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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
Quirky Offbeat Vintage Male Shop Mannequin
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Quirky offbeat vintage male shop mannequin A Striking Vintage Mannequin with a Gold Head and Hands, he is made in fibreglass with articulated arms T...
Category

Mid-20th Century Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Fiberglass

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

Rare Original Cody Foster Folk Art Pink Wool Rabbit Easter Bunny Doll Strawberry
Located in Dayton, OH
Rare, one of Cody Fosters early original works. Folk art style stuffed animal figurine in the form of a pink rabbit wearing a bow tie and holding a yellow ...
Category

Late 20th Century Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wool, Velvet, Plaster, Paint

Folk Art Sculpture Folk Art Toy Outsider Art Chimney Sweep Painted Cutout
Located in East Hampton, NY
This whimsical folk art sculpture is a folk art toy of chimney sweeps. The outsider art is hand painted on wood cutouts. A wonderful hand made, hand painte...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Twine, Wood, Paint

Mid 20th Century Folk Art Cowboy Rodeo Whirligig
Located in Nantucket, MA
Mid 20th century Folk Art cowboy Rodeo Whirligig, circa 1940s to 50s, comprising four carved and painted cowboys mounted on horseback riding in a circle a...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Copper

Terracotta Articulated Doll Santos Figure Wearing a Bowler Hat
Located in Stamford, CT
Unusual, and quite amusing Mexican terracotta doll figure with articulated limbs. Since it is solid terracotta it is likely this is a mold from which other dolls were made. As a folk...
Category

Early 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Ceramic, Clay, Terracotta

African Folk Art Hand Carved Sculpture Fork and Spoon
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Hand carved African tribal wood carved sculpture of a men and women, Africa tribal Art Decor. Kenyan tribal sculpture featuring an elongated standing man and women with a crown and metal choker. Very simple modern look carved ethnic sculpture...
Category

20th Century Kenyan Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

19th Century American Carved Wood Horse Head
Located in Stamford, CT
Hand carved wood head of a horse, stained black, shown wearing a bridal and bit, with mouth open as if in a full gallop. A very handsome piece of sculpture, likely a fragment from a larger piece, now mounted on a custom iron base. Great decoration for the equestrian or lover of horses. Great for mantel...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Hand Carved & Painted Folk Art Wood Table with Foot, Hand & Mouth
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A true Folk Art conversation piece. Sculpture meets table. Diameter taken from hand detail 35” Diameter across circle 33.5” Height 28” Foot 19” x 9”.
Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Mexican Day of the Dead Ceramic Collection
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a wonderful Folk Art collection of Mexican traditional Day-of-the-Dead ceramic figures. Although unsigned these figures are in the style of the Aguilar Family of Oaxacan pott...
Category

Late 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

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

After Jean Louis Grégoire Spelter Figure "Boy Playing Pipe"
Located in Los Angeles, CA
After Jean Louis Grégoire (France, 1840-1890) A Charming French 19th-20th Century Patinated Spelter Figure of "The Animal Charmer", depicting a sta...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Marble, Spelter

Late 19th Century Fairground Knock Down Figure
Located in London, GB
Jeu De Massacre Fairground Figure One of the finest examples of a late 19th Century fairground knock down figure we have had the pleasure to obtain, in ...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Pair of American Cast Iron Hand Painted Preening Ducks on Squared Base, C 1880
Located in Hollywood, SC
Pair of American cast iron hand painted preening ducks resting on squared bases. Late 19th Century.
Category

1880s American Antique Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Iron

Early Carved Folk Art Wood Bust on Music Cabinet
Located in Peekskill, NY
At the turn of the century this type of "corporate head" portrait was very popular. They were often displayed on or in the lobby of the company headquarters. This striking wooden exa...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Vintage ANRI Folk Art Hand Carved and Painted Sculpture "Old Habitant" by Duquet
By ANRI
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This vintage Folk Art hand carved and polychrome painted sculpture is missing the paper label from its base, but being attributed to the ANRI group of carvers from Italy and done in circa 1960. This carving was bought from a private estate with another one of a Lumberjack, which has the identical script on the front and back and does have the ANRI label. These carvings were done by the master carvers of the ANRI factory who worked from a model, usually unique to them, but this one shows it is an example of a work done by the Master Quebec wood...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Softwood

