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: Late 20th Century
Swedish Dala Horse by Grannas Anders Olsson Hemsjöjd
By Nils Olsson
Located in Balen, BE
Vintage Swedish Dala Horse by Nils Olsson for Grannas A. Olssons Hemslöjd, circa 1990s. The horse is in good vintage condition and is hand-painted red with decorative accents.
This D...
Category
1990s Swedish Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Pine, Paint
Vintage Folk Art Wood Sculpture of a Pig Running into a Tree by R. Harper 1991
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Folk Art Wood Sculpture of a Pig running into a Tree by R Harper 1991
This piece is a handcrafted wooden sculpture by artist R Harper signed and dated 4-91.
This one of a kin...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Group of Six Vintage Folk Art Painted Metal Pelican Sculptures-Priced per Pair
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Flock of pelicans hand crafted in metal in a charming stylized form, painted and ready for a new environment. Priced per pair.
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Hand Carved 20th Century Wooden Girl with Doll and Cat Figure by ANRI, Italy
By ANRI
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful hand carved wooden Figure, found at an estate sale in Germany. We believe that this piece is from around 1980s, because it's dated at the base like seen in picture. A nice ...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Hand Carved 20th Century Wooden Musician Figure by ANRI, Italy
By ANRI
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful hand carved wooden Figure, found at an estate sale in Germany. We believe that this piece is from around 1990s, because it's dated at the base like seen in picture. A nice ...
Category
1990s Italian Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Tibetan Sheep Footstool w/ Natural Sheep Horns
Located in Norwalk, CT
The most charming sheep stool/sculpture we have ever seen. Wonderful quality featuring dense Tibetan wool coat, natural sheep horns and natural leather ears. Sheered lambswool covere...
Category
1990s Unknown Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wool
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
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
Greenlandica, collection of seven various bone tools
Located in Copenhagen, DK
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
Mid-Century Modern "Parents and Child" Marble Stone Sculpture, Kenya
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a heart-warming abstract sculpture depicting parents with a child in embrace. Hand-carved in solid marble by a Kenyan artisan this exquisite, petite sculpture is the perf...
Category
1970s Kenyan Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Marble
Tonala Pottery and Brass Fish
Located in Vallejo, CA
A wonderful vintage tonala pottery fish wrapped in brass. Made in Mexico, with beautiful hand painted designs to the pottery and fish scales formed into the brass.
Category
Late 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Vintage Folk Art Slab Built Clay Bust of Man
Located in west palm beach, FL
A fabulous vintage Boho sculpture of man. A chic slab built composition of a charming man in a hat. Beautiful hand painted detail. Acquired from a Palm Beach estate.
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Clay
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
Ebony Benin Kingdom, Bust Carving Of A Young Nigerian Warrior, 1970's
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Hand carved ebony hardwood bust of a young Benin warrior
Traditionally carved Benin artistry
Circa 1970
Height 10.75 inch, Width 5.5 inch, Depth 2.75 inc...
Category
Late 20th Century Beninese Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Ebony
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
Antônio Julião. Wood Sculpture
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Exceptional sculpture made by artist Antônio Julião, one of the great exponents of Brazilian popular art. This piece of museological importance was made in the 1970's and is one of t...
Category
1970s Brazilian Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Late 20th Century Nude Figure Sculpture, Unsigned
Located in Charleston, SC
Nude sculpture figure of woman kneeling. Late 20th century.
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Clay
Greenlandica, Taki Petersen. Massive sculpture in soapstone. Hunter and seal
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Greenlandica, Taki Petersen.
Heavy and massive sculpture in soapstone depicting a hunter and a seal.
In excellent condition.
Signed and dated 80.
Dimensions: H 15.7 cm. x L 13.5 cm.
Category
1980s Greenlandic Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Soapstone
"Protector One" Folk Art Crow Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
Richly textured with whimsical appeal, this late 20th century wooden crow is a delightful example of naive American sculpture. Poised mid-caw, the crow's wings are outstretched, read...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Gerald DiGiusto Caryatids 1977 Sculpture
Located in Hudson, NY
This sculpture grouping titled "Caryatids" was created in 1977 by listed American artist Gerald DiGiusto. The inspiration for Gerald DiGiusto to create these incredible pieces was f...
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Steel, Cut Steel
Tall Swedish organic wooden wabi sabi style sculpture
Located in Valby, 84
Rare big wabi sabi style sculpture made in Sweden in the 1970’s.
The sculpture is hand crafted by talented Swedish artist in solid wood which has been partially stained and mounted ...
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Greenlandica, Jakob Keke. Sculpture in soapstone.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Greenlandica, Jakob Keke, Kungmiut, East Greenland.
