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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
20th Century Native American Painted Totem Pole A painted animal totem
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
20th Century Native American Painted Totem Pole A painted animal totem. Animal totems are believed to have spiritual significance, watching over Pacific Northwest Indian tribes and...
Category

1960s Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Beech, Birdseye Maple

Antique English Carved Folk Art Dog Head Cane over Ebonized Black Shaft
Located in Shippensburg, PA
CARVED FOLK-ART DOG HEAD CANE OVER EBONIZED SHAFT Probably English, circa late 19th century 37 1/4: H x 2 7/8" W A very attractive late 19th century Victorian walking cane, it fea...
Category

19th Century European Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Marble Camel Sculpture, Zoomorphic Carved Figurine, Morocco 1970s
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Marble Camel Sculpture, Zoomorphic Carved Figurine, Morocco 1970s Folk Art piece from Morocco made of marble. Hand-crafted object, finely engraved with geometric patterns on both s...
Category

Mid-20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Limestone, Marble, Sandstone

American Folk Art Carved Painted Wood Cat Sculpture
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage whimsical and playful American Folk Art carved wood sculpture features a hand carved and hand-painted seated cat with large expressive eyes and surprised look on its face. Th...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Folk Art Carved and Painted Owl Decoy, USA, 1900's
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Folk Art carved and painted owl decoy, USA 1900's A decorative barn owl carving decoy Original paint with even wear. Mounted over a new iron stand. We have...
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Set of Vintage Shoe Forms Mounted on Iron Base
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of three wooden child size shoe forms mounted on an iron base.
Category

Early 1900s North American Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Welded Owl Metal Sculpture, France 1970s
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Welded Owl Metal Sculpture, France 1970s. Handcrafted sculpture, composed of various metal pieces welded together. A nice piece of folk art with a lovely patina ! Note : On the ri...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Iron, Sheet Metal

Decorative Hand-Carved African Statue from Kenya
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Decorative ebony well hand-carved African statue of a young women. Handmade in Kenya, Africa.
Category

Mid-20th Century Kenyan Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Ebony

Cast Iron Green Painted Rooster Sculpture Door Stop
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Very sturdy cast iron sculpture of a rooster. Could be used on a console or kitchen counter as a decorative centerpiece display or functional as a door stop.
Category

Early 20th Century European Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Large Modern Owl Sculpture on Hanging Perch by Sergio Bustamante
Located in Pasadena, CA
Perched on a thin crossbar, this owl sculpture made by Sergio Bustamande stares at the viewer with painted eyes, their spiraling, hypnotic contours. The green and gold of its gaze su...
Category

1970s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Brass, Copper

Handcrafted Wood Whale Puzzle Sculpture Signed
Located in San Diego, CA
Handcrafted what sculpture made of solid wood. Amazing design an workmanship. Signed and dated.
Category

1990s American Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Folk Art Hand-Made Iron Rooster
Located in Chicago, IL
A mischievous 20th century American folk art rooster sculpture with a wonderful disposition, and beautiful rusted finish. Perfect indoors or out!
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Early 19th Century Rectangular Delft Tile with Rabbit
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Charming delft blue and white tile featuring a running rabbit. We see this piece displayed on a table or shelf and would make a wonderful addition to any collector of these desirabl...
Category

Early 19th Century Dutch Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Delft, Paint

Found and Salvaged Steel House Structure, Modern and Minimalist Sculpture
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, pr...
Category

2010s American Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Steel

Rare antique Whistle Soda cast iron advertising shaped display
Located in Stamford, CT
Rare cast iron antique Whistle Soda advertising piece. This figurative shaped hand has a screw off thumb that was made to hold an hourglass shaped bot...
Category

1920s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Tall African Papier-mâché Giraffe with Leather Ears
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A tall paper mache giraffe in black and brown with leather ears and glass eyes. We see this fun piece in a nursery or in a foyer. Measures: 17....
Category

20th Century Central African Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Leather, Glass, Paint, Paper

Possibly Hand-Turned Solid Wood Mushroom Sculpture, Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Located in Seattle, WA
Studio-made decorative mushroom turned from solid hardwoods: a warm, honey-brown cap married to a lighter natural stem.Skillful lathe work highlights the cap's flowing cathedral grai...
Category

1970s Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Large Sculpture Made of Handwoven Palm Leaves
Located in West Hollywood, CA
These large hand-woven palm sculptures are made from natural palm and provide rustic, organic modern, contemporary design for any home decor. Their unique w...
Category

2010s Mexican Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Palmwood

Pair of American Folk Art Tin Clad Pug Dog Bookends
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of American Folk Art Tin Clad Pug dog bookends USA, circa 1940s A great pair of hand-crafted, possibly one of kind American Folk Art Tin Clad pug d...
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Tin

