Items Similar to Matched Pair of Cat Carvings by Linvel Barker, Kentucky
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 9
Matched Pair of Cat Carvings by Linvel Barker, Kentucky
$12,000per set
£9,114.30per set
€10,530.02per set
CA$16,818.43per set
A$18,822.99per set
CHF 9,824.15per set
MX$229,543.45per set
NOK 125,735.80per set
SEK 119,025.04per set
DKK 78,584.17per set
Shipping
Retrieving quote...The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation
About the Item
A rare and likely one-of-a-kind matching pair of carved cat sculptures by self-taught American folk artist Linvel Barker (1921–2004), created in 1996. Born in rural eastern Kentucky, Barker worked much of his life as a metalworker and machinist in the coal and fabrication industries. It wasn’t until his retirement in 1984, at the age of 63, that he began carving wood—guided by instinct, memory, and a profound respect for natural materials. What emerged was a deeply personal and now-celebrated body of work that bridges function, craft, and expressive form.
Barker’s process was simple but intentional: he rough-cut figures on a bandsaw and finished them by hand, often in close collaboration with his wife, Irene Barker, who helped smooth, refine, and sand each sculpture. Together, they worked in quiet partnership from their home in Olive Hill, Kentucky, creating a small but deeply meaningful output. Barker’s carvings were always left unpainted, allowing the character of the wood to shine through. As he put it, “There ain’t no paint in wood, and you don’t need none.”
This matching pair of carved cats, created in 1996, is especially rare. While individual figures by Barker do appear from time to time, true pairs—carved together, with mirrored or complementary forms—are virtually unheard of. A nearly identical cat is prominently featured on the spine of the book Contemporary American Folk Art: A Collector’s Guide by Chuck and Jan Rosenak, underscoring his importance within the folk art canon.
Barker’s work is increasingly scarce on the open market. Many of his most iconic carvings have entered permanent museum and institutional collections, including the American Folk Art Museum in New York, the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe, and the Rosenak Collection, now part of the Smithsonian Institution’s archives. As a result, surviving pieces—especially those in matched sets—have become highly sought after by collectors of American vernacular, outsider, and self-taught art.
This pair reflects all the hallmarks of Barker’s best work: honesty, humor, a deep sense of form, and a reverence for the material itself. With their rarity, presence, and soulful execution, they stand as both a personal expression and a disappearing artifact of one of America’s great late-in-life artistic voices.
- Creator:Linvel Barker (Artist)
- Dimensions:Height: 17.5 in (44.45 cm)Width: 12 in (30.48 cm)Depth: 5.5 in (13.97 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Folk Art (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:1990-1999
- Date of Manufacture:1996
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. legs have small expansion cracks between the legs and tail, this is normal due to age.
- Seller Location:Kilmarnock, VA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU88306002713
About the Seller
4.8
Vetted Professional Seller
Every seller passes strict standards for authenticity and reliability
Established in 2004
1stDibs seller since 2009
162 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: <1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Kilmarnock, VA
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllUnusual Chinese Turquoise Pair of Large Headed Cat Figurines
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
A striking and unusual pair of Chinese cats from the 1930s, glazed in a vibrant turquoise color that captures attention with its rich, luminous quality. Wh...
Category
Early 20th Century Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain
Rare Modernist Cat Doorstop by Hubley
By Hubley Manufacturing Company 2
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
A beautifully stylized modernist cat doorstop showcasing a stunning original surface with age-acquired patina and delicate craquelure, which not only spe...
Category
Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Animal Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Pair of Bronze Sphinx Candlesticks
By Maitland Smith
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
A dramatic and sculptural pair of large-scale patinated bronze sphinx candlesticks produced by Maitland-Smith in the 1980s. These striking objects ...
Category
Vintage 1980s Philippine Neoclassical Revival Candlesticks
Materials
Bronze
$1,100 / set
Pair of 1960s Italian Sculptural Vases
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
A striking pair of mid-century ceramic vases by F.lli Marchi, Italy, circa 1960. Each piece features an organic, biomorphic silhouette with dynamic surface texture and presence. The ...
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases
Materials
Gold, Enamel
$960 / set
Large Pair of Andirons by Curtis Norton
By Curtis Norton
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
An exceptional pair of hand-forged stainless steel andirons by self-taught artist Curtis Norton, exemplifying the bold spirit of postmodern design from the 1980s. These andirons feat...
Category
Late 20th Century American Andirons
Materials
Stainless Steel
$8,500 Sale Price
32% Off
Vintage Pair of Figural Abstract Studio Pottery Vases
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
A striking pair of hand-sculpted earthenware vases, each rendered in an abstracted figural form that blurs the line between vessel and sculpture. Thrown on the wheel and then masterf...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Organic Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
You May Also Like
Pair of Vintage Carved Wood Cats
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive pair of cat sculptures or figures expertly hand carved from wood with surprisingly realistic form, attitude and lush spotted bronze like finish.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wood
$3,350 / set
Pair of Witco Tiki Carved Cedar Wood Meathead Cat Sculpture Figures
By William Westenhaver / Witco, Witco
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Rare pair of Witco Meathead cat sculptures. The two solid cedar wood carved Meathead cats come complete with their eyes intact. We are mentioning this because these cats are often missing their signature orange and white eyes. These nearly 3-foot tall Witco cats look strikingly similar to the character “Meathead” in the film Meatballs 2.
Vintage 1960s-1970s, carved from solid swamp cedar wood. If you’re into Tiki, then you probably know Witco. Collector’s adore Witco for it’s wild design. The company went full-force in capturing the zeitgeist of exotica in the 1960s. Polynesian, Asian, and tropical culture and aesthetics began to make their way into American homes. Elvis movies and Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “South Pacific” introduced America to tiki, Mai Tais and Luas. It’s still tiki time in the hearts of Witco collectors. These larger than life cats are the perfect mascot for your island lounge.
We have several more pieces from Witco including the tall Siamese and trio of smaller cats, a sofa, dining set, conquistador chairs, wall mounted shield...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Cedar
Mid Century Wooden Folk Art Cats - Set of 2
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Add a playful touch to your decor with this set of 2 Mid Century Wooden Folk Art Cats. These charming wooden sculptures exhibit rustic folk art charm and ...
Category
Vintage 1970s American Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Pair of MCM Cubist Cat Sculptures by Universal Statuary Corp
By Universal Statuary Corp.
Located in San Diego, CA
Super cool pair of MCM cubist cat sculptures by Universal Statuary Corp, circa 1960s. They are in original condition with a fine patina and a few ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Pair of Walter Bosse (attr.) Cats Figurines for Hertha Baller Austria - 1950s
By Walter Bosse
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Measures : 12cm x3.5cm H:15.5cm
Materials : Brass Blackened
Walter Bosse (attr.) Cat Figurines for Hertha Baller Austria - 1950s
Wear consistent with age and use : in very good con...
Category
20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Staffordshire Cat Figures, Circa 1970
Located in High Point, NC
Circa 1970 vintage figures of cats from the Staffordshire region of England. The cat is decorated in rust and white, and has a gold bow around its neck. This is a nice model, as i...
Category
Vintage 1970s English Victorian Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
