Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
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
Rare 19th Century Swedish Dala Horse in Original Polychrome Paint
Located in Kastrup, DK
Rare hand-carved Dala horse in pine wood with original polychrome paint.
Sweden, circa 1840.
The tradition of carved wooden Dala horses dates back to the 16th century — the earliest...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Set of 4 Detailed Wood Carving Alpine Gnome Dwarf Faces Austria Alps Folk Art
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Set of four rustic Folk Art carved wood face mountain man. This is a wonderful example of Austrian carving. This can be used as a Wall decoration in y...
Category
1960s German Vintage Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Vintage Nahua Pottery Chililico Hidalgo Mexican Folk Art Animal Candleholders
Located in Forney, TX
A most charming pair of two rare and whimsical indigenous Nahua peoples pottery animal folk art candleholders.
Handmade in the village of Chililico, Hidalgo, Central Mexico, primiti...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Pottery
Hand Carved & Hand Painted Rooster Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand carved & hand painted rooster sculpture. Very folky rooster.
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Found and Salvaged Steel Industrial Objects on Wooden Base
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Jim Rose, known primarily for his steel furniture, was an avid collector and scoured salvage yards for unique, interesting items. Here, a beautifully rusted tobacco box, a steel egg...
Category
2010s American Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Metal, Steel
1970's Mexican Hand Carved Gourd Bowl Sculpture with Animal Motifs
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 1970's Mexican jackfruit gourd bowl, hand carved with jungle animal motifs on outer surface, Interior has a natural surface.. This piece was likely ...
Category
1970s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Organic Material
Folk Art Pine Wood Salmon Fish Decorated in Burn Umber Paint
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Heavily patinated pine salmon fish with remnants of paint. This piece has an old hole in the center where it was mounted as a sign. It currently has a piece of wire to hang on the wa...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Pine
Lot of Five Vintage Swedish Dala Rooster Chicken by Nils Olsson, Sweden Folk Art
By Nils Olsson
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This offer is for a collection of five Swedish Dala rooster Chicken by Nils Olsson. Each is hand carved painted wood. Nice display item for every room. Th...
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood, Paint
Carved Wood Sculpture of the Hindu Deity Nandi With Pedestal, Circa 1920
Located in Point Richmond, CA
South Indian carved wood sculpture depicting the Hindu Deity of Nandi, a recumbent black bull figure, known within the Hindu faith as the vehicle for Siva, often depicted in sculptur...
Category
20th Century Indian Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Hardwood
Mexican Dia De Los Muertos Day of the Dead La Catrina Folk Art Figure Sculpture
Located in Studio City, CA
A quite wonderful Mexican Day of the Dead (Dia De Los Muertos festival held throughout Mexico) La Catrina symbolic skeleton figure.
La Catrina is the festival’s most recognizable image/figure. She is the model of a high-society woman who has met Death, her maker. She represents something between the fear induced by her skeletal form and the revelry exhibited by the comical way she is typically portrayed, making her a perfect symbol of the Mexican holiday. She often appears in paintings, window displays, and costumes all around Mexico during the Day of the Dead festivities.
La Catrina was originally conceived in the early 1900s by newspaper illustrator and printmaker José Guadalupe Posada...
Category
20th Century Mexican Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Textile, Wood, Paper
Early 20th Century Scratch Built Boat Model
Located in London, GB
Early 20th Century Scratch Built Boat Model
The Pilote Niviere is a French working vessel which sailed from the early part of the 20th century to th...
Category
1940s French Vintage Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Metal
Large Early 20th Century Belgian Oak Folk Art Eagle Sculpture
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Early 20th century Belgian oak Folk Art eagle sculpture.
Category
1920s Belgian Vintage Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Oak
Found and Salvaged Steel House Structure on a Reclaimed Steel Base
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Jim Rose, known primarily for his steel furniture, was an avid collector and scoured salvage yards for unique and interesting items. Here, a collection of spare parts come together ...
Category
2010s American Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Metal, Steel
19th c. American Folk Tramp Art Crown of Thorns Cross in a Large Scale
Located in Savannah, GA
This late 19th century large scale American Folk "Tramp" Art double sided "Crown of Thorns" cross is made up of thousands of carved and joined pieces, held together with the joinery ...
