What is Chinese wood carving?

A Chinese wood carving is a decorative object carved by hand by Chinese artisans out of local wood, such as nanmu, zitan, bomu or yinxing. This form of sculpture is sometimes called mudiao. On 1stDibs, find a range of Chinese wood carvings.

What is Jepara wood carving?

Jepara 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.

What is a Paete wood carving?

A 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 Japanese wood carving?

Japanese wood carving is an art form in which artists produce intricate figurines and other objects by cutting and shaping blocks of zelkova, camphor or paulownia wood. In Japanese, the artwork is known as inami. Find a selection of Japanese wood carvings on 1stDibs.

How do you identify wood carvings?

To identify wood carvings, get a magnifying glass and inspect your items. Some artisans marked their carvings with symbols or signed them. Researching any markings found on your carving may allow you to identify the maker who produced it and potentially learn more about the piece from there. If you're unable to find a maker's mark, the best approach is likely to use the services of a certified appraiser or other knowledgeable expert. On 1stDibs, explore a selection of wood carvings.

What are the types of wood carving?

There 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.

How can I tell if carved wood is antique?

Antique carved wood can be identified by how it is made. Antique carvings were done by hand, so nicks and cuts will indicate carvings completed with a plane or knife. In addition, hand-carved wood will not be uniform or have perfect symmetry. Always works with a certified appraiser to determine the exact date and value of an item. Find a variety of antique carved wood furniture and decor on 1stDibs.

How can you tell if wood is hand-carved?

To tell if wood is hand-carved, first look for small marks in the wood that indicate hand tools were used to cut and shape the material. Hand-carved pieces may also have small irregularities, particularly along curved areas. However, it may be very difficult to tell the difference between machine-worked and hand-carved pieces in some cases. On 1stDibs, shop a range of wood furniture and decorative objects.

What is carved wood art called?

What carved wood art is called depends on the type of piece. Three-dimensional pieces created by hand-carving wood are whittlings, while carvings into a flat piece of wood are reliefs. Shop a collection of wood art from some of the world's top galleries on 1stDibs.

What wood is used for carving in Indonesia?

In Bali, Indonesia, Jackfruit is considered the best wood when it comes to carving. Jackfruit is a medium hardwood, resistant to termite attacks and is easy to polish. You’ll find a variety of Indonesian carvings from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

What wood is used for African carvings?

What wood is used for African wood carvings varies. Iroko, mahogany and ebony are frequently chosen materials, but artisans may choose to work with whatever wood is available in their local areas. Shop a variety of African wood art from some of the world's top galleries on 1stDibs.

What is the difference between wood carving and sculpture?

The difference between carving and sculpture is that carving is a carved object, whereas sculpture is the art of shaping figures or designs — because sculpture can involve adding material (i.e., working with plaster, creating a mold to be cast in bronze), it is considered “additive” versus the “subtractive” act of carving.

What wood is used for carving in Bali?

In Bali, many different types of woods are used for carving. Some examples include albesia, crocodile wood, rain tree, hibiscus, jackfruit, teak, mahogany and sandalwood. On 1stDibs, you can shop a range of Balinese wood art, furniture and decorative objects.

What are carved wood figures in African art?

Carved African wood figurines were typically spiritual in nature and were primarily in human form. The wood figurines were carved using ebony, teak, mahogany and iron wood. On 1stDibs, find a collection of authentic African wood figurines from some of the world’s top sellers.

Carved Wood Columns

Carved Marble Pedestals

$4,250 / set

Italian Neoclassical Style Painted and Giltwood Architectural Pilaster Columns

Located in Houston, TX

These beautiful carved wood columns are in a lovely grey-blue color with gilt accents.

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Louis XVI Architectural Elements

Materials

Giltwood

Faux Marbled Rouge Columns

$12,500 / set

Faux Marbled Rouge Columns

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A substantial pair of c. 1900 Neoclassical style, hand carved pedestals on raised, ebonized bases. The whole veneered in a hand-painted, faux variegated, rouge marble finish.

Category

Antique Early 1900s Italian Pedestals and Columns

Materials

Wood

Walnut Carved Wood Pedestal, Hand Painted, Round Top, USA, 1960

$1,375

Walnut Carved Wood Pedestal, Hand Painted, Round Top, USA, 1960

Located in Delray Beach, FL

Elegant pedestal made of carved walnut wood , hand painted , nice patina ,with round top and square bottom. Solid standing , great displaying feather pedestal. Top size:13”

Category

Vintage 1960s American Pedestals and Columns

Materials

Carved Wood Victorian Pedestal

Unavailable

H 42 in W 12 in D 12 in

Carved Wood Victorian Pedestal

Located in North Beninngton, VT

Carved wood Victorian pedestal. Beautiful carving and great original paint. Stands alone as an object.