Moorish Heads Vases "Catania Purple", Handmade in Italy, 2019, Unique Design
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
This collection is a work of art that make a statement in modern décor and in the modern cultural art world. It can be used as a vase containing flowers, or as a beautiful centerpiec...
Category

2010s Italian Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Gold Leaf

Rustic Large Folk Art Handled Natural Organic Wood Carved Bowl, 1800s
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful bowl with beautiful natural wood grain and glowing colorful patina acquired with age. This piece has a very organic, wabi-sabi feel to it. From a collection of older w...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

"Blower Bentley" Sculpture by Paul Jacobsen
Located in Wiscasset, ME
Constructed of wood, paint and some metal mixed media. Paul Jacobsen used everyday objects, such as chairs, cars, airplanes, trains, motorcycles and puzzles, all built from scrat...
Category

2010s North American Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood, Paint

Hand Carved Wood Moroccan Ethnic Large Spoon
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Hand Carved antique African Moroccan burl wood large spoon. Large Moroccan ethnic folk art hand crafted and carved large cooking spoon. Great patina, rou...
Category

Early 20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Early 20th Century English Folk-art Hand Carved Gentleman Boxwood Figure
Located in London, GB
Early 20th Century English Folk-art Hand Carved Gentleman Figure We are proud to offer a unique hand carved English folk-art figure of a quirky looking, very well dressed aged Engl...
Category

1910s British Vintage Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Boxwood

19th Century English Folk Art Copper Weathervane
Located in London, GB
19th century English Folk Art copper weathervane A wonderfully pure example of a late 19th century English Folk Art handcrafted copper w...
Category

1880s British Antique Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Copper

Beaded Ndebele Fertility Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king). As beads become gradually more accessible throughout the 19th century, they began to displace the organic materials used in traditional art and attire. This colorful example of African beadwork is a fertility doll...
Category

20th Century South African Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Cotton, Wood

English Hand Crafted 19th Century Apprentice Shoes
Located in London, GB
19th century apprentice shoes A charming pair of late 19th century hand crafted leather apprentice shoes. Hand stitched and dot work detail. Size in i...
Category

19th Century British Antique Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Leather

"The Bird Cane", Unusual Early 20th Century Walking Cane
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century walking cane We are proud to offer a highly unusual walking cane made from aged bamboo. This unique and artistic object has naturally taken the form of a bird. ...
Category

1920s British Vintage Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Bamboo

Rustic Large Natural Organic Wood Carved Serving Bowl Pointed Handles, 1800s
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful large Folk Art carved bowl with beautiful natural wood grain and glowing colorful patina acquired with age. This piece has a very organic, Wabi-Sabi feel to it. The point...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Antique Germany Chip Hand Carved Wall Cupboard Cabinet Tramp Folk Art 1880s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A petite German late 19th century Tramp Folk Art Wall Cupboard Cabinet. This petite Folk Art piece, circa 1880 comes from Germany and features a finely carved work with distressed Mirrors. It is a great example of the Tramp Art style, an art movement popular between the 1870s and the 1940s all around the world, particularly in Germany. It is characterized by the use of small pieces of wood from cigar boxes and shipping crates to create utilitarian items such as boxes and picture frames. Artists use simple tools such as pocket knives...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Mirror, Wood

1930s Folk Art, Wood and Metal Airplane / Fan
Located in Buffalo, NY
1930s Folk Art, wood and metal airplane / fan... amazing design, working motorized fan blade, hand build and hand painted.
Category

1930s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Metal

Moorish Heads Vases "Catania Bordeaux", Handmade in Italy, 2019, Unique Design
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
This collection is a work of art that make a statement in modern décor and in the modern cultural art world. It can be used as a vase containing flowers, or as a beautiful centerpiec...
Category

2010s Italian Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Gold Leaf

19th C. German Stag Horn Thermometer and Barometer
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A remarkable German Folk Art Weather Station in the Black Forest Style. Elaborate and sinuous construction with stag horns of various sizes, boar tusk...
Category

