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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: 1950s
Mid-Century American Folk Art Wood Articulated Man Figure
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a Folk Art wooden articulated man, circa the 1950s. This nearly 5-foot tall, handcrafted piece, epitomizing Mid-century American craftsmanship, is made ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Hardwood

German Shepard 1950 s Statue
Located in Los Angeles, CA
German Shepard 1950 s gesso Italian vintage statue .
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Gesso

Abercrombie & Fitch Ceramic Piggy Bank
Located in Atlanta, GA
Abercrombie & Fitch ceramic piggy bank, England, circa 1950s. Modeled after their famous leather animal toys and footstools, this little ...
Category

1950s English Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

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

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

Vintage Cotton Elephant Covered in Indian Textiles
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

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

Unusual Set of German Mid-20th Century Shop Trade Sign Tools
Located in London, GB
Unusual set of German mid-20th century shop trade sign tools Every now and again we are lucky enough to acquire items that firstly we have never seen and secondly, we will never see...
Category

1950s German Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Brass

Figurines by Dr. Harley Niblack
Located in South Charleston, WV
This grouping of 3 figurines and 9 sculpture head figures were obtained directly from Dr. Harley Niblack by the consignor's father (who was also a woodt...
Category

1950s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Fantastic Nantucket Hand Carved and Painted Folk Art Seagull Sculpture
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A wonderful Folk Art carved and hand painted wooden seagull on base having an authentic weathered patina and faded grey, black and yellow color palette.
Category

1950s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wood

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

Greenlandica, figure of catcher carved in soap stone.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Greenlandica, figure of catcher carved in soap stone. Signed "Ludvig Golsen" FR H. Frederikshåb. Ca. 1950 / 60's. Measures: 20 x 7 cm. In good condition, wear.
Category

1950s Greenlandic Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Soapstone

Vintage Terracotta Monkey
Located in Houston, TX
Terracotta monkey holding a glazed fig, the symbol of fertility, Majorca, circa 1950.
Category

1950s Spanish Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Carved Hand Chair after Pedro Friedeberg
Located in NYC, NY
A unique, hand-carved wood chair in the shape of a cupped hand with detailing down to the wrinkles and fingernails. The base whimsically detailed as a shirt cuff with buttons. Solid....
Category

1950s French Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Iron Perpetual Motion Folk Art Texas Zoo
Located in Santa Monica, CA
This black and white painted iron perpetual motion object was said to have been used to market the zebra exhibition at the San Antonio Zoo. The zebras...
Category

1950s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Large Fantastic Beast Folk Art Sculpture
Located in Dorchester, MA
This fantastical sculpture of an imaginary beast has been constructed of plaster and real moose antlers, making for a truly unique piece of folk art from the fifties.
Category

1950s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Bone, Plaster

Finnish Polychrome Carved Wood Relief
By A. Tamme
Located in Chicago, IL
Set against a rosewood background, this carved and painted wood relief depicts a horn blower enchanting birds on a sunny summer day. Signed A. Tamme.
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wood

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New Silk Hand Embroidery Suzani Textile Cushion Cover in Cream & Red
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Suzani Textile Cushion Cover, 100% Silk, Hand Embroidered Pillowcase
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Traditional Handmade Silk Embroidery Suzani Textile Cushion Cover
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Traditional Handmade Silk Embroidery Suzani Textile Cushion Cover
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100% Silk Embroidered Suzani Textile Cushion Cover in Pink, Blue, Yellow
Located in Philadelphia, PA
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Suzani Textile Embroidered Silk Cushion Cover, Made in Uzbekistan
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Suzani Textile Embroidered Silk Cushion Cover, Made in Uzbekistan
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Flamingo Bird polished Brass Statue Sculpture Vintage, German 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful vintage brass flamingo statue. This decorative item would make a beautiful addition to any room. Made in the 1960s it displays the j...
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Materials

Brass

Funky Vintage Colourful Mexican Folk Art Candelabra Ceramic Clay
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Beautiful Vintage hand painted ceramic candelabra , made in the state of Puebla, Mexico. The traditional "arboles de la vida" or "trees of life" in motif authentic Folk Art piece. ...
Category

