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
Abstract Modernist Wood Inlay / Wooden Marquetry Figure Wall Plaque
Located in Buffalo, NY
Abstract Modernist Wood Inlay / Marquetry Figure wall plaque. Hand executed..Art Deco , African influenced.Several mixed species of exotic woods.
Category
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Near Pair of Japanese Jizai Kagi Wood Koi Folk Art Sculptures
Located in Atlanta, GA
A near pair of wood koi fish from Japan circa 1860-90s of late Meiji Period. Hand-carved from solid wood, these sculptures are known as Jizai Kagi in Japane...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Iron
19th Spanish Colonial Santos Hands, Set of Three, Mounted
Located in Stamford, CT
Interesting and unusual group of three Spanish Colonial painted plaster hands, two mounted on marble bases and one on a custom wood stand. Whimsical, or just creepy, they are uniqiue. Likely hands from santos figures, which often break off. The previous collector thought enough of them to have them beautifully mounted. Give someone a hand!
Provenance: Artist Karl Mann...
Category
19th Century Peruvian Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Marble
Antique Mythical Tiger Finial Bronze Palanquin Handle 18-19th Century
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Antique 18th 19th Century Palanquin Mythical Lion or Tiger Finial Bronze Handle.
Large heavy Indian Mythological bronze palanquin fitting cast via the lost wax technique, beautifully stylized and crafted in the form of protective mythological creature.
Palanquin finials were used to adorn the pole ends of the palanquin or palki.
A fine and massive example of a palanquin pole finial with good detail and fine patina.
India, circa: 18th/19thc.
The Palanquin handle...
Category
19th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
American Folk Art Carved Cat Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
A whimsical and bold 20th century American Folk Art cared wood sculpture depicting a stylized seated cat with a long neck, expressive face, and a beautiful chip carved surface. It cr...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Pine
African Folk Art Hand Carved Sculptures Fork and Spoon Dark Ebony Wood
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Hand carved African tribal dark ebony wood carved sculpture of a men and women,
Africa tribal Art Decor.
Kenyan tribal sculptures featuring an elongated standing man and women with a crown and metal choker.
Very simple modern look carved ethnic sculptures...
Category
Mid-20th Century Kenyan Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Jim Rose Barn House Structure, Welded Steel Sculpture 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
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
French 19th Century Folk Art Iron Rooster or Cockerel Weathervane
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful iron weathervane representing a rooster or cockerel,
France, 1850-1900. The weathervane is placed on an oak pedestal of later date
Weathered and small losses. Measurement...
Category
19th Century French Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Pair of Gilded Angel Wings
Located in Sheffield, MA
Pair of large and very impressive angel wings. Perfect as wall decoration, sculpture en relief. 48" per wing span each in length. Made from a synthetic material.
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Synthetic
Black and White Hand-Crafted Ceramic Chicken Sculpture, Animal Figurine Folk Art
By Iittala
Located in Miami, FL
Scandinavian Modern Iittala style black and white glazed ceramic chicken, handmade in the USA.
Life-size stylized chicken animal sculpture for any interior design.
Category
1980s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Mexican Vintage Tonala Pottery Hand Painted Green Duck
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Mexican ceramic duck form Tonala Pottery.
Beautiful vintage Mexican hand made and hand painted TONALA Art pottery.
Vintage Collectible Mexican Tonala hand painted pottery bird Folk Art.
El Palomar...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Pottery
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
Massive Antique Folk Art Candle Driven Tiered Windmill Form "Carousel"
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic Folk Art Candle-Powered Carousel in the form of a Tiered and Steepled Gazebo. Carved and painted wood in green and off-white with gilt details, Multiple tiers with a center s...
Category
19th Century Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Australian Aboriginal Carved Ancestor Figure with Ochre Paint
Located in Atlanta, GA
Hand-carved wood ancestor figure with surface pictorial carving showing kangaroo hunting and decorated with black and red paint and white and yellow ocher pigment. The figure slightly leans forward as made.
The piece was carved by aboriginal artist...
Category
Early 2000s Australian Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
1992 Vaillancourt Folk Art Chalkware Father Christmas Santa Claus #1219
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage 1992 Vaillancourt Folk Art chalkware figurine #1219 of Father Christmas or Santa Claus dressed in green and gold with a peaked hood and red gl...
Category
1990s Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
20th C. Hand Carved Egyptian Revival Folk Art Bali Cat Sculpture Statue
Located in Dayton, OH
20th century hand carved folk art wooden cat form sculpture or statue. Features a knockdown design with elegant form. Features pointy claws, curled tale an...
