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
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
Greenlandica, soapstone sculpture. Bowl shaped like a mythical creature
Located in København, Copenhagen
Greenlandica, soapstone sculpture. Bowl shaped like a mythical creature.
Greenland.
Approximately from the 1960s.
In excellent condition with a minor chip on the base.
Dimensions: L ...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Soapstone
19th Century Carved Walnut Effeminacy Male Figure
Located in London, GB
19th century carved walnut effeminacy male figure
We are proud to offer a unique and highly decorative 19th century hand carved walnut figure of an effeminacy male form. Unusual in its figurative posture and detail. This includes the figure standing in a side on pose with flirtatious gesture, a loosely draped over shoulder silk sheet, female form breasts and overly masculine facial details. This item is heavily patinated due to its age. This figure may have at some point in its lifetime have been part for a larger wall carving...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Walnut
19th Century Cast Iron Bacchus Doorstop
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th Century Cast Iron Bacchus Doorstop
Antique Bacchus Cast-Iron Doorstop he is Bearded and has a Great Cornucopia Top this is a rare piece dating f...
Category
19th Century Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Greenlandica, wooden sculpture of a male figure. Greenlandic craftsmanship.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Greenlandica, wooden sculpture of a male figure.
Greenlandic craftsmanship. Hand-carved.
Signed ZA and dated '66 (1966).
In excellent condition.
Dimensions: H 21.0 cm x D 10.0 cm.
Category
1960s Greenlandic Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Monumental Figurative Wire Iron Sculpture, Female Figure Titled "DOMINATRIX
Located in Buffalo, NY
Monumental figurative wire iron sculpture, female figure titled "DOMINATRIX, amazing skilled artist, great sense of the human female form. Hand delivery avail to New York City or any...
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Iron, Wrought Iron
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
Beaded Ndebele Initiation Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king...
Category
Mid-20th Century South African Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Fabric, Cotton, Wood
Greenlandica, collection of seven various bone tools
Located in København, Copenhagen
Greenlandica, a collection of various bone tools, comprising seven pieces in total.
Originating from Greenland.
Dating back to approximately the 1970s.
The largest piece measures:...
Category
1970s Greenlandic Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Other
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
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
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
$116 Sale Price
20% Off
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
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
Greenlandica, tupilak in soapstone. Greenland mid-20th century.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Greenlandica, Tupilak.
Traditional, magic Greenlandic figurine carved in soapstone.
Greenland mid-20th century.
In good condition, with damage to the base (see photo).
Dimensions: H...
Category
Mid-20th Century Greenlandic Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Soapstone
Carved Bantam Wearing a Crown
Located in Greenwich, CT
An early 19th century French carved bantam sporting a crown, well carved in pine. Good detailing to face, plumage, tail feathers and feet. Possibly originally from a ring toss game...
Category
19th Century French Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Pine
Staffordshire Pearlware Piper with Dog Bocage Figure
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Staffordshire pottery pearlware bocage figure with a musical theme which features a boy playing a pipe. His dog by his side, stood on a shaped base. Decorated 'in the round' - decora...
Category
1820s English Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Vintage Boho Sergio Bustamante Paper Mache Bird on Pedestal
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Make a bold artistic statement with this vintage Sergio Bustamante paper mâché bird sculpture, a whimsical yet elegant creation handcrafted in T...
Category
Late 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Paper
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
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
Folk Art Studio Pottery Bunny
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Folk Art Studio Pottery Bunny - We shop a lot and this bunny is one of our favorite finds. A precious little thing with a great spirit and energy. A compl...
Category
20th Century Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Pottery
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
Pair Large English Prattware Figures of Autumn & Winter Hand Painted Circa 1790
Located in Katonah, NY
This pair of large English Prattware figures, hand-painted in Staffordshire around 1790, represents Autumn and Winter through the distinctive charm of late 18th-century folk pottery....
