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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
Period: 18th Century and Earlier
Italian 16th century Hand Carved Wooden Lion
Located in Buisson, FR
Unique period piece. Extremely rare 16th century Italian hand carved lion. Most likely once part of a piece of furniture. Beautifully carved in a simple folk art way with traces of i...
Category

16th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Italian 16th century Hand Carved Wooden Lion
Italian 16th century Hand Carved Wooden Lion

Italian 16th century Hand Carved Wooden Lion

18/19th Century Bodhisattva
Located in Stockholm, SE
Bodhisattva, a religious sculpture, probably made in India 1750-1850. The sculpture has been painted and gilded, but with very little remains. Bodhisattva, in Buddhism, is one who s...
Category

Late 18th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wood

18/19th Century Bodhisattva
18/19th Century Bodhisattva

18/19th Century Bodhisattva

Savage or folk story figure in bronze.
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
A savage or folk-art figure in bronze on a (recent) bluestone base. The figure with his long pointed beard is wearing a cape with hood. In front is a cross. In his hands he holds a ...
Category

Late 18th Century Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Stone, Bronze

Savage or folk story figure in bronze.
Savage or folk story figure in bronze.

Savage or folk story figure in bronze.

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 Crèche 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

18th Century French or Italian Santo Nativity Figure
18th Century French or Italian Santo Nativity Figure

18th Century French or Italian Santo Nativity Figure

8-19th Century Wooden Horse
Located in Kastrup, DK
A Indian 18-19th century hand-carved wooden horse decorated with polychrome colors. In original untouched condition with a beautiful age-related patina, showing the antique authentic...
Category

18th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wood

8-19th Century Wooden Horse
8-19th Century Wooden Horse

8-19th Century Wooden Horse

18th Century Wooden Cross, Guanajuato, Mexico
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Wooden cross Guanajuato, Mexico Wood, paint 22 x 13 inches, (56 cm x 33 cm) 18th century A wonderful old wooden cross with a painted crucified Christ figure, an angel, possibly Mary Magdelene...
Category

18th Century Mexican Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Paint, Wood

18th Century Wooden Cross, Guanajuato, Mexico
18th Century Wooden Cross, Guanajuato, Mexico

18th Century Wooden Cross, Guanajuato, Mexico

"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" Sheep, 18th-19th Ctr.
"Folk Art" Sheep, 18th-19th Ctr.

"Folk Art" Sheep, 18th-19th Ctr.

16-17th Century Burmese Carved Sandstone Sculpture of Cow
Located in Kastrup, DK
400-500 old Burmese sandstone "Holy Cow" sculpture with beautifully detailed carvings. Very decorative with natural patina. Mounted on a base of light sandst...
Category

16th Century Burmese Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Sandstone

16-17th Century Burmese Carved Sandstone Sculpture of Cow
16-17th Century Burmese Carved Sandstone Sculpture of Cow

16-17th Century Burmese Carved Sandstone Sculpture of Cow

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

18th Century French or Italian Santo Nativity Figure
18th Century French or Italian Santo Nativity Figure

18th Century French or Italian Santo Nativity Figure

Primitive Architectural Carved Wood Mounted Indian Horse Head
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Primitive architectural carved wood mounted Indian horse head A beautiful piece of folk architecture from the Indian continent, the horse head was usu...
Category

Late 18th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Primitive Architectural Carved Wood Mounted Indian Horse Head
Primitive Architectural Carved Wood Mounted Indian Horse Head

Primitive Architectural Carved Wood Mounted Indian Horse Head

18th Century Carved Wooden Angel
Located in Houston, TX
Carved wooden angel from Private Chapel in Provence. Wonderful detail in Angel's hair and draped dress. Figure is mounted on an iron stand.
Category

18th Century French Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Iron

18th Century Carved Wooden Angel
18th Century Carved Wooden Angel

18th Century Carved Wooden Angel

Rare Early 18th century Irish Carved Folk Art Talbot
Located in Greenwich, CT
Very rare carved and painted wood talbot, a now extinct breed of dog often found in heraldic devices in both England and Ireland, this example in original painted surface and possess...
Category