Category
20th Century Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Hardwood, Paint
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
Wood Carved Chinese Restaurant Entry Arch, circa 1940s
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Impressive and grand arch that graced the entry of a Chinese restaurant in the 1940s American Midwest. Impressively carved and double-sided solid wo...
Category
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Mexican Tonala Hand Painted Colorful Pottery Dove
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Mexican Tonala hand painted pottery dove Folk Art.
Rita Tilleya Yelapa Mexico hand painted ceramic bird dove.
Warm earth tone polychrome color...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Contemporary Elliptical Bamboo Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
Folk art style oval/elliptical bamboo sculpture, contemporary. Lengths of lighter colored bamboo form the larger ovals with short pieces of darker bambo...
Category
Late 20th Century Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Bamboo
Vintage Mexican Tonala Pottery Hand Painted Bird
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Mexican Tonala hand painted pottery bird Folk Art.
Flora de la Cruz Acapulco Gro Mexico hand painted bird dove ceramic.
Warm earth tone polych...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Pottery
American Turned Newel Finial Post
Located in Chicago, IL
Dated to the early 20th century, this antique turned newel post was crafted from American oak with a simple ball finial top. The original dark finish...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Oak
Very Large Example of a Tonala Cat, Artist Signed
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is an exceptionally large Tonala figure of a cat. The piece is artist signed and most probably dates to the 1960s-1980s. The cat is beautifully mold...
Category
20th Century Mexican Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Clay
"Wallace" Skating at the Park, Fine Craft Painted Rabbit, Canada, Circa 1997
Located in Chatham, ON
"Wallace" Skating at the Park - Fine craft raw wood sculpture with a painted finish highlighted with India ink - made from a solid pine branch with...
Category
Late 20th Century Canadian Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Softwood, Paint
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
Pair of Wall Plaques Modelled as an Old Couple
Located in Montreal, QC
Pair of terra cotta wall plaques modelled in high relief and painted, portraying an old couple looking out the window.
Category
19th Century Austrian Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
American Copper Full Bodied Pig Directional Weathervane on Stand, circa 1880
Located in Hollywood, SC
American Copper full bodied pig directional weathervane resting on squared iron stand, late 19th century.
Category
1880s American Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Copper, Iron, Zinc
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
Large Hand Carved Duck Sculpture by Miguel Ruelas
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice large hand carved duck sculpture by Miguel Ruelas, circa 1980s. The detail, craftsmanship and painting in this piece is lifelike and truly amaz...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Paint
French Hand-Painted Lady Sculpture Door Stop in Solid Cast Iron
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Late 19th century door stop, France, circa 1880.
This lady sculpture is made in heavy solid cast iron and is in it original hand-painted colors.
Category
19th Century English Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Vintage Cape Dorset Inuit Stone Carving of a Seal, Unsigned, Canada, C.1960's
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage Cape Dorset Inuit soapstone (also called Steatite) carving of a seal - featuring fine simplified carving and details accentuating the form of the a...
Category
Mid-20th Century Canadian Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Stone
"Folk Art" Sheep, 18th-19th Ctr.
Located in Kastrup, DK
"Folk Art" wooden carved sheep.
Original untouched condition.
Rust colored with natural patina.
China 18'th - 19'th ctr.
Category
Late 18th Century Chinese Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Folk Art Wood Wheel Sculptural Element
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous and unique hand-crafted wooden wheel with 2 "spokes". Possibly from a small wooden wagon or cart.
The 5" thick wheels are carefully carved fr...
Category
19th Century Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Steel
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 pict...
Category
Mid-20th Century Argentine Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Mid-20th Century English Papier Mache Giraffe Puppet Head
Located in London, GB
Mid-20th Century English Papier Mache Giraffe Puppet Head
A charming example of a mid-20th Century English Papier Mache giraffe puppet head. M...
Category
1950s British Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Paper
Elephant Décor Planter
Located in Pasadena, TX
Late 20th century ceramic elephant garden planter
Handmade of ceramic. Nice addition to your home, patio or garden.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
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
Abstract Steel Floor Sculpture by Mayer Spivack, Circa 1980s
Located in Peabody, MA
We recently acquired a collection of mid to late 20th century sculptures by the Newton, Massachusetts artist, psychotherapist and inventor Mayer Spivack. A lifelong innovator and cre...
Category
1980s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Steel
Early 20th Century German Deer Target
Located in Chicago, IL
A unique and chic early 20th century German iron hunting target in the shape of a grazing deer, and with a fantastic pitted painted finish. Perfect for ...
