Two stylized guards, forever locked in a ceremonial pose—this beautifully balanced piece was hand-carved in Poland by renowned folk artists S. Sitarski and J. Fedorowicz, whose mid-century workshop work is increasingly sought after by collectors for its technical precision, minimalist whimsy, and cultural storytelling.
Made during Poland’s folk art revival era (1950s–1980s), pieces like this were never mass-produced—they were crafted in small batches for regional craft guilds or Cepelia export shops and are now harder to come by outside of Europe. Sitarski and Fedorowicz’s signature style blends traditional themes with Bauhaus-inspired abstraction: faceless, exaggerated forms that somehow carry emotion and rhythm in every curve.
Each figure is jointed and articulated, kneeling in mirrored motion with crossed halberds, expressive hands, and carved costume detail. Their boots, belts, and hair are accented in woodburnt pigment—deliberate and graphic. One figure is missing the lower “tie” detail below the circular neck medallion, a subtle flaw that feels more like an echo of age than damage.
Collectors prize this pair not just for their rarity, but for their art-forward minimalism—a soulful nod to Polish heritage that still plays beautifully in a modern interior.
Dimensions: Approx. 11” W x 9” H x 4” D
Condition: Excellent vintage condition with one minor decorative loss (see photos)
Origin: Poland
Signed: S. Sitarski & J. Fedorowicz (underside)
Era: Mid-20th century