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Finding the Right sculptures-carvings for You
Asian sculptors have worked in materials including wood, bronze and jade. Artists and artisans have used traditional techniques to depict deities, scenes from culture and more, and today, antique Asian sculptures and carvings are a popular choice for provocative and sophisticated home decor.
In China, the Qing dynasty, from the mid-17th century to the early 20th century, brought about significant changes in art while preserving traditional culture. Many emperors during this period were patrons of the arts, such as painting, calligraphy and decorative arts. This era saw the building of new Buddhist temples, which were decorated with statues. Some of these sculptures were adorned with colorful cloisonné decoration, in which tiny compartments, or cloisons, made by soldering copper filaments to a metal surface were filled with vibrantly hued enamel.
From the 17th to mid-19th century in Japan, kimonos were worn across classes and often fastened with a netsuke, a type of small carved toggle. Artists carved these from ivory, wood, shells and coral, creating animals, flowers and mythical creatures. During the Japanese Meiji period, spanning from 1868–1912, the country began trading internationally after centuries of isolation, allowing artists to sell their work overseas. Bronze sculpture flourished around this time for creating teapots, vases and incense burners.
Asian sculpture continued to evolve in the 20th century. During the Japanese Shōwa era, from 1926–89, art was influenced by international modernist movements like abstraction, Futurism and Surrealism. Contemporary Asian sculptures and carvings continue to combine global influences and a rich heritage of technique.
Decorating a space with Asian sculptures and carvings is a great way to add interest to any corner of your home. Explore by material, period or style on 1stDibs.
- What is a Tansu chest?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021Tansu refers to Japanese portable storage chests. When tansu became a well-known feature of life in Japan — the chests’ emergence is said to be rooted in the Genroku era of the Edo period (1688–1704) — the country’s traditionally minimalist households had little to no proper seats, tables, or other pieces of furniture. Tansu were intended to be multipurpose cabinets. These case pieces were used to store things of everyday utility, such as clothing and various personal items. Tansu are regarded as collectible furniture with a timeless appeal. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary Tansu from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
- What is Korean tansu?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Korean tansu is a type of cabinet that is easy to transport. Although the furniture originated in Japan, Korean examples are better known today. Most feature wood construction with metal trim. You'll find a selection of Korean tansu on 1stDibs.
- What is Mizuya Tansu?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A Mizuya Tansu is a Japanese chest or container typically used to store food, dishes, utensils and more near a kitchen or tea room. They are usually made of wood and many are beautifully designed. Browse a collection of Mizuya Tansu cabinets on 1stDibs.
- What is a step Tansu?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021A step Tansu is also known as a step Tansu chest. It originated in Japan with simplistic design and multi-purpose use. Step Tansu has a storage chest that doubles as a staircase to climb to higher-level rooms. Add aesthetic appeal to your home decor with a step Tansu chest or other storage pieces from 1stDibs.
- What is a tansu chest used for?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A tansu chest is a Japanese cabinet designed for easy transportation and can store a variety of items, including clothes and personal items. Tansu chests often feature multiple compartments to keep items organized. Shop a selection of authentic tansu chests on 1stDibs.
- What is a carving trolley?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021A carving trolley is usually a meat carving trolley for fine dining. A gas burner or flare lamp is fixed on the trolley to the level of the top surface. The carver/trancheur is responsible for the carving done at the buffet table and on the carving trolley. Food is kept hot until it reaches the customer. It also holds a carving board, knife rest, plate holder and containers for sauces. You can find an exotic vintage collection of carving trolleys on 1stDibs.
- What is a carving board?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021A carving board is a cutting board that has grooves on the outside to preserve the juices of meats. It is fancier than a normal cutting board, and you can even serve the cooked meat on a carving board. Shop tableware and other dining, serveware and glassware on 1stDibs.
- What is soapstone carving?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A soapstone carving is a sculpture that’s carved from soft stone referred to as soapstone. Soapstone is a metamorphic rock that has a large composition of talc, which is a very soft stone or mineral, making it easy to carve and popular for novices and experienced artists. Shop a collection of soapstone carvings from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is carved ivory for?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Carved ivory is typically for creating art, decorative objects and furniture. Ivory is a hard material sourced from the teeth and tusks of certain animals. Most carved ivory comes from elephants. Shop as selection of carved ivory furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
- What do jade carvings mean?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Jade carvings can have a variety of meanings depending on their shape. In general, jade represents good fortune, purity, grace and beauty. Shop a range of expertly vetted jade jewelry and decorative objects from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Is carving jade hard?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, carving jade is hard. Some have described the process as “painstaking”. However, jade is incredibly strong and its unique color makes it an excellent option for fine, intricate carving projects. You’ll find a variety of jade pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022There are many methods and types of wood carving, including chip, relief, Scandinavian flat-plane, lovespoon, whittling and florentine. Each type uses different tools and can create decorative carvings on both display pieces and furniture. Browse a wide range of carved wood pieces on 1stDibs.
- Can tiger’s eye be carved?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, tiger's eye can be carved provided you have the necessary skill and possess suitable tools. Artisans carve tiger's eye to produce vases, keepsake boxes, beads, clocks and many other items. On 1stDibs, find a range of tiger's eye jewelry and decorative objects.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Inuit carvings and sculptures have an igloo sticker, which means the piece has been registered by the Canadian government. If your piece does not have this igloo sticker, be sure you are buying from a reputable source. You can also shop expertly vetted Inuit art and carvings from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Modeling is an additive process; carving is a subtractive process.
- What is a Paete wood carving?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023A Paete wood carving is a decorative wooden object produced by artisans in Paete, Philippines. In 2005, the village was officially dubbed the Woodcarving Capital of the Philippines due to the intricate sculptures and statues produced there. Shop a variety of wood art from some of the world’s top galleries on 1stDibs.
- What is a carving fork used for?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021A carving fork is used to keep meat or other dishes secure when slicing them. It also aids in keeping hands away from knives' sharp blades. A carving fork usually has two long tines and a protrusion at the base of the handle where the thumb and forefinger can rest. Shop a range of antique and vintage carving forks on 1stDibs.
- What is bone carving called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Bone carving is called scrimshaw, which means any engravings or carvings done in ivory or bone. Traditionally a hobby for whalers, designs featured could be very simple, and as techniques advanced, so did the artwork. Engravings depicted detailed scenes with engraving work done with pigments for color. On 1stDibs, find a collection of authentic bone carvings from some of the world’s top sellers.
- What is Chinese seal carving?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Chinese seal carving refers to the traditional art of engraving the active side of a stamp or seal. Typically, the seals were made using stone, but bamboo, bone and wood could also be used. On 1stDibs, you can find a collection of authentic Chinese seal carvings from some of the world’s top sellers.
- What is Jepara wood carving?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Jepara wood carving is the intricate wood carving art that comes from the city of Jepara in Indonesia. Artisans typically work with teak wood to create beautiful carved detail and scenes in a piece of furniture. Shop a collection of Jepara wood carvings on 1stDibs.
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