Category
Early 20th Century German Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Royal Copenhagen Hand Painted Porcelain Young Girl Peasant Feeding a Calf
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Royal Copenhagen glazed hand painted porcelain figurine of a Danish young girl peasant feeding a calf from a big bucket. Below the base, it is found the Royal Copenhagen ha...
Category
20th Century Danish Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Late 19th Century Hand Carved And Painted Wooden Carousel Horse Head
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Hand-carved and painted massive wooden horse head, late 19th century, probably from a small carousel or children's toy. Very nice patina through peeling paint and wear.
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Pair of Triton Sea Shell Sculptures
Located in Forney, TX
A pair of unique folk art sculptures completely comprised of natural triton shells. Ball form, each spiral trumpet sea shell protruding outward, creating ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Shell
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
Vintage Brazilian Hand-Carved Ironwood Sculpture of Whale and a Shark
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Brazilian hand carved Ironwood sculpture of a whale and a shark.
Hand carved Brazilian sculpture hand crafted in amazing detail from one of...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Large Pink Hand Catchall Sculpture Studio Pottery by Unknown American Artist
Located in Chicago, IL
Handmade large pink hand sculpture/catchall by unknown American artist. Oversized, goofy and in your face. The soft touch of clay adds some life to th...
Category
1980s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Vintage Cotton Elephant Covered in Indian Textiles
By Harrods
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage cotton elephant, covered in Indian textiles, retailed in the 1950s by Harrods. Interior frame composed of wire and straw. Textiles originally s...
Category
1950s English Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wire
Pair Early 20th Century Scandinavian Faded Milliners Heads, 1900's
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Beautiful pair faded wooden gent milliners heads from the early 1900's.
The faded lines and the non-treated wood gives these heads there beautiful character. Absolutely top of the li...
Category
Early 1900s Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Beautiful Wooden Metal coated Tang-Style Horse, Vintage Asia, 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful decorative horse statue. Some wear with a nice patina, but this is old-age. Wooden horse coated with metal. Very decorative and nice to display ...
Category
1980s Chinese Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Vintage Wood Giraffe Sculpture, c. 1930-1950
Located in Kastrup, DK
A charming vintage wooden giraffe. Hand-carved from hardwood (tropical wood) with brown and black painted surface.
From Africa, c. 50-100 years...
Category
Early 20th Century African Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
19th Century, English Folk-Art Stick Handle
Located in London, GB
19th Century Folk-art stick handle.
Made from a single piece of hand carved pine, detailing a hand holding a cricket ball, with geometric patterns to the shaft section. Likely to ...
Category
19th Century British Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Pine
Early 20th Century Scandinavian Faded Wooden Milliners Head, 1900's
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Beautiful faded wooden gent milliners hea from the early 1900's.
The faded lines and the non-treated wood give this head his beautiful character. Absolutely top of the line decorati...
Category
Early 1900s Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Vintage Folk Art Estremoz Clay World Heritage Figurine Portugal by Jose Moreira
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Wonderful and detailed figure by this famous World Heritage maker. Heavily patinated, with flaking to original painted surfaces. Not cleaned, presented in as found condition.
Category
1950s Portuguese Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Pottery
1930s Austrian Horse Toy
By Craft and Folk Art Museum
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Beautiful 1930s Austrian horse toy. Wonderful patina.
Category
1920s Austrian Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Bentwood
Early 20th Century Scandinavian Faded Milliners Head, 1900's
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Beautiful faded wooden gent milliners hea from the early 1900's.
The faded lines and the non-treated wood give this head his beautiful character. Absolutely top of the line decorati...
Category
Early 1900s Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Early 20th Century Folk Art Fairground Elephant
Located in London, GB
Early 20th Century Folk Art Fairground Elephant
We share what we love, and we love this charming and naively formed early 20th century hand craved fairground ride figure. With a de...
Category
1920s British Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Mixed Media Sculpture Architectural Assemblage
Located in Seguin, TX
Small tabletop mixed media assemblage sculpture by Linda Thompson. Using all antique and vintage components. Wood casting mold from Alamo Ironworks for Swearingen Co. , antique architectural engravings, brass rosette, silverplate shaker...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Vintage Gilded Sculpture of a Thai Standing Buddha
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage gilded Asian wooden sculpture of a standing Buddha.
Southeast Asian carved gilt wood and polychrome sculpture of the Buddha standing.
Mandalay standing Thai...
Category
Mid-20th Century Thai Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Giltwood
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.