Inspired by the Arts & Crafts style in England, which rebelled against the mechanization of the Industrial Revolution with a proud emphasis on handcrafted design, American Craftsman style similarly pushed against the lavishness of the Victorian era. Coined by Wisconsin-born Gustav Stickley, a furniture designer and publisher of The Craftsman magazine, American Craftsman furniture would influence homegrown styles that followed, such as Mission and the Prairie School.
Like the popular early 20th-century Craftsman houses — which feature meticulous woodwork on everything from built-in bookcases in the living room and cabinetry in the kitchen to earth-toned exteriors with exposed rafters — American Craftsman furniture was all about handmade storage cabinets, bedroom furniture, chairs and other pieces built with organic materials. “Simplicity and straightforwardness of construction has always been the leading characteristic of Craftsman furniture,” Stickley stated. And while he is often credited with most of the designs at the Craftsman Workshops in Eastwood, New York, others such as Harvey Ellis were influential in shaping the straight-backed chairs, beds with vertical slats and tables with exposed joinery that came to define the style.
Highly utilitarian with no unnecessary flair, American Craftsman furniture was designed to emphasize the essence of its modest construction and promote the natural beauty of the wood. Solid oak, cherry, walnut and mahogany were all favored by the movement’s principal figures. Another attribute commonly associated with the style is the integration of subtle details like tooled leather, inlaid metal and hammered iron handles.
Owing to the outbreak of World War I, the popularity of American Craftsman style waned as consumer spending dropped and furniture companies shifted to the production of wartime materials and goods specified in government contracts. Yet, by the 1960s, there was a renewed appreciation for this foundational modern American style, with Stickley and his contemporaries in demand for the clean, simple lines and sturdy construction of American Craftsman furniture.
Find a collection of antique American Craftsman chests, nightstands, seating, decorative objects and more furniture on 1stDibs.
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
Organic Wooden Sculpture, California, 1970's
Located in San Diego, CA
Stunning carved wood organic abstract sculpture. by T. Clasen. California, 1970's.
Wood
Wooden Phrenology Head Advertising Store Display Model Folk Art Americana
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Carved and painted wooden phrenology head Store display advertising model. Phrenology bust by unknown wood carver, circa 1870. Perfect to decorate a Do...
Wood
California Craftsmanship Organic Wooden Sculpture, 1970's
Located in San Diego, CA
Carved wood abstract organic wooden sculpture. Signed: T. Clasen. California, 1970's.
Wood
Turned Wood Bottle in Rosewood Assembled in Three Pieces
Located in Ferndale, MI
Fine example of wood turning. Three sections of turned rosewood put together to form a wine bottle. I believe this to be early 20th century.
Rosewood
Very Large Rare "Uncle Sam" Tramp Art Buffet
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Uncle Sam Tramp Art buffet. The back is a curtain of stars, with Uncle Sam's stove top hat. The front comes to a corner, with an eagle head on both sides, flanked by stars; 44" W x 28" D x 67" H. Solid and incredibly carved. Tramp Art of this size is not easy to come by! Tramp art is a style of woodworking which emerged in America the latter half of the nineteenth century. Some of tramp art's defining characteristics include chip or notch carving, the reclaimation of cheap or available wood such as that from cigar boxes and shipping crates, the use of simple tools such as penknives, and the layering of materials into geometric shapes through glue or nails. Period: After 1950 Origin: New York Size: 44" x 28" x 67" Tramp Art Carvings Family Owned & Operated Cisco’s Gallery deals in the rare, exceptional, and one-of-a-kind pieces that define the history of America and the Old West. Our pieces range from American Indian to Cowboy Western and include original items of everyday life, commerce, art, and warfare that tamed America’s frontier. Our 14,000 square foot gallery opened in 1996 in beautiful Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Personal Service Cisco’s operates on old fashioned values – honesty and integrity, and all of our items are backed by our money back guarantee. We appreciate the opportunity to earn your business. Whether you desire assistance with a jewelry purchase, choosing a gift, identification, or even selling – we hope to be your trusted source. Special collections Tramp Art Tramp Art antiquities carvings depression hobo art stars eagles flags...
Wood
Early 20C Mounted Duck Decoy Heads 2
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting a lovely early 20c mounted duck decoy heads 2. This consists of 5 Duck Decoy heads from circa 1920 mounted on a wooden plinth. This piece came from a wealthy estate in Dallas, TX with the mansion being built by a stockbroker in 1929. He was an avid ‘duck hunter...
Glass, Wood
Rustic Carved Wood Bird Sculpture on Stand, American Craftsman, USA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Rustic Carved Wood Bird on Stand " A very nice rustic carved bird on rustic stand. Dark wood with "reddish" highlights. Partial label on the bottom."
Hardwood
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
Abstract Carved Wood Sculpture, California, 1970's
Located in San Diego, CA
Stunning hand carved wood abstract sculpture. by T. Clasen. California, 1970's.
Wood
Oversized Solid Mahogany Craftsman Finial Ornament
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Impressively large, craftsman-made, solid mahogany, finial-shaped ornament or architectural object features a wonderful wood grain throughout.
Mahogany
$395
H 8 in W 17 in D 5.5 in
Hand Carved Large Vintage Antique Wood Duck Decoy Sculpture, Early 20th Century
Located in Studio City, CA
A fantastic early to Mid-20th Century hand-carved and painted wood duck or mallard decoy. This piece has an wonderful color and texture. From an impressive Los Angeles vintage duck and antique swan decoy...
