Fruitwood Figurative Sculptures

Important pair of 18th century lacquered wood angel heads, from Northern Italy. The angel heads with wings are carved from a single piece of wood and decorated in polychrome with mec...

Exceptionally Fine Wooden Sarcophagus Mask Third Intermediate Period, 21st Dynasty, circa 1069-945 BC. Acacia wood, rosewood, hippopotamus ivory Masterfully carved from a single piece of fine-grained hardwood, the present mask is characteristic of the most exquisite funerary art made during the 21st Dynasty, and was probably commissioned for a particularly high-ranking individual. The oval face displays a gently smiling mouth with full, outlined lips, furrows at the corners and a bow-shaped philtrum. The straight nose with rounded nostrils, the cheeks full and fleshy and the large, almond shaped eyes with heavy lids and tapering cosmetic lines, set below long, sweeping eyebrows. Social collapse across the Mediterranean in the Late Bronze Age meant that the 21st Dynasty in Egypt was a period of great turmoil. Trade routes were disrupted, governments collapsed, and mass migration occurred. Economic scarcity meant that traditional funerary practices in Egypt were also affected, with a lack of material and financial resources leading to the reuse of preexisting material. As a result, during the 21st Dynasty, 19th and 20th Dynasty coffins changed ownership rapidly and were heavily recycled for new purposes. Tombs were also unmarked allowing them to be shared by many people. These new practices brought forth a shift in the understanding of funerary paraphernalia. No longer important objects owned forever by the deceased, they were now simply seen as short-term transformative devices, whose symbolic and ritualistic meaning could be appropriated for others. However, paradoxically, the art of coffin-making also reached new heights during this period, and many of the richly dec- orated “yellow” coffins, characteristic of the 21st Dynasty, are remarkable works of art in their own right. Indeed, knowing that coffins were being reused throughout Egypt, the Egyptian élite set themself apart by commissioning lavish sarcophagi decorated with the images and texts meant to help guide them to the afterlife, and which would otherwise have adorned the tomb walls. As coffins were the chief funerary element which now identified the dead and allowed them a physical presence in the world of the living, their quality and appearance were of the utmost importance. The traditional coffin ensemble was made of three parts: a wooden mummy cover, which laid directly atop the mummy, an inner coffin, and an outer coffin, both made of a lid and case. Additional decorative elements, such as masks, were carved out separately and later glued or pegged to the lids. After the completion of the painted decoration, the sarcophagus was covered in a varnish to give it its yellow colour. Gilding was sometimes used for the coffins of the high priests’ families, notably on parts representing naked skin, such as the face mask. However, some of the élite tactically avoided gilding altogether as to ensure that their coffin would not be looted. When manufacturing the inner and outer coffins, particular attention was paid to the woodwork. Displaying the skill of the carpenter, this type of funerary art has largely remained unparalleled throughout Egyptian history. The principal wood used to craft the present mask is Acacia nilotica. The evergreen Egyptian acacia was considered sacred and said to be the tree of life, the birthplace of the god Horus, as well as symbolic of Osiris, the god of the dead and resurrection. The modelling of the face in the wood is superb, but the inlays also help mark this mask out as exceptional. Inlaid eyes and eyebrows were extremely rare and reserved to the finest and most expensive coffins. Traditionally, eyes were made of calcite, obsidian, or quartz, and eyebrows of coloured glass paste or bronze. Here, the pupils, eyebrows, and cosmetic lines are inlaid with Dalbergia melanoxylon, a rare type of wood which belongs to the rosewood genus. In antiquity, however, it was known as Ebony of the Pharaohs, from the Egyptian word “hbny”, meaning dark timber, because of its black, lustrous appearance. An extremely dense and hard wood requiring significant skill to work with, ebony was a luxury material highly coveted by the pharaohs themselves, to make furniture, decorative and funerary objects. The wood was imported with great effort from the southern Land of Punt, most likely modern Sudan, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Eritrea, alongside other luxury goods such as gold and ivory. A magnificent ebony throne, recovered in the tomb of King Tutankhamun, illustrates the incredible aesthetic potential of this material and why it was so highly valued by Egyptian royalty. Only élite members of Egyptian society could have afford- ed Ebony of the Pharaoh inlays for their funerary mask. The sclerae on the present piece were once both inlaid with hippopotamus ivory. Whiter than elephant ivory, this type of ivory is also denser, and more difficult to carve. The use of this luxury material, reputed for its gleaming appearance, enhances the lifelikeness of the eyes. For the Egyptians, hippopotamus ivory was imbued with magic powers. The hippopotamus was indeed both feared and venerated due to its aggressive behaviour. Whilst the male hippopotamus was associated with danger and chaos, the female was benevolent and invoked for protection, especially of the house and of mothers and their children, through the hippopotamus goddess Tawaret. Thus, not only was hippopotamus ivory used as an inlay and to make practical objects, such as combs and clappers, but it was also used to make talismans like apotropaic wands or knives. Made during a time of scarcity where few could afford made-to-order coffins, the present mask could have only belonged to one of the highest-ranking individuals in society. Undoubtedly one of the finest Egyptian coffin...