Sculpture in soapstone.
Approximately from the 1970s.
In excellent condition.
Label.
Dimensions: L 14.5 cm x H 7.5 cm x W 5.5 cm.
Category
1970s Greenlandic Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Soapstone
Greenlandica, Sarak, Greenlandic woman in profile, sculpture in soapstone.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
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
Alphaious Campbell Wood Carved Profile of a Man
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Alphaious Campbell carved wood wall hanging, c.1987. The painted folk art piece showcases various profiles of a bearded man.
Dimensions
9" width x 32.5" height
Condition
Excellent...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Greenlandica, Taki Petersen, lying seal in soapstone. 1977
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Greenlandica, Taki Petersen, lying seal in soapstone.
In excellent condition with signs of use.
Signed and dated 77.
Dimensions: L 19.0 cm x W 7.5 cm x H 9.5 cm.
Category
1970s Greenlandic Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Soapstone
Greenlandica, Ortôrak, large sculpture of a lying seal made of soapstone.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Greenlandica, Ortôrak, large sculpture of a lying seal made of soapstone.
In good condition with signs of use.
Signed and dated 82.
Dimensions: Length 30.0 x Hight 10.0 cm x depth 10...
Category
1980s Greenlandic Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Soapstone
Grønlandica, Sarak, Greenlandic hunter in profile, sculpture in soapstone.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
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
Olokun Head, Kingdom of Ife, Western Nigeria Hand Carved Hardwood
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Fascinating detailed Olokun head from the Kingdom of Ife in Western Nigeria.
Hand carved hardwood face with almond shaped eyes, neck creases and astounding facial incisions
Circa 1...
Category
Late 20th Century Beninese Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Hardwood
Malachite Bird Sculpture with Inset Quartz & Bone
Located in New York, NY
Malachite hardstone sculpture depicting a hen chicken, inset with rock crystal quartz accents and bone beak.
Dimensions: 5" H x 7.75" W x 2" D.
Dealer: 95371
Category
Late 20th Century Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Malachite
Fourteen Birds by Guy Taplin
Located in Maidstone, GB
An original piece of English folk-art sculpture by the acclaimed British sculptor Guy Taplin (b. 1939). Eight individual wooden birds carved and painted, th...
Category
1990s British Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Driftwood
Vintage Felipe Benito Archuleta Style Wooden Watermelon Folk Art
By Felipe Archuleta
Located in Charleston, SC
A vintage folk art watermelon which has been carved from wood and hand painted. This piece is attributed to master New Mexican carving artist Felip Archuleta, who carved animals, watermelons and whirly...
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Paint
Oskar Raoul Papier Mache Chaplin Little Tramp Sculpture Signed by Artist 1970
Located in Monrovia, CA
OSKAR RAOUL Papier Mache / Paper Mache Sculpture Of A Clown Or Tramp Resembles The Likeness Of Charlie Chaplin, The Little Tramp.
OSKAR RAOUL Is A Well Known Mexican Papier Mache Clown...
Category
Late 20th Century Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Paper
Large Modernist Abstract Kinetic Metal Hanging Sculpture
By Yaacov Agam
Located in Buffalo, NY
Large 60" x 60" Modernist Abstract kinetic metal hanging sculpture. Attributed to Yaacov Agam. Eight metal squares graduating in size. Sculpture has been outside for 40-50 years show...
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Eight Curlews by Guy Taplin
Located in Maidstone, GB
An original piece of English folk-art sculpture by the acclaimed British sculptor Guy Taplin (b. 1939). Eight individual wooden birds carved and painted, th...
Category
1990s British Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Driftwood
Vintage Handmade Ceramic Figure of a Young French Girl Holding a Rose
Located in New Orleans, LA
This is a lovely and delicate hand made clay art girl figurine in a lavender print dress with a lace overlay that stands 7" tall and is Holding Flowers. This is a vintage French figu...
Category
1980s French Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Polyester, Textile, Pottery, Earthenware, Clay
Large Heavy Shiva Lignam Fertility Banalinga Stone Brahmanda Egg
Located in Dayton, OH
Shiva Lingam is a crypto-crystalline member of the Quartz family. This heavy stone is found in only one of seven sacred Indian rivers. Villagers visit the Narmada River in Onkar Mand...
Category
Late 20th Century Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Stone
Set of Three Glazed Pottery Cat Sculptures
Located in Houston, TX
Set Of Three Glazed Pottery Cat Sculptures.
Whimsical trio of handmade colorful glazed pottery cat sculptures.
Each of these beautifully executed animal sculptures is artist signe...