18th Century and Earlier Irish Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Pine

Rare Early 18th century Irish Carved Folk Art Talbot
Rare Early 18th century Irish Carved Folk Art Talbot

Rare Early 18th century Irish Carved Folk Art Talbot

Vintage Carved Wooden Door Panels
Located in Napa, CA
Beautifully carved Pakistani wood doors from the 17th Century. Doorway consists of 3 panels.
Category

17th Century Pakistani Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Vintage Carved Wooden Door Panels
Vintage Carved Wooden Door Panels

Vintage Carved Wooden Door Panels

Indian Goddess Figurine Statue
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautifully authentic hand carved statue of an Indian deity goddess. Distressed paint finish.
Category

18th Century and Earlier Indian Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Paint

Indian Goddess Figurine Statue
Indian Goddess Figurine Statue

Indian Goddess Figurine Statue

Related Items
Renaissance Period Hand Carved Oak Panels, 16th Century
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Set of two 16th century oak panels, one representing a character accompanied by a dog, the other a character in flames, probably saints. These ...
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16th Century French Antique Folk Art Sculptures

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Oak

Renaissance Period Hand Carved Oak Panels, 16th Century
Renaissance Period Hand Carved Oak Panels, 16th Century

Renaissance Period Hand Carved Oak Panels, 16th Century

H 20.28 in W 8.27 in D 0.99 in
Lion of Forge, Spain, 16th Century
By Europa Antiques
Located in Madrid, ES
Lion of Forge, Spain, 16th century In forging, measurements: 10 x 17 x 5 cm Good condition Spanish private collection.
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16th Century Spanish Antique Folk Art Sculptures

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Iron

Lion of Forge, Spain, 16th Century
Lion of Forge, Spain, 16th Century

Lion of Forge, Spain, 16th Century

H 3.94 in W 6.7 in D 1.97 in
19th Century German Carved Wooden Deers Head
Located in London, GB
19th century carved wooden deer’s head We are proud to offer a delightful example of a 19th century hand carved German deer’s head. This ite...
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1880s German Antique Folk Art Sculptures

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Pine, Paint

19th Century German Carved Wooden Deers Head
19th Century German Carved Wooden Deers Head

19th Century German Carved Wooden Deers Head

H 22 in W 9 in D 14 in
Male Head, Carved Stone, Spain, 16th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Male head. Carved stone. Century XVI. Carved stone relief showing a male face turned to the right. It is necessary to highlight both the quality of the fac...
Category

16th Century Spanish Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Stone

Male Head, Carved Stone, Spain, 16th Century
Male Head, Carved Stone, Spain, 16th Century

Male Head, Carved Stone, Spain, 16th Century

H 7.49 in W 7.88 in D 7.09 in
Mythological Figure Bronze
Located in Madrid, ES
A circular base slightly elevates the bronze figure. The man, already of a certain age (as can be deduced from his bushy beard), is standing, dressed in a cloth around his waist, wea...
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20th Century European Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Mythological Figure Bronze
Mythological Figure Bronze

Mythological Figure Bronze

H 23.23 in W 11.03 in D 11.03 in
French 19th Century Folk Art Metal Rooster or Cockerel Weathervane
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful metal weathervane representing a rooster or cockerel, France, 1850-1900. Weathered and small losses. Measurement here below is inclusive the wooden base.
Category

19th Century French Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Copper, Iron

French 19th Century Folk Art Metal Rooster or Cockerel Weathervane
French 19th Century Folk Art Metal Rooster or Cockerel Weathervane

French 19th Century Folk Art Metal Rooster or Cockerel Weathervane

H 20.87 in W 22.05 in D 5.91 in
19th Century Wooden Horse
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
19th century wooden horse. Dry scraped to charming time worn patina.
Category

19th Century French Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wood

19th Century Wooden Horse
19th Century Wooden Horse

19th Century Wooden Horse

H 22.45 in W 23.63 in D 6.3 in
19th Century Bronze Figure
Located in London, GB
A lovely bronze statue of a lady in Grecian dress being caught by a cupid holding an arrow. French, circa 1870.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Bronze Figure
19th Century Bronze Figure