Immerse yourself in the poignant beauty of this significant carved wood and polychrome sculpture depicting the iconic scene of the Pieta. Crafted possibly in Spain during the 19th ce...

Anatomical model for class, depicting an external and inner ear, made out of painted papier mache’ mounted on black painted wood. France circa 1890.

Tim Holmes (American b. 1955), The Victorious Gladiator, Brutalist Bronze on Wood plinth, Signed © Holmes and numbered 5/20 on base. Measures 9" in width, 7.5" in depth and stands 19...

Product Description: Artist: Johann Heinrich von Dannecker (1758-1841) Title of the Sculpture: "Ariadne on the Panther" Material: Carved from fruitw...

Pair of gothic revival carved cherubs circa 1970. Good quality pair of hardwood cherubs which are coloured to match walnut. Each figure seated on a plinth base of carved rock, tree...

Step into the sophistication of 1950s French artistry with this elegant wooden male torso. Sculpted from solid wood, this piece stands as a testament...

This exceptional sculpture, finely carved from solid wood and dating back to the 18th century, pays tribute to the devotion and artistic skill of its era. Depicting the Virgin Mary, ...

Technique: Tempera and oil on wood Dimensions: 25 x 11 x 8 cm Description: This exceptional work from the 12th century represents the Seated Virgin with Child (Sedes Sapientiae), standing out as an artistic treasure from medieval Spain. The portrayal of the Virgin enthroned with the Child on her lap is emblematic of Romanesque art, and this particular piece is a valuable and authentic example of that era. The current polychromy belongs to the Gothic period and overlays the original Romanesque layer. It is crucial to highlight that the current state of the artwork is the original, without any cleaning interventions, imparting a unique authenticity. The work exhibits architectural characteristics typical of Romanesque art, evident in the sides of the throne. The rigidity and symmetry characteristic of this style are reflected in the firm presentation of the Baby Jesus, noticeable in his gesture while holding his son. The Virgin wears a crown, symbolizing her royal character as the Queen of Heaven and Creation. Both figures retain traces of polychromy on the face and attire, adding layers of history and authenticity. While similar Romanesque Virgin...

An angel lost a wing... and I picked it up for Christmas time...

A Sicilian Marionette head depicting a Saracene, it's a part of " Opera dei Pupi " inspired by The French poem " La Chanson de Roland ". This one it's in original condition with consistent signs of use and age, original fabric and natural hair. A Late 19th Century Hand-Carved Wood Sicilian Head...

An angel lost a wing.. and I picked it up for Christmas time.. I cannot write the exact sizes of this wing because 1stdibs deletes every number.

Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of 1950s French artistry with this elegant wooden female torso. Sculpted from solid wood, this piece stands as ...

Wooden sculpture figuring a man by a French artist, circa 1980. A very tall figurative sculpture made from roughly hewn birchwood. The features and details composing the character a...

18th century French or Italian Santo Nativity Figure, a hand carved and painted fruitwood figure for a Christmas Crèche or Krippe. Excellent and delicate details to the head and hands. The half figure stands on a dowel set into platform base, dressed in original fine linen robe...

Anglo-Indian carved mango wood Marwari war horse figurine with brass saddle and equipage. Jodhpur, India, British Raj, 19th century.

O/4911 - Unusual cup that comes from Rwanda, formerly Zaire, Democratic Republic of the Congo. I bought it at an exibition, from a young African man well known to dealers in Paris. ...

Hutton-Clarke Antiques is delighted to present an exquisite Antique Carved Walnut Polychrome Figure of Saint Madeleine. This beautiful piece, bearing the likeness of Saint Madeleine ...

a polychromed wooden Santos head, found in Spain, mid 18th century, height is 16 cm with foot 24 cm, width 9 cm with foot 12 cm, depth 7 cm with foo...

Gilt wood friezes for furniture: sphinx. To be applied on furniture or frames as an unusual decoration: they don't want to look ancient. Beautiful on the corners of a frame.

Elegant little carved wooden horse from the 19th century in polychrome wood Very beautiful polychromy which has a lot of charm Old child's toy with the front wheels which moves ...

An academic cast. Over the fruit wooden black painted base is set the cast of Costanza Bonarelli head by Bernini. Cast for drawing teaching in Academy. Italy circa 1890.

DAVID SCULPTURE IN WOOd OLD SOLID WOOD HANDMADE SCULPTURE AT THE BEGINNING OF 1900, POSSIBLY ITALIAN SCHOOL. IT HAS A NICE PATINA AND IS IN VERY GOOD...

18th century exceptional Italian carved wood and polychromed figure depicting baby Jesus holding the world in his hand, he has halo made from sterling silver and the globe is also st...