Category
1890s American Antique Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Collection of Three Vintage Swedish Dala Horses by Nils Olsson, Sweden Folk Art
By Nils Olsson
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
This is a collection of three Swedish Dala Horses by Nils Olsson. These are hand-carved and hand-painted wood. The larger one is approximately 5" high, 4.75" wide, and 1.25" deep. Th...
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood, Paint
Found and Salvaged Steel House Structure, Modern and Minimalist Sculpture
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Jim Rose, known primarily for his steel furniture, was an avid collector and scoured salvage yards for unique and interesting items. Here, a collection of found steel is reworked, pr...
Category
2010s American Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Metal, Steel
Grand Scale Hand Carved Wood Giraffe Sculpture on Base circa 1970's
Located in St. Louis, MO
Grand scale African folk art hand carved wood giraffe, with charred black stained spots. Appears to be carved from log. In fine vintage condition. Unsigne...
Category
1970s African Vintage Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Whimsical Folk Art Painted Lady Liberty Political Figure
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Whimsical hand made carved wood and painted folk art hanging liberty figure.
Category
1960s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Pink Cast Iron Pig Money Bank or Doorstop with Wings, Denmark
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Danish piggy pink cast iron money bank or doorstopper with wings.
This smiling and charming Lady Pig is newly powder-coated in "pretty pink". She is good sturdy condition.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Iron
Sergio Bustamante, Female Bust with Lizards, Ceramic And Mixed Media
Located in Bradenton, FL
Stunning Sergio Bustamante (Mexican Artist, 1949- ), Female Bust with Lizards, Ceramic And Mixed Media. Woman is holding a detachable face mask on a gold stick. Bustamante often comb...
Category
20th Century Mexican Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Ceramic
Vintage Polish Folk Art Hand-Painted Wooden Playing Card Holder by Irena Makowey
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Unique card holder composed of two original small-scale folk art paintings depicting figures with card suits by Polish artist, Irena Makowey, protected by two glass inserts to front ...
Category
1960s Polish Vintage Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Glass, Wood
American Folk-Art Steam Ship Encased Diorama
Located in London, GB
American Folk-art Steam Ship Encased Diorama
We share what we love, and we love this turn of the century hand crafted American folk-art encased steam ship model...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Metal
Antique Gemstone Gilt Bronze Mounted Rock Crystal Vessel Offering Bowl
Located in Forney, TX
A spectacular Mughal Empire Period (1526-1857) precious gemstone set gilt bronze ormolu mounted carved rock crystal vessel Buddhist altar offering bowl....
Category
19th Century Tibetan Antique Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Multi-gemstone, Rock Crystal, Ormolu
18th Century Carved Wood full scale bust (head) . Spain
Located in Buffalo, NY
18th Century Carved Wood full scale male bust (head) . Spain.. Amazing carving,, Detailed , skilled artist. Total height on base. 22".
Category
Late 18th Century Spanish Antique Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Old Florida Antique Bronze and Copper Palm Tree Sculpture
Located in San Francisco, CA
Incredibly detailed one of a kind Palm Tree sculpture. It is made from bronze and copper. Magnificent patina. It stands 34 inches high. The base is 9 inches wide and the trunk of tree measures 2 1/2 inches wide. In over 40 years of buying and collecting we have never seen another one. Most palm tree sculptures don't do justice to the actual palm tree. This captures the sway and curves of tree and the rungs. This came out of a 110 year old house in central Florida that still had no air condition. Could be considered a piece of Florida folk art.
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Bronze, Copper
Pair of Magnificent Antique French Carved Wood Panels Depicting the Four Seasons
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An Extraordinary Pair of early 20th century carved wood Panels depicting the Four Seasons. Tall narrow unpainted panels with high relief carved decoration with motifs of the Four Sea...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Monumental Antique Hand Carved Wooden Trough or Bowl Wabi Sabi, 19th Century
Located in Tilburg, NL
Monumental antique carved wooden trough or bowl, 19th century.
This is a rare antique hand carved wooden trough or bowl, which can be used for decoration or as a (fruit) bowl or m...
Category
19th Century European Antique Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Antique Wire Fox Terrier Iron Door Stop, Hubley
Located in Riverdale, NY
Charming Iron Wire Haired Fox Terrier Door Stop with intact original paint attributed to Hubley circa 1910. Hard to find with original patinaed cold ...
