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
Late 19th Century Carved Wooden Angel
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Impressive wood carved angel with amazing detail. Certainly the work of a master carver. Found among the entire contents of a Catholic Church in the Midwest which was said to have cl...
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Gesso, Wood, Paint
Laos Buddha Statue 19th century
Located in New York, NY
19th century Lao Buddha statue. Folk Art figure representation of Buddha. A solid wood block carving with remnants of pigments. To collectors Lao Buddha fig...
Category
1890s Laotian Antique Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
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", 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 "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
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
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
Inuit Soapstone Seal Hunter
Located in Mexico City, MX
A Inuit carved dark green soapstone seal hunter. The sculpture is signed and dated 1974 on the bottom by an unidentified artist.
Category
1970s Canadian Vintage Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Soapstone
19c Folk Art Country Swedish Adze Carved Rosewood Tripod Table Bowl Decorative
Located in Sherborne, Dorset
Bought from an Antiques shop in Sweden, this charming, richly patinated tripod bowl table is hewn from a solid log of Rosewood - weighing in at 7kg, it's an incredibly extravagant us...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Rosewood, Oak
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
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
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
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
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 Collection "Licata", Set of 3 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
Glazed Terracotta Vase, Circa 1950
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This vase is made of glazed terracotta. African work. Circa 1950.
Category
1950s French Vintage Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Ceramic
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
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 "Cool Grey", Set of 4 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
19th Century Hand Carved German Apothecary Shop Display Figure
Located in London, GB
19th century hand carved apothecary shop display figure.
A rare hand carved 19th century apothecary shop display figure. Of German origin this figure would likely have sat either on...
Category
1880s German Antique Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Oak
Swedish Hand-Carved Painted Wooden Figure of a Drunk Man, Dated 1931
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A Swedish Folk Art polychrome carved figure of a drunk man with a beer bottle in his hand. Dated 1931 and signed S.N.
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Pine
19th Century Folk Art Carved Polychrome Scotsman Carousel Kilt Figure
Located in New York, NY
19th century Scotsman (Highlander) Carousel large carved and painted standing figure wearing kilt with plume hat on large round base.
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Vintage European Folk Art Cockerel, Early 20th Century
Located in Chappaqua, NY
Vintage European Folk Art Cockerel, early 20th Century. Rustic and hand-carved with original paint.
Category
Early 20th Century European Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Moorish Heads Vases Collection "Catania Green", Set of 3, 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
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
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
Cotton, Wood
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
Moorish Heads Vases Collection "Sciacca 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 Head Matt Vases Collection "Monreale", Set of 3, 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 "Vittoria", Set of 3, 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
Scottish Ram in Polychrome Wood, 19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Superb polychrome carved wooden ram from Scotland-19th century
Very elegant and surprising ram which is almost carved at life size which comes from a Manor in Scotland.
Uncommon ...
Category
19th Century Scottish Antique Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Hardwood
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
Late 20th Century South African Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Cotton, Wood
Early 20th Century Folk Art Driftwood Dachshund Dog
Located in Nantucket, MA
Early 20th century Folk Art driftwood dachshund, circa 1920, a natural form piece of driftwood that has been augmented with the addition of inset Periwinkle shell eyes, two drilled n...
Category
1920s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Driftwood
Early 20th Century Hand Carved Naïve Folk-Art Figure of a Soldier
Located in London, GB
The Solider
We are proud to offer a highly sculptural hand carved naïve folk-art figure of a soldier. Wearing a fez style hat and displaying 2 strips of rank on his sleeve, with articulated arms, stood on a later aged pine base. A deep natural patination across this figure makes this object a highly sculptural and artistic peice of folk art
Size in inches: H 13” x W 6” x D 3.5”
Period: Early 20th century
Material: Pine
Origin: Unknown
Condition: Aged
Completely solid in structure and form, fading across all the figure with a deep natural patina. Light aged dents and chips across the wooden surface as shown. The figure is completely original its early 20th century date, the stand is a later addition to support it as both feet have broken of a long time ago. All pins...
Category
1910s Unknown Vintage Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Pine
Rare Tramp Art Carved Wood Cigarette Dispenser
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An elaborately carved and stained wood tray densely textured and decorated with sun flowers. Large carved leafy handles on the ends. The tray is set with three house form cigarette dispensers...
Category
1930s Vintage Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
19th Century Hindu Nandi Temple Guardian, Architectural Ornament
Located in Forney, TX
A monumental Hindu Nandi temple gate-guardian architectural ornament, born in India, dating to the 19th century, hand carved and painted, richly detailed, polychrome decorated, the w...