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

Found and Salvaged Steel House Structure, Modern and Minimalist Sculpture
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, pr...
Category

2010s American Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Steel

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

Signed Vintage Mud Century Modern Mexican Folk Art Pottery Cat Hand painted.
Located in Seattle, WA
This charming vintage cat figurine is a lovely example of Mexican folk pottery. Hand-painted with whimsical facial features and colorful accents, this ceramic sculpture captures play...
Category

1970s Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Beetle Cast Iron Shoe Horn or Boot Jack, Powder Coated Chartreuse, circa 1920's
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Vintage boot jack in cast iron freshly powder coated in bright chartreuse. The cast iron object is as functional as it is decorative. This bright and fun ...
Category

1920s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Iron

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

Figurative Hand Carved Wood Sculpture - Juneau, Alaska 1984
Located in Soquel, CA
Figurative Hand Carved Wood Sculpture - Juneau, Alaska 1984 Hand carved wooden sculpture, presented on a dark wooden base. The sculpture is somewhat figural, but rather abstract. Th...
Category

1980s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Vintage Hand Painted Rocking Horse
Located in New York, NY
Vintage hand painted carved horse.
Category

1940s Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Carved Wood Falcon Sculpture 1960s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Handmade carved wood Falcon sculpture 1960s. Vintage Seri Ironwood Animal Hand-Carved Sculpture of a American Eagle or Falcon. Vintage Hand carved walnut wooden beautiful design decorative bird falcon sculpture. Carved wood figure of an Eagle sculpture from the 1960s. Eagle figure perched on a wooden trunk would be a great eye-catcher in any room or interior. Excellent condition. Natural dark brown color. Dimensions: 9.5" H x 4.5". Vintage hand carved Ironwood Southwestern seri sculpture of an eagle or falcon. Ironwood hand carved falcon sculpture. Hand crafted in amazing detail from one of earth's hardest natural ironwood. This is an authentic art piece crafted in the Sonoran Desert from native Olneya ironwood. Found almost exclusively in the desert of Arizona, this tree is truly one of nature's wonders. North American Southwestern desert ironwood gets its name from its amazing hardness and heavy weight (similar to petrified wood). Though this wood is very difficult to work, it is meticulously carved and etched to reveal incredible detail, in very nice polished heavy dark wood, no dents with a smooth finish over all excellent condition with beautiful visible wood grains. circa 1970. From Wikipedia: "Mexican ironwood carvings...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wood

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

Hand Painted Midcentury Resin White Jumper Carousel Horse by C.W. Parker
By Charles Looff Or C.W. Parker
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Perfectly captured in all it’s glory, this vintage C.W. Parker carousel horse is sure to gallop your heart. One look at this radiant mare, and you’ll see why. The animal’s strength a...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Antique Sicilian Opera dei Pupi Theater Marionette, ca. 1930s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Sicilian Opera dei Pupi Theater Marionette, ca. 1930s A large Sicilian theater (Opera dei Pupi) marionette, which is made of tin, wood and canvas ca. 1930s. The Sicilian Pu...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Greenlandica, Five Figures, Polar Bear, Seal and Three Inuits, Mid-20th Century
Located in København, Copenhagen
Greenlandica, five figures. Polar bear, seal and three Inuits. Four figurines in soapstone and a ceramic piggy bank (polar bear). Mid-20th century. I...
Category

Mid-20th Century Greenlandic Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Soapstone

Mexican Hand Painted Colorful Tonala Pottery Ducks Set of Three
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Mexican Tonala hand painted pottery birds Folk Art with brass decoration in the style of Sergio Bustamante. Vintage Mexican ceramic and brass hand painted Tonala pottery duc...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Brass

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 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

Pair of 1920s Cast Iron Duck Figures with Folk Charm and Patinated Finish
Located in Atlanta, GA
With their gently stylized forms and expressive, contrasting gestures, this pair of early 20th-century cast iron ducks embodies the quiet charm of vernacular folk design. One duck bo...
Category

Early 20th Century Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Iron

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

Mid Century Sculptural Hand Carved & Painted Wooden Buddha
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous hand carved & painted 40 inch tall wooden Buddha. Polychrome decorations with Gilt. Brightly colored and in prayer. Heavy and well executed. In excellent vintage condition ...
Category

1970s Central Asian Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Hardwood, Paint

Massive Vintage Cotton Elephant Covered in Indian Textiles
Located in Houston, TX
Massive vintage cotton elephant, covered in Indian textiles, retailed in the 1950s by Harrods. Exterior decorated in embroidered designs, tassels, tiny mirrors...
Category

1950s English 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 hig...
Category

