for sale €661 $718

£565

The House of Antiques

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Id #SA1034502

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Early 20th Century Folk Art Figure

Name: Early 20th Century Folk Art Figure
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1034502
Price: 565 GBP
Availability: InStock

1900 - 1920

For Sale by The House of Antiques

Description

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Figure of a swimmer

A very unusual early 20th Century American folk-art figure of a lady in a bikini. Carved from a single piece of wood showing natural wood grain detail. A highly sculptural form with naïve yet well-proportioned features as shown.

Size in inches approx.: H 22” x W 9” x D 5”

Origin: America

Date: 1910 -1930

Material: Wood

Condition: Fair

This item is aged naturally, a deep patination across all its surface as shown, without breaks, cracks, or loss. The detail to the hands, feet and face is worn as you may expect from an item of this age.

We strongly suggest reviewing all the photos provided as part of this advert and propose questions where sections are unclear to avoid disappointment upon purchase. A direct message usually takes 24 hours to answer.

For multiple years we have sold antique items globally, please expect our items to show relevant age and natural wear, Items are only restored due to breaks and major loss, and we always stipulate this in our condition report.

Physical Dimensions

Height

55.9cm (22.01")

Width

22.9cm (9.02")

Depth

12.7cm (5.00")

Declaration

The House of Antiques has dated this Carved Wooden Folk Figure to the 1920s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1034502

Dealers Internal Reference

The swimmer

Description

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Figure of a swimmer

A very unusual early 20th Century American folk-art figure of a lady in a bikini. Carved from a single piece of wood showing natural wood grain detail. A highly sculptural form with naïve yet well-proportioned features as shown.

fig 1. A hand-carved wooden folk art figure of a human form depicted in a walking posture with visible wood grain. — fig 1. Early 20th Century Folk Art Figure

Size in inches approx.: H 22” x W 9” x D 5”

Origin: America

Date: 1910 -1930

Material: Wood

Condition: Fair

“

This item is aged naturally, a deep patination across all its surface as shown, without breaks, cracks, or loss.

The House of Antiques

The detail to the hands, feet and face is worn as you may expect from an item of this age.

fig 2. A hand-carved wooden folk art figure of a human form depicted in a walking posture with visible wood grain. — fig 2. Early 20th Century Folk Art Figure

We strongly suggest reviewing all the photos provided as part of this advert and propose questions where sections are unclear to avoid disappointment upon purchase. A direct message usually takes 24 hours to answer.

fig 3. A hand-carved wooden folk art figure of a human form depicted in a walking posture with visible wood grain. — fig 3. Early 20th Century Folk Art Figure

For multiple years we have sold antique items globally, please expect our items to show relevant age and natural wear, Items are only restored due to breaks and major loss, and we always stipulate this in our condition report.

Physical Dimensions

Height

55.9cm (22.01")

Width

22.9cm (9.02")

Depth

12.7cm (5.00")

Date of Manufacture

The House of Antiques has dated this Carved Wooden Folk Figure to the 1920s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1034502

Dealers Internal Ref

The swimmer

About the Dealer

The House of Antiques

Sellingantiques verified Since Nov 2022

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the The House of Antiques Profile Page

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A hand-carved wooden folk art figure of a human form depicted in a walking posture with visible wood grain.

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Archive I

Early 20th Century Folk Art Figure

Archive II

A hand-carved wooden folk art figure of a human form depicted in a walking posture with visible wood grain. View II

Archive III

A hand-carved wooden folk art figure of a human form depicted in a walking posture with visible wood grain. View III

Archive IV

A hand-carved wooden folk art figure of a human form depicted in a walking posture with visible wood grain. View IV

Archive V

A hand-carved wooden folk art figure of a human form depicted in a walking posture with visible wood grain. View V

Archive VI

A hand-carved wooden folk art figure of a human form depicted in a walking posture with visible wood grain. View VI

Archive VII

A hand-carved wooden folk art figure of a human form depicted in a walking posture with visible wood grain. View VII

Archive VIII

A hand-carved wooden folk art figure of a human form depicted in a walking posture with visible wood grain. View VIII

Archive IX

A hand-carved wooden folk art figure of a human form depicted in a walking posture with visible wood grain. View IX

Archive X

A hand-carved wooden folk art figure of a human form depicted in a walking posture with visible wood grain. View X

Folk art carving during the early 20th century involved self-taught artisans crafting figurative sculptures using locally sourced timber and basic hand tools. These pieces reflected regional storytelling, personal expression, and non-academic sculpting traditions.

Artisans typically used solid hardwoods or softwoods such as pine, oak, walnut, or fruitwood. The timber was worked with chisels, gouges, and pocket knives, often finished with natural waxes, oils, or left unpainted to highlight the grain.

Authentic pieces exhibit natural age oxidation within the carved crevices, genuine hand-tool marks, uneven surface wear, and a natural patina achieved through decades of handling and environmental exposure.

Place the sculpture on a sideboard, bookshelf, or mantelpiece to create a focal point. Combining carved wood figures with modern minimalist furniture provides visual contrast and adds organic texture to the room.

Dust regularly using a soft, dry lint-free cloth or soft-bristled brush. Keep the sculpture away from direct heat sources and humid environments to prevent the timber from warping or splitting, applying clear microcrystalline wax sparingly if needed.

The House of Antiques

Early 20th Century Folk Art Figure

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The House of Antiques

Early 20th Century Folk Art Figure

Visitors also looked at these ⇣

Folk Art Naive Primitive Painted Wooden Horse Sculpture

19th Century Folk Art Branch Figure

Early 20th Century Fairground Figure

Early 20th Century Folk Art Huntsman Figure

19th Century Folk-art Bedpost Figure

A Very Interesting Japanese Wooden Carved Sculpture of a Geisha in the Nata-tsukuri Style.

Carved Lion on Plinth

A Late 19th C Rajastani Painted Horse Circa 1900

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Early 20th Century American Folk Art Whirligig

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The House of Antiques

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Secure Transit

The Sustainable Choice

FAQs

What is the history of early 20th-century folk art figure carving?

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How should an antique wooden folk art figure be cleaned and maintained?

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