19th Century German Antique Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Antler, Horn

Iconic Pair of Sicilian Ceramic Heads from Caltagirone
Located in Budapest, HU
Fascinating traditional handmade ceramic planters from private collection.
Category

20th Century Sicilian Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Ceramic

Moorish Heads Vases "Acireale Matte Pink & Gold Leaf" Handmade in Italy, 2019
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
This collection is a work of art that make a statement in modern décor and in the modern cultural art world. It can be used as a vase containing flowers, or as a beautiful centerpiec...
Category

2010s Italian Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Gold Leaf

Large Mexican Folk Art Pottery Sculpture of a Female Depicting Life & Death
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This large and striking Folk Art pottery sculpture is unsigned, but believed to have been done in Mexico or South America in a contemporary Folk Art style. The sculpture is a study of a young woman of color wearing a brightly printed dress and accessorized with large deep red rose earrings...
Category

Late 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Pottery

Moorish Heads Vases "Agrigento Bordeaux", Handmade in Italy, 2019, Unique Design
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
This collection is a work of art that make a statement in modern décor and in the modern cultural art world. It can be used as a vase containing flowers, or as a beautiful centerpiec...
Category

2010s Italian Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Gold Leaf

Moorish Heads Vases "Catania Dark Green", Handmade in Italy, 2019, Unique Design
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
This collection is a work of art that make a statement in modern décor and in the modern cultural art world. It can be used as a vase containing flowers, or as a beautiful centerpiec...
Category

2010s Italian Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Gold Leaf

Moorish Heads Vases Collection "Palermo White", Set of 2, Handmade in Italy
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
This collection is a work of art that make a statement in modern décor and in the modern cultural art world. It can be used as a vase containing flowers, or as a beautiful centerpiec...
Category

2010s Italian Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Gold Leaf

Outsider Art Hand-Carved "Shotgun Wedding" Tableau
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Crude hand-carved and painted wedding party figures (bride, groom, officiant - likely a preacher, and witness - presumably the father of the bride)...
Category

1930s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Cotton, Wood, Paint

Moorish Heads Vases "Catania Bronze", Handmade in Italy, 2019, Unique Design
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
This collection is a work of art that make a statement in modern décor and in the modern cultural art world. It can be used as a vase containing flowers, or as a beautiful centerpiec...
Category

2010s Italian Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Gold Leaf

Moorish Heads Vases "Catania VERY PERI", Handmade in Italy, 2019, Unique Design
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
This collection is a work of art that make a statement in modern décor and in the modern cultural art world. It can be used as a vase containing flowers, or as a beautiful centerpiec...
Category

2010s Italian Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Gold Leaf

Antique American Soldier Whirligig
Located in Nantucket, MA
Carved and painted Pine with rotating sheet iron swords, with black hair, mustache and beard, bicorn hat, blue jacket with tacks for buttons, black boots mounted on a yellow circular...
Category

Early 20th Century North American Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Sheet Metal

Moorish Heads Vases Collection "Palermo", Set of 2 Pieces, Handmade in Italy
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
This collection is a work of art that make a statement in modern décor and in the modern cultural art world. It can be used as a vase containing flowers, or as a beautiful centerpiec...
Category

2010s Italian Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Gold Leaf

Moorish Heads Vases Collection "Catania", Set of 2 Pieces, Handmade in Italy
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
This collection is a work of art that make a statement in modern décor and in the modern cultural art world. It can be used as a vase containing flowers, or as a beautiful centerpiec...
Category

2010s Italian Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Gold Leaf

Moorish Heads Vases "Catania Dark Gray", Handmade in Italy, 2019, Unique Design
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
This collection is a work of art that make a statement in modern décor and in the modern cultural art world. It can be used as a vase containing flowers, or as a beautiful centerpiec...
Category

2010s Italian Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Gold Leaf

Vintage ANRI Folk Art Hand Carved & Painted Sculpture "The Lumberjack" by Duquet
By ANRI
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This vintage folk art hand carved and polychrome painted sculpture is signed with the maker's label of the ANRI group of cavers from Italy and done in circa 1960. This carving was bought from a private estate with another one of one entitled "Old Habitant", which has the identical script on the front and back, but posted separately. These carvings were done by the master carvers of the ANRI factory who worked from a model, usually unique to them, but this one shows it is an example of a work done by the Master Quebec wood...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Softwood