Category
1910s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Iron
Mexican Oaxacan Alebrije Jimenez Family Signed Folk Art Sculpture
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and sought-after authentic Mexican folk art work signed by all three renowned Jimenez Family members, including the celebrated Oaxacan alebrije creator Manuel Jimenez (Manuel Jimenez Ramirez, 1919-2005), as well as his two sons who worked under their father and eventually carried on the carving, sculpting and painting tradition with their own workshops, Angelico Jimenez...
Category
Late 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood, Paint
Antique Danish Wrought Iron Mounted Fish Fork
Located in Søborg, DK
A wrought iron fish fork from the 18th century.
Extremely decorative and a piece of pure folk art.
Who ever made this made an extra effort to not just make it functional but also so...
Category
18th Century Danish Antique Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wrought Iron
MIKE MATAS - Vintage Folk Art Whale Carving on Stand - Signed - Canada - C. 1980
Located in Chatham, ON
MIKE MATAS - Vintage folk art hand-carved pine model of a whale - mounted by two brass pins to the base - finished with a semi-gloss varnish - signed and dated - possibly from the ea...
Category
Mid-20th Century Canadian Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Brass
Larger Than Life Extravagant Folk Art Sculpture
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Outrageous larger than life piece of Folk Art painstakingly composed of found objects such as sea shells, beads, toys, vintage jewelry buttons, and bottle caps (to name a few). There...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Shell
Hand Carved Wooden Smoker Gnome Figure, Vintage German Black Forest Folk Art
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful hand carved wooden smoker figure, found at an estate sale in Nuremberg, Germany. We believe that this piece is from around 1930s or older. A nice addition to any room. Beau...
Category
1930s German Vintage Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Large Celtic Norse Nordic Scandanavian Viking Wood Carved Folk Art Pagan Totem
Located in Studio City, CA
A large, heavy, intricately carved, rather engaging wood folk art pagan totem figure of a woman carrying a three-headed fish with the God of Wind (North wind or perhaps an Anemoi) sy...
Category
Early 20th Century Scandinavian Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Birdhouse
Located in Chicago, IL
A whimsical early 20th century American Folk Art purple Martin pine birdhouse with two levels, eight entrances, and a wonderfully shingled roof and weath...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Pine
Folk Art Metal & Wire Rooster Chair
Located in Hanover, MA
It is impossible not to smile when sitting on the back of this vintage metal craft rooster. Constructed of scrolled metal wire loops it is strong ...
Category
1950s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Steel
Jim Rose Barn House Structure, Welded Steel Sculpture Made with Salvaged Steel
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
This is a welded steel sculpture made by furniture creator Jim Rose. It is sustainable design created from salvaged and recycled steel panels left over from his larger projects. These sculptures reference traditional American Folk Art barn...
Category
2010s American Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Steel
Fox and Antler Bone Frame
Located in San Francisco, CA
Handmade mirror from wood and antlers - likely European.
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Antler, Wood
Mid-Century Era Signed West Coast Cedar Haida Indigenous Canadian Totem Pole
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This hand-carved cedar totem is signed by an unknown artist and presumed to have originated from Canada and dating to approximately 1960 and done in the West Coast Indigenous Haida s...
Category
Mid-20th Century Canadian Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Cedar
Monumental and Unusual Folk Art Stage Coach Figure and Horses, 1927
Located in Buffalo, NY
Monumental and unusual Folk Art stage coach figure and horses, 1927. All hand executed, amazing detail, working lamps, velvet interior on coach.
Category
1920s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Leather, Velvet, Plaster
Folk Art Hand-Made Iron Rooster
Located in Chicago, IL
A mischievous 20th century American folk art rooster sculpture with a wonderful disposition, and beautiful rusted finish. Perfect indoors or out!
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Iron
Pair Handmade Painted Acrobatic Papier Mache Clowns Mexico Attr Jeanne Valentine
By Jeanne Valentine
Located in Topeka, KS
Fabulous handmade & hand painted vintage acrobatic Papier Mache clowns from Mexico attributed to Jeanne Valentine a pair. Beautiful condition, keeping...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Paste, Paint, Paper
Large Oceanic Gope Carved Wooden Ancestor Spirit Board
Located in Forney, TX
An Oceanic "Gope" Papuan ancestral spirit board, 20th century, collected from the Gulf Province, Papua, New Guinea, Kerewa or Hohao village tribe.
Hand...