19th Century Bronze Figure

H 18.12 in W 11.03 in D 7.88 in
18th-19th Century Italian Wood Carved Angel
Located in San Francisco, CA
A lovely angel, his right hand extended as if to touch something or hold something. He appears very calm and peaceful, clothed in a partial shroud which is draped over his shoulder...
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wood

18th-19th Century Italian Wood Carved Angel
18th-19th Century Italian Wood Carved Angel

18th-19th Century Italian Wood Carved Angel

H 32.5 in W 16 in D 14 in
Mother Mary Madonna Wood Carved Polychrome Santo Santos, 18th-19th Century
Located in Studio City, CA
A beautiful hand-carved wood Santo of the Madonna, Mary mother of Christ. The piece clearly shows signs of weathering, use, and age and was likely placed outside a church or shri...
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19th Century Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Mother Mary Madonna Wood Carved Polychrome Santo Santos, 18th-19th Century
Mother Mary Madonna Wood Carved Polychrome Santo Santos, 18th-19th Century

Mother Mary Madonna Wood Carved Polychrome Santo Santos, 18th-19th Century

H 14.5 in W 5 in D 3 in
19th Century Wooden Horse
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
19th century wooden horse. Dry scraped to charming time worn patina.
Category

19th Century French Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wood

19th Century Wooden Horse
19th Century Wooden Horse

19th Century Wooden Horse

H 22.45 in W 23.63 in D 6.3 in
Antique Signed American Folk Art Sewer Tile or Redware Pottery Lion Figurine
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique signed Folk Art lion figurine. In the form of a recumbent lion. Signed to the underside. The signature appears to read: 'J Silverthorn' Made out of a reddish-brown redware or stoneware sewer tile...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

Antique Signed American Folk Art Sewer Tile or Redware Pottery Lion Figurine
Antique Signed American Folk Art Sewer Tile or Redware Pottery Lion Figurine

Antique Signed American Folk Art Sewer Tile or Redware Pottery Lion Figurine

H 5.75 in W 8.38 in D 4 in
Previously Available Items
18th Century, French Folk Art Hand Forged Iron Rooster Finial Ornament
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful antique hand forged iron rooster finial ornament. A rare find. France, circa 1750. Weathered. measurement includes the wooden base.
Category

18th Century French Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Iron

18th Century, French Folk Art Hand Forged Iron Rooster Finial Ornament
18th Century, French Folk Art Hand Forged Iron Rooster Finial Ornament

18th Century, French Folk Art Hand Forged Iron Rooster Finial Ornament

H 14.77 in W 6.7 in D 2.56 in
17th/ 18th Century, French Folk Art Hand Forged Iron Rooster, Weathervane
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful antique folk art hand forged iron rooster. A rare find. France, circa 1650- 1750. Weathered, small losses and old repair.
Category

17th Century French Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Iron

17th/ 18th Century, French Folk Art Hand Forged Iron Rooster, Weathervane
17th/ 18th Century, French Folk Art Hand Forged Iron Rooster, Weathervane

17th/ 18th Century, French Folk Art Hand Forged Iron Rooster, Weathervane

H 15.16 in W 12.6 in D 2.37 in
Small French 17th / 18th Century Folk Art Statue of a Dog
Located in Buisson, FR
Nice and quirky statue of a dog holding a ball. Beautiful small folk art piece. France circa 1650-1750. Weathered. Measurements include the wooden base.
Category

17th Century French Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Small French 17th / 18th Century Folk Art Statue of a Dog
Small French 17th / 18th Century Folk Art Statue of a Dog

Small French 17th / 18th Century Folk Art Statue of a Dog

H 5.12 in W 6.7 in D 2.76 in
18th Century French Folk Art Carved Wooden Baroque Angel
Located in Buisson, FR
Very nice Folk Art baroque angel France, circa 1700-1750 Weathered, small losses and old repairs Measurement is with the wooden base. More pictures are available on request.
Category

18th Century French Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wood

18th Century French Folk Art Carved Wooden Baroque Angel
18th Century French Folk Art Carved Wooden Baroque Angel