Category
1980s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Pottery
Benin Kingdom Ebony Carving of a Young King Oba, Nigerian
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Wonderful hand carved ebony hardwood figure of a young Benin man, possibly a
future King Oba
Excellent traditional Benin artistic carving
A delightful piece
Circa 1970
Height 13...
Category
Late 20th Century Beninese Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Ebony
Pair of Inuit Children on a Sledge Made of Soapstone
Located in Copenhagen, DK
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
Set of 3 Paper Mache Gargoyle Heads By Peter Winter
Located in Doylestown, PA
A collection of 3 paper mâché gargoyle heads in cardboard and newsprint by artist Peter Winter, each signed and numbered on reverse with "San Fransisco".
Category
1980s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Paper
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
Greenlandica. Hand Painted Unique Stoneware Figure, Inuit in Traditional Clothes
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Greenlandica. Hand painted unique stoneware figure.
Inuit in traditional hunting clothes.
circa. 1970s.
In perfect condition.
Signed illegibly.
Dimensions: W 9.0 x H 20.5 cm.
Category
1970s Greenlandic Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Stoneware
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
Monumental 80" Figurative Hand Carved Sculpture by Robert Brady
By Robert Brady 2
Located in Buffalo, NY
Robert Brady was born and raised in Reno, Nevada. Upon graduation from high school he attended the California College of The Arts in Oakland, Ca. receiving his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1969. Later he attended University of California, Davis, receiving a Masters of Fine art in 1975. Recently retired Emeritus, he served as Professor of Art from 1975-2013 at California State University, Sacramento.
Trained as a potter, Brady’s interest quickly steered toward a path of ceramic object making and sculpture, ultimately gaining national and international recognition. Approximately 24 years later, Brady, fortuitously discovered the beauty and merits of wood as a sculptural medium. Since then, Robert has produced work in both clay and wood, with an emphasis on wood. Mixed media, bronzes, works on paper and functional pottery are also part of his output.
Brady has had over 50 solo exhibits and participated in many group exhibitions throughout the United States, and Europe, both in private galleries and public Museums. His works can be found in permanent collections in galleries and museums such as The Smithsonian (Renwick), The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Arkansas Art Center, Little Rock, and the Stedelijik Museum in Amsterdam, Holland, as well as others. Lastly, his work is found in private collections too numerous to mention.
He has received three National Endowment Individual Artist...
Category
1990s American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Folk Art / Pop-Art Comic Strip Papier Mache Teddy Bear Sculpture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine folk-art papier-mache sculpture.
In the form of a teddy bear.
The papier mache appears to be from various 20th Century Philippine comic books, such as Superkat by L.S. M...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Paper, Plaster
Hand Carved Wood Pig with Original Paint, Signed
By David Barr
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand carved wooden pig with original paint. Signed David Barber. Very well done.
33 W x 19.5 H x D.
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Paint
Massive Hand Carved Monkey Pod Exotic Hardwood Lovers Embrace Coffee Table
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Masterfully hand carved from what must have been a colossal solid piece of monkey pod hardwood. This nude figural sculpture weighs around 250 lbs. Although ...
Category
Late 20th Century Southeast Asian Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Glass, Hardwood
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
Contemporary Hunting Dog Painted Iron Sculpture by José Jerónimo
Located in Coimbra, PT
Hunting Dog by José Jerónimo single piece of art.
Iron sculpture with use of tools and other objects.
Dimensions 22,00 x 10,00 x 42,00 cm
Private collection.
Category
Late 20th Century Portuguese Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Iron
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
Outsider Art Fluorescent Papier-Mâché Bust Sculpture by Stephen Slomko
By Stephen Slomko
Located in Brooklyn, NY
For your consideration is this rare, one-of-a-kind bust by self-taught American outsider artist, Stephen Slomko (1929-2013). Slomko lived and worked in Farmingdale, New Jersey and up...
Category
1990s American Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Paint, Polystyrene, Paper
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
"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
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
Large Hand-Carved Cypress Knee Figural Sculpture After Botticelli's Venus, 1970s
Located in San Francisco, CA
An impressively sized and strikingly beautiful semi-nude female figural sculpture strongly evocative of Sandro Botticelli's "Birth of Venus", hand-carved from an unusually large cypr...
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Cypress
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
Sergio Bustamante 1970's Paper Mache Giraffe
Located in Guadalajara, Jalisco, MX
Beautiful hand-crafter paper mache bust sculpture of a Giraffe by Mexican Artist Sergio Bustamante from his 1970's period.
Overall great condition, t...
Category
1970s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Paper
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
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.