Wood, Paint
Signed Modern Abstract Constructivist Styled Wooden Sculpture
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This contemporary abstract wooden sculpture was done by Czeslaw Budny a Polish-Canadian artist in the constructivist style in circa 2010. This sculpture was made entirely of up-cycle...
Wood
$995
H 11.5 in W 13.75 in D 6.5 in
Contemporary Signed Modern Abstract Constructivist Styled Wooden Oak Sculpture
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This contemporary abstract wooden sculpture was done by Czeslaw Budny a Polish-Canadian artist in the constructivist style circa 2019. This sculpture was made entirely of up-cycled, ...
Wood, Oak
$1,195 / set
H 15.5 in W 4 in D 2 in
Pair of Canadian Folk Art Carved Japanese Internment Camp Figures or Sculptures
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This pair of Folk Art carved figures is believed to have been made by a Japanese immigrant to Canada either while or after being interned by the Canadian government during the Second World War. The male carved figure is hand painted in vibrant colors and the base reads: June 11, 1942" and "Ontario" underneath. The nude female carving...
Softwood
19th Century German Carved Wooden Deers Head
Located in London, GB
19th century carved wooden deer’s head We are proud to offer a delightful example of a 19th century hand carved German deer’s head. This ite...
Pine, Paint
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.
Wood
$395
H 8.5 in W 15 in D 5.5 in
Hand Carved Large Vintage Antique Wood Duck Decoy Sculpture, Early 20th Century
Located in Studio City, CA
A fantastic early to Mid-20th Century hand-carved and painted wood duck or mallard decoy. This piece has an wonderful color and texture. From an impressive Los Angeles vintage duck and antique swan decoy...
Paint, Wood
$995
H 19 in W 15 in D 12 in
Signed Modern Abstract Constructivist Styled Wooden Oak Sculpture Czeslaw Budny
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This contemporary abstract wooden sculpture was done by Czeslaw Budny a Polish-Canadian artist in the constructivist style circa 2019. This sculpture was made entirely of up-cycled, ...
Wood, Oak
Vincenzo Eulissi 1970 Bronze Modern Sculpture in Lost Wax
Located in Milano, IT
Vincenzo Eulissi 1970 gilded bronze modern sculpture in lost wax.
Bronze
Antique Folk Art Horse Sculpture
Located in Sheffield, MA
Wonderfully charming hand-carved 19th Century American folk art horse sculpture on stand. Pay special attention to its face and the carved details to appreciate this fine specimen. ...
Wood
Early 20th Century English Folk Art Decoy Duck Form
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century English Folk Art decoy duck form A working example of an early 20th century English Folk Art decoy. Hand carved from wood, with lead weight still in place at the ...
Pine
Art Deco Traditional Wooden Hand Large Artist Mannequin Scale Model
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A handmade wooden Artist mannequin hand model - all joints move as they should. Found on an Estate sale in Vienna, Austria. Shows some minor wear - but looks beautiful on display! So...
Metal
Early 20C Mounted Duck Decoy Heads 1
Located in Dallas, TX
PRESENTING a LOVELY Early 20C Mounted Duck Decoy Heads 1. This consists of 5 Duck Decoy heads from circa 1920 mounted on a wooden plinth. This piece came from a wealthy estate in Dallas, TX with the mansion being built by a stockbroker in 1929. He was an avid ‘duck hunter...
Glass, Wood
Large Early 20th Century Architectural Stair-Builder's Model
Located in Buffalo, NY
Large early 20th Century Architectural Stair-builder's Model, c.1915. Architect, acquired from family member, builder was commissioned to build over 20 sets of stairs for track house...
Wood
Hand Carved Fantasy Carousel Sculpture
Located in Norwood, NJ
Hand Carved Fantasy Sculpture. Wood carved truly one-of-a-kind piece. Possibly a model for a Carousel. Half Man Half Beast. Bear body stands on all four...
Wood
Hand Carved White Painted Wooden Carousel Horse
Located in Norwood, NJ
Vintage Hand Carved Wooden Carousel Horse. Full Size Painted and carved wood carousel horse. Glass eyes. Mounted with center brass pole on rolling base. Modern paint.
Wood
Six Handcrafted Burl Wood Bowls, Sculptures, American Craftsman
Located in Buffalo, NY
Six beautiful American craftsmen bowls, nicely turned and visually stunning. Signed J M. Various dimensions and forms ranging from 6 inches to 12 inches in diameter to 5 inches in he...
Wood
Vintage Mexican Craftsman Tooled Leather Wardrobe Suitcase
Located in Hyattsville, MD
A souvenir, relic from an old Mexican Excursion. Vintage handmade wardrobe suitcase, hand-carved or impressed leather. Good vintage condition...
Leather
Wooden Phrenology Head Advertising Model Folk Art Americana
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Carved and painted wooden phrenology head model, America, the head with inset glass eyes, (minor paint wear). Phrenology bust by unknown wood carver, c...
Wood
Lifesize Reclaimed Wood Equine Sculpture
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Three dimensional lifesize sculpture of horse in resting stance. Each layer nailed by hand, showing mastery of technique. A unique one of a kind art medium.
Wood
Pair of Vintage Carved Painted Folk Art Duck Figures
Located in Wilton, CT
Pair of old vintage carved painted wood duck figures on stands. One retaining glass eyes and most of painted finish, the other missing eyes and with finish worn away. Charming and wh...
Wood