20th Century Mexican Folk Art Sculptures

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Ceramic, Paint, Clay

Silk Embroidery Suzani Textile Lace Pillow Cover, New Cushion Cover
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Decorative cushion cover made of hand embroidery silk on linen background, flowers and vine motifs, linen backing with zipper, no insert. Measures : 17"X19". Delicate and specialise...
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Pipe Smoking Resting Vintage German Yard or Garden Gnome Statue, 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous character ceramic figural gnome statue. This character statue has been made in Germany, in the 1920s or older. Absolutely gorgeous item with lo...
Category

1920s German Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Earthenware

Pipe Smoking Standing Vintage German Yard or Garden Gnome Statue, 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous character ceramic figural gnome statue. This character statue has been made in Germany, in the 1920s or older. Absolutely gorgeous item with lo...
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Earthenware

Suzani Textile Hand Embroidery Silk Cushion Cover in Cream & Light Blue
Located in Philadelphia, PA
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Previously Available Items
Vintage German Yard or Garden Gnome Mushroom House Statue, by Heissner Germany
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous character ceramic figural gnome statue. This character statue has been made by the famous Heissner Company in Germany, in the 1950s. This Company is well known for all the nice and beautiful Gnomes they make. Absolutely gorgeous item with lots of character and still in good, used condition, without damage. Some paint lost, but this is old-age and gives the gnome the antique finish. Made of hand colored glazed Ceramic. A nice addition to any Lawn, Yard, Garden or Patio, but can also be a nice addition to a room. A German garden gnome...
Category

1950s German Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-20th Century Papier Mache Theatre Horse Figure
Located in London, GB
Mid-20th Century Papier Mache theatre horse figure We are proud to offer a unique and rare example of a Mid-20th Century French theatre Papier Mache horse...
Category

1950s French Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wood, Paper

Petite Austrian Mid-Century African Warrior Bronze Sculpture
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful figurine. Some wear with a nice patina, but this is old-age. Made of bronze and metal. A beautiful nice collectible item or just a display item...
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1950s Austrian Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Greenlandic Inuit "Tupilak" Folk Art Sculpture in Carved Soap Stone, circa 1950
By Inuit
Located in Odense, DK
Large and wonderful Inuit ´Tupilak´ figure made in Greenland in the 20th century. The figure is cut by an unknown Inuit artist in soap stone. Tupilaks are often ground and carved bas...
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1950s Greenlandic Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Soapstone

1950s Vintage Mexican Folk Art Metal Tin Mask with Piercing Green Eyes
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1950s Vintage Mexican Folk Art Metal Mask with Piercing Green Eyes Small Tin mask made in metal sheets with green marbles eyes. Chain inside to hang on wall. ...
Category

1950s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Antique Italian Wood Pinocchio Toy in Custom Lucite Display Box
Located in East Hampton, NY
This is a masterpiece unto itself, a hand carved and hand painted oversized wood toy of Pinocchio, the wooden toy who became a real boy. This treasure of time has been encased in a c...
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1950s Italian Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Acrylic, Wood

Mid-20th Century African Male Enlightenment Mask
Located in London, GB
Mid-20th century African male enlightenment mask An unusual mid-20th century hand carved African mask, Togo in origin and believed to be a display obje...
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1950s Togolese Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wood

German Vintage Carved Wooden Moose Marionette Puppet
Located in Barntrup, DE
An adorable wooden moose marionette puppet. Germany, circa the 1950s. This lovely wooden moose figure could be an excellent Christmas gift or it can...
Category

1950s German Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Large Fantastic Beast Folk Art Sculpture
Located in Dorchester, MA
This fantastical sculpture of an imaginary beast has been constructed of plaster and real moose antlers, making for a truly unique piece of folk art from the fifties.
Category

1950s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Bone, Plaster

Chinese Dragon Foo Dog Lion Perfume Bottle, Vintage
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An amazing figural perfume bottle, made in China, probably circa 1950s. Blue, red and white colored stones on silver tin. A beautiful display it...
Category

1950s Chinese Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Metal

Mid-20th Century Papier Mache Bull Carnival Mask
Located in London, GB
Mid-20th century papier mache bull carnival mask We are proud to offer a quirky mid-20th century papier mache carnival bulls mask. Made from a canvas and he...
Category

1950s British Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Paper

Mid 20th Century English Fairground / Amusement Oversized Foosball Figure
Located in London, GB
Fairground / amusement oversized foosball figure A mid-20th century metal hand painted articulated oversized fairground / amusement arcade foosball figure. Original first paint stil...
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1950s British Vintage Folk Art Sculptures

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Metal

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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