Category
Late 18th Century English Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Creamware, Pearlware
Pair of Inuit Children on a Sledge Made of Soapstone
Located in København, Copenhagen
A pair of Inuit children on a sledge made of soapstone.
Approximately: 1970/1980s.
In good condition, signs of use.
Sticker.
Dimensions: L 8.0 x D 4.0 x H 8.5 cm.
Category
1970s Canadian Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Soapstone
Greenlandica, wooden sculpture of a hunter in profile. Hand-carved. Mid-20th C.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Greenlandica, wooden sculpture of a hunter in profile.
Hand-carved.
Mid-20th century.
In very good condition.
Dimensions: H 12.5 cm x D 8.0 cm x W 7.0 cm.
Category
Mid-20th Century Greenlandic Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Greenlandica, Sarak, Greenlandic woman in profile, sculpture in soapstone.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Greenlandica, Sarak, Greenlandic woman in profile, sculpture in soapstone.
1970/80s.
In excellent condition.
Signed.
Dimensions: H 14.0 cm x L 12.0 cm x W 6.0 cm.
Soapstone - also kn...
Category
1970s Greenlandic Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Soapstone
Beaded Ndebele Initiation Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king...
Category
Mid-20th Century South African Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Fabric, Cotton, Wood
Grønlandica, Sarak, Greenlandic hunter in profile, sculpture in soapstone.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Grønlandica, Sarak, Greenlandic hunter in profile, sculpture in soapstone.
1970/80s.
In excellent condition.
Signed.
Dimensions: H 10.5 cm x W 8.0 cm.
Category
1970s Greenlandic Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Soapstone
Large Ceramic Sculpture, Albert Thiry, Vallauris c. 1990
By Albert Thiry
Located in St Ouen, FR
Very large female figure executed in grogged clay and decorated with slips.
Albert Thiry and his wife Pyot founded their workshop in Vallauris in 1961.
Their creation is distinguish...
Category
1990s French Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Hand Made Folk Art Pottery Sculpture of a Mans Head
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wonderful sculpture of a mans head... reminiscent of an Italian icon, the piece is unique and a wonderful stand alone decorative piece or can be used as a paper weight or bookend. ...
Category
20th Century Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Pottery
Beaded Ndebele Fertility Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king). As beads become gradually more accessible throughout the 19th century, they began to displace the organic materials used in traditional art and attire.
This colorful example of African beadwork is a fertility doll...
Category
20th Century South African Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Cotton, Wood
Antique Folk Art Carved Gesso over Wood and Hand Painted Native Man Statue
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Presumed to date from the late 19th century, this life-sized Folk Art carved and hand painted study depicts a Native man dressed in traditional attire and holding a staff. The artist is unknown and this sculpture is unsigned and done in a very realistic style. The carving, likely done in Cyprus wood...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Softwood, Paint
$5,995 Sale Price
73% Off
Primitive Animal Face Jug Clay pottery Folk art Head pitcher Sculpture.
Located in Seattle, WA
This Piece is possibly Mayan Aztec in origin and depicts the face of an animal in 3D as well as floral motifs on the jug itself. This Piece has nice patina and character. Vintage Con...
Category
1970s Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Clay
Asian Bronze Pair of Hanuman Kneeling Buddhist Figure Candleholders
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Part human-part monkey, Hanuman is a central character in the Hindu epic Ramayana.
He is generally depicted as a man with the face of a monkey and a long tail.
Often described as t...
Category
1950s Indian Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Porte Dogon Terre/Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Traditional Dogon architecture throughout a Dogon village consists of a series of unique and exceptional mud buildings which the Artist, Victor Anicet, featured in an organic sculptural manner in his Porte Dogon...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Caribbean Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
$2,160 / item
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
A Cute Labrador Puppy, Door Stop A charming piece for all dog lovers
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Cute Labrador Puppy, Door Stop
A charming piece for all dog lovers, he or she is made in cast iron and in a resting position just right to keep the door in place even on windy day...