Category
19th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Gesso, Wood, Paint
Folk Art Polychromed Iron Construction Worker Card Holder/ Vide-Poche
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Folk Art polychromed iron construction worker card holder/ vide-poche
A whimsical well executed Folk Art sculpture of construction worker caring a...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Aluminum, Steel, Iron
1930s Oversized Folk Art Wooden Gavel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Unique and large commemorative gavel given to Fred G. Fraser as Chef de Chemin de Fer in 1938 by the Promenade Nationale General Committee in Los Angeles, CA (a...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Brass
Antique Carved Folk Art Wooden Wall Hanging Commemorating The Royal Mail
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This large antique folk art hand carved wall hanging is unsigned but presumed to have been made in England in circa 1880 in the Victorian style. The wall sculpture commemorates the Royal Mail stagecoach which was used for long distance mail delivery in the mid-1800s. The carving is very intricately executed and depicts the Royal Mail coach...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Wood Carved American Folk Art Muscle Car
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Hand carved Folk Art American Muscle car. Wood carved with original paint surface.
Category
1950s Vintage Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
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
19th Century Folk Art Wartime Relationship Commemorative Plaque
Located in London, GB
19th century Folk Art Wartime relationship commemorative plaque
We are proud to offer a rare and unique commemorative wartime relationship plaque...
Category
1880s Antique Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Set of Three Beaded Ndebele Fertility Dolls
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...
Category
20th Century South African Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Cotton, Wood
Early 20th Century Folk Art French Weather-Vane Plane
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century Folk Art French weather-vane plane.
For sale in this lot is an early 20th century handmade Folk Art French weather-vane plane. Th...
Category
1940s British Vintage Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Mexican Burnished Clay Mother and Child Oaxacan Sculpture Mixtec Ceramic
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
Maricela Gómez López, a hardworking mother and artist portrays her life through her work. Living and growing up in Santo Domingo Yanhuitlán, a small town in central Mexico, the role ...
Category
2010s Mexican Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
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
Inuit Soapstone Sea Lion
Located in Mexico City, MX
A big Inuit soapstone sculpture depicting a sea lion. The sculpture is signed on the bottom by an unidentified artist and numbered 202266. With Canada Eskimo Art...
Category
1970s Canadian Vintage Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Soapstone
Pair of German Hand Carved Wood Figurative Sculptures of Two Boys Musicians
Located in Barntrup, DE
Adorable pair of hand carved wooden figurines of two boys playing the whistle, Germany, the first half of the 20th century.
Dimensions: H...
Category
1930s German Vintage 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
Inuit Soapstone Seal Hunter
Located in Mexico City, MX
A Inuit carved dark green soapstone seal hunter. The sculpture is signed on the bottom by an unidentified artist.
The sculpture doesn't have the han...
Category
Mid-20th Century Canadian Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Soapstone
Large Folk Art Pocket Knife Store Display
Located in Brooklyn, NY
One of a kind large scale pocket knife (24" L), likely used as a store display / sign composed of a painted and carved walnut handle / bolster wi...
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Walnut, Poplar
19th Century Carved and Polychrome Pair of Continental Laplander Painted Figures
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Continental Laplander (19th Century) carousel style carved and painted life-size figures.
Category
19th Century Antique Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Monumental Folk Art Carved TOTEM Statue Sculpture Man Flute Animals
Located in Dayton, OH
The carving features a man dancing and playing a flute in the treetops with cows / ox, snakes, lizards, frogs, monkeys, a pipe and insects. Carved from one piece. Unsigned.
Category
20th Century Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Hardwood
Folk Art Hand Carved Black Cat Trinket Dish
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Wooden ebonized cat with dish sculpture mounted to a mahogany plinth. Dish can accommodate keys or smaller objects.
Patina / light wear present (paint loss to the tips of ears / edges of green dish...
Category
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Mahogany, Wood
Mexican Burnished Clay Woman with Child Oaxacan Sculpture Mixtec Ceramic
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
This Mexican ceramic clay hand sculpture is a piece by artist Maricela Gómez López. Made with clay from Oaxaca and Zacatecas, painted with oxides from the region. Done with the hand-...
Category
2010s Mexican Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Clay, Ceramic
Pair of Antique Folk Art Hand-Carved Wooden Circular Wall Plaques
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This pair of antique folk art carved wall plaques are unsigned, but believed to have originated from Greece in approximately 1920. These circular wall plaques are done with a softwoo...
Category
Early 20th Century Greek Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Softwood
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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