderful dry surface paint on boxers. Great working condition.
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Oringinal Wood Carved Relief of a Man Fishing
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Wonderful vintage relief image of man fishing while sleeping against a tree. Hand carved early 20th century.
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Rare 20th Century Wood Carving of Child in Excellent Conditioned, Natural Patina
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare wood carving of child holding a book.
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Paint
Antique English Folk Art Toy Horse
Located in London, GB
Utterly charming one of a kind wooden folk art horse. Totally scratch built from glorious elm and oak with leather bridle. Made in England during the early part of the 20th century. ...
Category
Early 20th Century English Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Hardwood, Elm, Oak
Royal Doulton Porcelain Figurine, "The Mendicant"
Located in Ferndale, MI
High glazed, finely modeled bone china with exquisite colors. One of designer, Leslie Harradine finest Royal Doulton firgurines, "The Mendicant" (1929...
Category
Early 20th Century English Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
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.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Tall Curio Cabinet
Bronze Sculpture Goat
Horn Bird
Terracotta Horse
Wood Carved Horse Head
Angel Carvings
Antique Bronze Fan
Antique Bronze Tiger
Antique Farm Objects
Black Murano Glass Animals
Bronze Jockey
Egyptian Bronze Sculpture Antique
Grand Tour Reliefs
Grotesque Gold
Horse Figurine
Japanese Porcelain Animals
Large Copper Bird
Late Renaissance Florence