Category
20th Century Papua New Guinean Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Metal
The Virgin Mary Bust, 'Virgin Mary House' Replica Compressed Marble Powder No:2
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
This sculpture depicts the Virgin Mary, who is known as the mother of Jesus in Christian mythology. Weighing 1.5 kg, this sculpture is produced from pressed marble powder and made us...
Category
2010s Turkish Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Statuary Marble
Folk Art Wood Sculpture of a Caribbean Man Holding a Pineapple
Located in Plainview, NY
A vintage Mid-Century period Folk art sculpture of a man standing tall. The sculpture is finely carved of quality wood and depicts a Caribbean farmer man wearing a hat, holding a pi...
Category
20th Century Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Found and Salvaged Steel House Structure, Modern and Minimalist Sculpture
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Jim Rose, known primarily for his steel furniture, was an avid collector and scoured salvage yards for unique and interesting items. Here, a collection of found steel is reworked, pr...
Category
2010s American Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Metal, Steel
Fine Antique Huge Hand Carved Folk Art Rabbit, Signed
Located in South Burlington, VT
Coming from an American Folk art collection of animal sculptures- only one.
A fine huge, signed, and heavily hand carved charming erect rabbit measuring 21 inches tall and 9 inches wide- one of the largest hand carved rabbits...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Swedish Folk Art Hand-Carved and Painted Wooden Birds on Tree Branch
Located in Kastrup, DK
Hand-carved and hand-painted wooden birds on a tree branch.
The upper bird features a detailed feather structure with decorative white and blue markings on its tail, while the lower...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Early 20th Century Folk Art Fairground Elephant
Located in London, GB
Early 20th Century Folk Art Fairground Elephant
We share what we love, and we love this charming and naively formed early 20th century hand craved fairground ride figure. With a de...
Category
1920s British Vintage Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
19th Century German Folk Art Bird Cage
Located in Hastings, GB
A charming late 19th century hand crafted primitive folk art bird cage, in the manner of a chateau, painstakingly detailed with hand painted r...
Category
1890s German Antique Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Iron
Large Folk Art Wood Carving of a Nude Woman
Located in San Mateo, CA
Large Folk Art caving of a nude woman. This was done by a geologist and professor as a hobby. The sculpture shows some dings, dents, scuffs and wear.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Fir
Unique & All Handcrafted Antique Tramp Art Box w. Gothic Look and Feel ca. 1860
Located in Lisse, NL
Antique and larger than average tramp art box of great quality and design.
If you are a collector of rare and unusual, antique folk art objects in general and/or an enthousiast of a...
Category
Mid-19th Century German Antique Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Brass, Metal
Mountain Hut Lodge Black Forest Wood Carved Money Box Piggy Bank, Vintage 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Gorgeous vintage money bank. A beautiful decorative item in hand carved wood. Made in Austria, circa 1910s or older as a souvenir bank. Lock is in working condition.
The tradition of...
Category
1910s German Vintage Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Boston Terrier Heavy Cast Iron Doorstop
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sweet faced Boston Terrier cast iron doorstop. This doorstop is very heavy with great patina. The Boston Terrier hasa very soft look due to the wear.
Category
20th Century North American Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Iron
Pair of Large Japanese Ceramic Shi-Shi Dog Roof Tiles, Bizen Kiln, 20th Century
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Pair of Large Japanese Ceramic Shi-Shi Dogs roof tiles, Bizen kiln, 20th c.
Bizen kiln is one of the oldest and well known kilns in Japan. This is a very unusual pose of Shi-Shi Do...
Category
20th Century Japanese Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Clay
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 and Carvings
Materials
Paint, Wood
Folk Art Nantucket Island Ornamental Fishing Line "Fish" Spool Souvenir
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Hand carved and painted mint green fish souvenir spool from Nantucket Island (ca. 1940s, MA, USA). The fishing twine is connected to a small metal hook affixed to the fish's mouth. Warm patina / good age commensurate with history (small spots of wood / paint loss along with crazing). Small but impressive vintage fishing collectible...
Category
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Stone
Silver Handmade Corn on the Cob
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This sterling silver handmade heavy corn on the cob is unmarked and has gilded kernel's. This is a handmade item.
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Silver
Folk Art sculptures and carvings for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique folk art sculptures and carvings 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 and carvings created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include folk art, decorative objects, 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 and carvings 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 and carvings, popular names associated with this style include Mosche Bianche, Jim Rose, Nils Olsson, and Benin People. 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 and carvings differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $95 and tops out at $38,000 while the average work can sell for $1,340.