Beaded Ndebele Ceremonial Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king). As beads become gradually more accessible throughout the 19th century, they began to displace the organic materials used in traditional art and attire. This colorful example of African beadwork is a ceremonial doll...
Category

Mid-20th Century South African Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Twine, Cotton, Wood

Moorish Heads Vases Collection "Acireale", Set of 2 Pieces, Handmade in Italy
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
This collection is a work of art that make a statement in modern décor and in the modern cultural art world. It can be used as a vase containing flowers, or as a beautiful centerpiec...
Category

2010s Italian Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Gold Leaf

Antique Indonesian Carved Deer Architectural Temple Sculpture
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and incredible Indonesian hand carved and painted red deer architectural salvaged temple ornament. Dating to the 19th century or earlier, hand-...
Category

19th Century Southeast Asian Antique Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood, Paint

D.W. Nichol Signed Hand Carved Wood Duck Decoy, Male Cinnamon Teal
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful work, a male cinnamon teal, hand carved and painted by renowned duck decoy artist D W Nichol. Beautifully crafted and decorated. The work is signed "Male Cinnamon Teal...
Category

20th Century Canadian Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood, Paint

Moorish Heads Vases Collection "Sciacca", Set of 2 Pieces, Handmade in Italy
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
This collection is a work of art that make a statement in modern décor and in the modern cultural art world. It can be used as a vase containing flowers, or as a beautiful centerpiec...
Category

2010s Italian Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Gold Leaf

Moor Head Matt Vases Collection "Messina" Set of 2 Pieces, Handmade in Italy
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
This collection is a work of art that make a statement in modern décor and in the modern cultural art world. It can be used as a vase containing flowers, or as a beautiful centerpiec...
Category

2010s Italian Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Gold Leaf

Moorish Head Matt Vases Collection "Carini", Set of 2 Pieces, Handmade in Italy
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
This collection is a work of art that make a statement in modern décor and in the modern cultural art world. It can be used as a vase containing flowers, or as a beautiful centerpiec...
Category

2010s Italian Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Gold Leaf

German Carved Wooden Figure of Shepherdess with a Sheep
Located in Barntrup, DE
Beautiful hand carved wooden figurine of an adorable girl - shepherdess with a sheep. Dimensions: Height 35.5 cm / in, width 13 cm / in, ...
Category

1930s German Vintage Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Early 20th Century Folk Art Carved Wood Deer Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
A stoic yet charming early 20th century Folk Art carved wood deer sculpture, nearly life size, with a wonderful dry weathered finish, and mounted on a custom steel mount. Perfect dis...
Category

Early 20th Century Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Moorish Heads Vases Collection "Red and Gold", Set of 2, Handmade in Italy
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
This collection is a work of art that make a statement in modern décor and in the modern cultural art world. It can be used as a vase containing flowers, or as a beautiful centerpiec...
Category

2010s Italian Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Gold Leaf

Moorish Heads Vases Collection "Cool Gray", Set of 2 Pieces, Handmade in Italy
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
This collection is a work of art that make a statement in modern décor and in the modern cultural art world. It can be used as a vase containing flowers, or as a beautiful centerpiec...
Category

2010s Italian Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Gold Leaf

Early 20th Century English Folk Art Whirligig Figure
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century Folk Art whirligig figure We are proud to offer a true example of an early 20th century whirligig figure. Hand carved from scrat...
Category

1920s British Vintage Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Pine, Paint

Moorish Heads Vases Collection "Palermo décor", Set of 2, Handmade in Italy
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
This collection is a work of art that make a statement in modern décor and in the modern cultural art world. It can be used as a vase containing flowers, or as a beautiful centerpiec...
Category

2010s Italian Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Gold Leaf

Folk Art Model of a Lockheed Constellation Airliner
Located in San Mateo, CA
Large model of a Lockheed Constellation made by Charles Long. The airplane is made of redwood. The propellers are pine. Charles was a captain in...
Category

1950s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

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.

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