Majestuous 17th century Angel. Important carved, gilded and polychrome wooden angel from the 17th century from the choir of a church in Spain. It is of very good quality (see the dr...

Mechelen dolls are rare wooden devotional figurines (mainly walnut was used), which were made by some members of the Guild of Saint Luke. The figures, all individual saints, were made from reference models using highly regulated carving and polychrome techniques. They had to meet several requirements. The shape of the rug had to meet certain criteria and the letter M (from Mechelen) had to be visible in the shape. These devotional or saint figurines...

19th century Black Forest hand carved figure of a Chamois deer, bending down to eat foliage. The carving is lovely and in very good condition for its age.

Excellent hand carved fruit wood quality for this virgin with child in the Belle epoque style. The shape and movement of the drapery is really lively. The patina of the walnut wood...

Pair of antique friezes in gilded wood with fruit (pears). They are all hand sculpted by an Italian artist 200 years ago ! It's very difficult to find ...

A rare botanical model of the Brendel, Conium maculatum N.60 (Umbelliferae). The round base in ebonized wood holds the botanical model which reveals th...

Fruit wood sculpture, Folk Art, depicting a man standing with his hands in his pockets. United States, second half of the 19th century.

French Art Deco carved wood walrus sculpture, Signed Martini. This realistic and unusual French Art Deco carved fruitwood sculpture of a walrus was e...

An articulated mannequin of a small-sized painter, with a metaphysical face. The mannequin is made of carved and ebonized fruit wood. The support is in brass and the base, also made ...

Cute wooden Italian angel, simple and modern, done by hand: welcomes as You enter the home!. Since it's made of raw wood, I colored it with a little whit...

Anatomic model for class depicting a jaw with a teeth, made out of painted papier machè mounted on round black wooden base. Italy 1880 ca.

Large wooden Italian angel, simple and modern, all done by hand: welcomes as you enter the home. Since it's made of raw wood, I put some pine cones to co...

Rare pair of antique freezes with grapes in gilded wood: very beautiful. Probably they were part of some large mirror that broke, who knows where, when and how.

Anatomical removable model for school of a heart made out of painted papier mache’ mounted on an ebony wooden base. France, circa 1890.

We have a very nice wooden Buddha sculpture. It dates from the early 20th century, and you can see the aging in its beautiful patina. The work ...

Round Bronze Plaque Depicting A Male Profile On A Wooden Support From The 1900s. Particular and signed object. Not easy to find, as it was commissioned by...

Sculptural wooden Maitrise, France made of Fruitwood, probably a study of a wooden construction of a roof, great scale and remarkable details, great used Patina, 1920.   

Over the wooden black painted base is set the plaster cast of the young head of Laoconte with beard. Cast for drawing teaching in Academy, Italy circa1880.

Wooden statuette of a lady Werkstatte Hagenauer Wien brass Plinth Austrian Jugendstil 1940s marked At the end of the 30s female forms were being worked into items like mirrors or ...

A most impressive and nicely scaled pair of French Louis XVI st. ormolu festive figural statues, signed Devaulx. On the left she is leaning on a tree stump, draped in a flowing garme...

Over the wooden black painted base is set the plaster cast of the head of Menelao, II d.C from a Hellenistic bronze. Cast for drawing teaching in Academy. Italy circa 1890.

18th century French or Italian Santo Nativity figure, a hand carved and painted fruitwood figure for a Christmas Creche or Krippe. Excellent and delicate details to the head and hands. The half figure stands on a dowel set into platform base, dressed in original fine linen robe...

An outstanding French mid-16th century Body of Christ. Expertly carved from natural fruitwood. Stunning patina. The corpus has been attached to a base i...

Exceptional altarpiece representing the annunciation circa 1600, fruitwood rare altarpiece from the North of Portugal, unique due to its large size representing the scene of the annunciation, where the Archangel Gabriel (represented on the bottom left), sent by god (represented on the top left) announces to Marie (bottom right) that she will give birth to Jesus. Very good state of conservation, carved on three panels Dimension: Height 1m51 Width 1m03 Very nice colour and exceptional dimensions Restorations of use We placed the altarpiece on a red velvet base and a Spanish occasional...

Pair of hanging Italian Rococo (19th Cent) fruitwood carved putti figures wearing drape.

1-4035 Hand painted marble panel set in a wood frame.

19th C. Large Fruit Wooden Statues of young Bacchus the God of wine 2 statues of almost human height circa 140 cm high The statues is one standing on a wine bag...

A fine pair of carved fruit wood busts of young boys, or putti, South Germany, late 19th century. The realistically carved faces showing distinct personalities and intense gazes. Mou...

O/6818 - Large, important and beautiful pair of Italian old friezes, that completely decorate a wall, more than a picture, but like two sculptures. They may be used also like scon...

Exquisitely carved small bas-relief after a painting by Hans Holbein the Younger (1497–1543) Signed P. Nocker. Peter Nocker, Austrian, (1826-1880) (see Benezit dictionary of artists)