Category
1960s Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Folk Art Dual Dog Pipe Holder
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Hand-carved wooden pipe holder with twelve slots for pipes (circa 1930s, USA).
Crude design (figures themselves are ambiguously two dogs meeting at the jaws).
Nice patina/age present...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Bonbon Chouval "Bleu Voodoo"/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
$2,484 / item
Mexican Burnished Clay Mother and Child Oaxacan Sculpture Mixtec Ceramic
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
Maricela Gómez López, a hardworking mother and artist portrays her life through her work. Living and growing up in Santo Domingo Yanhuitlán, a small town in central Mexico, the role ...
Category
2010s Mexican Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
19th Century Indian Carved Wood Object
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
A beautiful Indian wood carving depicting a rider on horseback and a kneeling elephant. Probably second half of the 19th century.
Highly decorative object with wonderful original pa...
Category
19th Century Asian Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Bonbon Chouval Terre/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
$2,484 / item
Vintage Boho Diecast Wrought Iron Rider on Horseback
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Capture the spirit of adventure and classic equestrian charm with this Vintage Boho Diecast Rider On Horseback. Crafted from durable wrought iron and hand-painted in subtle hues of b...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wrought Iron
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
$3,700
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
$1,920 Sale Price
60% Off
17th Century French Stone Bust
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
An extremely rare 17th Century French life size headless bust of a robed male mounted on a steel base.
This bust has had a small amount of restoration, ...
Category
17th Century French Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Stone
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
Vintage Boho Shanghai Weave Standing Panda
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Capture hearts with this endearing vintage standing panda figure, a wonderful example of traditional woven handicraft. Meticulously crafted using detailed weaving techniques (often s...
Category
1970s Chinese Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
"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
Doctor's Pomander Cane
Located in New York, NY
Carved wood doctor's cane with silver pomander handle for diffusing scents. Cane intricately carved with twisting snake and leaves.
Category
19th Century Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
$1,950
Vintage Boho Hand Built Ceramic Undersea Totem
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Embrace vibrant, handcrafted charm with this unique vintage ceramic totem sculpture. Skillfully hand built, this imaginative piece features a fascinating, densely layered composition...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Beaded Ndebele Initiation Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king...
Category
Mid-20th Century South African Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Fabric, Cotton, Wood
Beaded Ndebele Ceremonial Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king...
Category
Mid-20th Century South African Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Fabric, Cotton, Wood
Vintage Boho Hand Carved Boot
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Discover a truly unique piece of signed folk art with this captivating vintage hand-carved wooden boot, skillfully crafted and dated 1980 by the artisan "Dawson French." Expertly scu...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Beaded Ndebele Ceremonial Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king). As beads become gradually more accessible throughout the 19th century, they began to displace the organic materials used in traditional art and attire.
This colorful example of African beadwork is a ceremonial doll...
Category
Mid-20th Century South African Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Cotton, Wood
Late 19th Century German Pug Dog, Heavy Terracotta with Brown Carmel Color Glaze
Located in San Francisco, CA
Late 19th century German pug dog. Heavy terracotta with brown carmel color glaze.
Seated, with the head turned, in active pose. Good confirmation and details of the face, ears, coil...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
$2,503 Sale Price
34% Off
18th Century French or Italian Santo Nativity Figure
Located in Nantucket, MA
18th century French or Italian Santo Nativity figure, a hand carved and painted fruitwood figure for a Christmas Creche or Krippe. Excellent and delicate details to the head and hands. The half figure stands on a dowel set into platform base, dressed in original fine linen robe...
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Linen, Fruitwood
Patriotic Flag Whirligig
Located in Lancaster, PA
Celebrate American craftsmanship with this charming c. 1940 patriotic whirligig. Crafted from wood and metal, this delightful piece features two men and an American flag, capturing a...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Paint
$4,800
Midcentury Pair of Italian Terracotta Lions
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of midcentury Italian lions, male and female crafted in terracotta with a white glaze and painted details looking quite friendly.
Category
20th Century Italian Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
$4,700 / set
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
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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