1940s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Stone

Japanese Okimono Bronze Figure of a Rat 1950s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Japanese Okimono Bronze Figure of a Rat. DIMENSIONS: Height: 6.25 in Width: 4.25 in Depth: 3.5 in. Hand made in Japan circa 1950s. A large heavy vintage bronze statue of a rat made i...
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Coastal Monumental Carved Wood Fish
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Make a significant design statement with this incredible, monumental carved wood fish sculpture. Masterfully hand-carved, this piece showcases exceptional artistry in its thousands o...
Category

Late 20th Century American 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

Boston Terrier Heavy Cast Iron Doorstop
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sweet faced Boston Terrier cast iron doorstop. This doorstop is very heavy with great patina. The Boston Terrier hasa very soft look due to the wear.
Category

20th Century North American Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Greenlandica, Figure of a Walrus Made of Soapstone, Approximately 1960/1970s.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Greenlandica, figure of a walrus made of soapstone. Approximately 1960/1970s. In good condition, signs of use. Dimensions: L 12.5 x D 4.0 x H 8.0 cm.
Category

1960s Greenlandic Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Soapstone

Antique English Pottery Horse with Sponged Decoration Circa 1800
Located in Katonah, NY
This pottery figure of a horse is sponge decorated in shades of pink and brown. It was made at St. Anthony’s Pottery, located in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England, between 1800 and 1810. ...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Pottery

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

Found and Salvaged Steel House Structure on a Reclaimed Steel Base
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

Found and Salvaged Steel Structure on a Wooden Base
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

Grønlandica, Figure of a Wild Duck Made of Soapstone, Approximately 1960/1970s.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Grønlandica, figure of a wild duck made of soapstone. Approximately 1960/1970s. In good condition, signs of use. Marked. Dimensions: L 7.5 x D 3.0 x H 5.0 cm.
Category

1960s Greenlandic Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Soapstone

Soapstone Hand-Carved Bust of Brahma with Four Faces
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This bust is a beautiful representation of lord Brahma. Brahma is a part of the holy trinity of Hinduism along with Vishnu the Preserver and Shiva the destroyer. He is depicted in Hi...
Category

20th Century Thai Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Soapstone

Found and Salvaged Steel House Structure on a Reclaimed Steel Plate, Wooden Base
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 and...
Category

2010s American Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Steel

Large Mexican Folk Art Pottery Sculpture of a Female Depicting Life & Death
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This large and striking Folk Art pottery sculpture is unsigned, but believed to have been done in Mexico or South America in a contemporary Folk Art style. The sculpture is a study of a young woman of color wearing a brightly printed dress and accessorized with large deep red rose earrings...
Category

Late 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Pottery

Jim Rose - Construct No. 05, Salvaged Steel and Aluminum Industrial Objects
Located in Chicago, IL
Jim Rose, known primarily for his steel furniture, was an avid collector and scoured salvage yards for unique, interesting items. Here he has welded together various metal pieces to...
Category

2010s American Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Steel

Unusual Cast Iron & Led World Globe. ROTATING. sculpture / desk accessory
Located in Buffalo, NY
Unusual Cast Iron & Led World Globe. ROTATING. sculpture / desk accessory, Smooth 360* rotation, (see vedio) gentleman I purchased it from claims it was made for the Worlds Fair ??...
Category

1930s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Iron, Lead

Pair of Hand Carved Wooden Folk Art Masks
Located in San Diego, CA
A very fun pair of hand carved wooden folk art masks circa 1940s. The set is in very good vintage condition and has a hanger on the reverse side; the larger mask...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wood, Paint

Pair of Hand Carved Wooden Folk Art Masks
Pair of Hand Carved Wooden Folk Art Masks
$280 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Contemporary Brazilian indigenous art. Turuza Wauja. Sculpture Tamanduá, 2022.
Located in PARIS, FR
Turuza Wauja Sculpture Tamanduá, 2022 Mogno wood, graphics in natural pigments and snail shell 15 x 72 x 11 cm 5 91/100 x 28 7/20 x 4 33/100 in Carved from solid Piranheira wood and...
Category

2010s Brazilian Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Hardwood, Paint

Pair of American Cast Iron Hand Painted Preening Ducks on Squared Base, C 1880
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of American cast iron hand painted preening ducks resting on squared bases. Late 19th Century.
Category

1880s American Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Hand Carved Gilded Torso Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Large scale hand carved and gilded torso sculpture made from a tree branch,
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wood

A Charming Collection of Painted and Carved Decoy Ducks
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Charming Collection of Painted and Carved Decoy Ducks This is a good group of 4,19th Century French Decoy Ducks, they are carved in wood and the feathers and features are painted...
Category

19th Century Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Pine

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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