18th Century French Folk Art Carved Wooden Baroque Angel

H 19.69 in W 11.82 in D 8.27 in
Period German Silver Wedding Cup
Located in Roma, IT
Hand-embossed silver. Shape of a woman with a long dress whose skirt forms the larger cup. The woman holds up another small tilting glass. According to ...
Category

Mid-18th Century German Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Silver

Period German Silver Wedding Cup
Period German Silver Wedding Cup

Period German Silver Wedding Cup

H 7.88 in Dm 2.76 in
Antique Group of Three Spanish Polychromed Carved Wood Santos Figures
Located in Big Flats, NY
A group of three antique 18th century Spanish Santos figures include polychromed carved wood statues of Mother Mary, John the Baptist and one unidentified, circa 1700s. Measures: ...
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18th Century Spanish Antique Folk Art Sculptures

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Wood

Antique Group of Three Spanish Polychromed Carved Wood Santos Figures
Antique Group of Three Spanish Polychromed Carved Wood Santos Figures

Antique Group of Three Spanish Polychromed Carved Wood Santos Figures

H 16.25 in W 7 in D 3.75 in
18th Century Hand Carved Dog of Saint Rocco from Venice
Located in London, GB
18th century hand carved dog of Saint Rocco from Venice The item for sale is an 18th century hand carved sectioned solid wood dog of saint Rocco from Venice. The item is in overall ...
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1780s Italian Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Walnut

18th Century Hand Carved Dog of Saint Rocco from Venice
18th Century Hand Carved Dog of Saint Rocco from Venice

18th Century Hand Carved Dog of Saint Rocco from Venice

H 13.5 in W 7 in D 2.4 in
Gandhara Schist Carved Stone Head Fragment
Located in London, GB
Gandhara Schist carved stone head fragment We are proud to offer a hand carved Gandhara Schist carved stone head fragment. Mounted on a small ebonized...
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15th Century and Earlier Pakistani Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Stone

Gandhara Schist Carved Stone Head Fragment
Gandhara Schist Carved Stone Head Fragment

Gandhara Schist Carved Stone Head Fragment

H 4 in W 1.5 in D 2 in
Large 17th-18th Century Primitive Spanish Chariot Wheel
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful and very rare Primitive chariot wheel. Great weathered look Spain, circa 1600-1750. Weathered, small losses.
Category

17th Century Spanish Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Large 17th-18th Century Primitive Spanish Chariot Wheel
Large 17th-18th Century Primitive Spanish Chariot Wheel

Large 17th-18th Century Primitive Spanish Chariot Wheel

H 31.11 in W 31.11 in D 3.94 in
Large 17th-18th Century Primitive Spanish Chariot Wheel
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful and very rare Primitive chariot wheel. Great weathered look, Spain, circa 1600-1750. Weathered, small losses.
Category

17th Century Spanish Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Large 17th-18th Century Primitive Spanish Chariot Wheel
Large 17th-18th Century Primitive Spanish Chariot Wheel

Large 17th-18th Century Primitive Spanish Chariot Wheel

H 35.04 in W 35.04 in D 3.94 in
Small French 18th Century Folk Art Carved Stone Gargoyle
Located in Buisson, FR
Unique and extremely rare carved stone feathered gargoyle. Great expression This gargoyle, a word derived from the French 15th century word 'Gargouille' (throat), is a hybrid, po...
Category

18th Century French Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Stone

Small French 18th Century Folk Art Carved Stone Gargoyle
Small French 18th Century Folk Art Carved Stone Gargoyle

Small French 18th Century Folk Art Carved Stone Gargoyle

H 4.34 in W 3.55 in D 8.67 in
French 18th Century Folk Art Iron Weathervane
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful and rare French weathervane. Hunter with its dog. Unique and original period piece, France, circa 1750. Weathered, small losses and old repairs.
Category

18th Century French Antique Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Iron

French 18th Century Folk Art Iron Weathervane
French 18th Century Folk Art Iron Weathervane

French 18th Century Folk Art Iron Weathervane

H 36.62 in W 20.08 in D 6.5 in

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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