Category

Antique 1890s Pedestals and Columns

Pair of Italian early eighteen century gilt wood columns

Unavailable

H 85.04 in W 14.57 in D 8.27 in

Pair of Italian early eighteen century gilt wood columns

Located in Paris, FR

A pair of carved and gilt wood half torso columns surmounted by a Corinthian capital with acanthi leaves, the body adorned with branches of flowers, standing on a faux marble base.

18c Pair of Italian Columns

Sold

H 76.5 in W 10.5 in D 11 in

18c Pair of Italian Columns

Located in New Orleans, LA

A pair of painted and carved wood columns

$5,714 / item

H 43.31 in Dm 39.38 in

Mid-Century Modern Palm Leaves Chandelier Murano Glass and Brass

By Maestri Muranesi

Located in Puglia, Puglia

Mouth blown Murano glass chandelier, green Murano glass leaves, brass frame, three light bulbs. The chandelier reproduces the crown of a palm tree. Rewired to European and US standar...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Early 18th Century Dutch Chest 'Box '

$1,942

H 7.88 in W 11.42 in D 7.09 in

Early 18th Century Dutch Chest 'Box '

Located in Madrid, ES

Dutch chest in fruit wood and carved bone applications, 18th Century Dutch school. Measurements: 20 X 29 X 18cm Very good condition.

Category

Antique Early 18th Century Dutch Baroque Decorative Boxes

Materials

Wood

Mark Beard[Bruce Sargeant (1898-1938)] Winter Sport Athletes, n.d.

$16,650

H 84 in W 84 in

[Bruce Sargeant (1898-1938)] Winter Sport Athletes

By Mark Beard

Located in New York, NY

Signed in red, u.l. Oil on canvas mounted to Masonite Price includes $650 additional cost of framing. This work is offered by ClampArt in New York City

Category

2010s Contemporary Paintings

$20,462

H 39 in W 13 in D 13 in

19th Century French Bronze Lamp of Male Indian Figure

By A. Toussaint - G. Chaudoir

Located in London, GB

A well patinated bronze figure, representing an American Indian, wearing a draped headdress, robe and a pendant hooped earring. Signed to the plinth 'A.Tossaint 1850', and the foundr...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Anglo-Indian Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Get Updated with New Arrivals

Save "Carved Wood Columns", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Carved Wood Columns For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a range of carved wood columns for sale on 1stDibs. The range of distinct carved wood columns — often made from wood, metal and paint — can elevate any home. Carved wood columns have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century. Carved wood columns are generally popular furniture pieces, but Baroque, Neoclassical and Rococo styles are often sought at 1stDibs. If space is limited, there are small carved wood columns measuring 3.35 inches across. There have been many well-made carved wood columns over the years, but those made by DD Dimore, Decorative Crafts and Jean-Paul Mazaroz are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much are Carved Wood Columns?

Prices for carved wood columns start at $395 and top out at $167,500 with the average selling for $3,193.

Finding the Right Pedestals And Columns for You

Antique and vintage columns and pedestals can make a statement in your home with their timeless beauty. They have a rich architectural history, from ancient Egyptian columns adorned with lotus capitals to the stylized Corinthian columns of Greece. Today, they can add refinement to your spaces, both indoors and out.

The options for pedestals and columns are endless. Influenced by everything from ancient ruins to European palaces, columns and pedestals include contemporary designs and distressed pieces. There are modern designs from all over the world, such as Pakistani, Italian and French examples. Other designs draw on architectural heritage, like those created in the Louis XIV style, which references Greece and Rome and evokes the decadence of Versailles through gold and vivid colors.

The materials used in columns and pedestals can vary widely. Marble and gilt pedestals add elegance, while patina brass columns offer sophistication. An upcycled item such as an industrial press can become a column, while certain mid-century barstools can be repurposed as pedestals.

Whether elaborate Victorian or Art Deco designs, pedestals and columns can be the base for another piece of art, adding height or accenting a sculpture. One or several can display ferns or other plants with trailing vines. Some pedestals come with planters for this purpose.

On their own, these elements can provide character and a touch of antiquity to one’s decor. Columns and pedestals made of stone, wood and rattan are among those available on 1stDibs. Browse hundreds of columns and pedestals to find one for your space.

Questions About Carved Wood Columns

What is Chinese wood carving?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A Chinese wood carving is a decorative object carved by hand by Chinese artisans out of local wood, such as nanmu, zitan, bomu or yinxing. This form of sculpture is sometimes called mudiao. On 1stDibs, find a range of Chinese wood carvings.
What is Jepara wood carving?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Jepara 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.
What is a Paete wood carving?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
A 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 Japanese wood carving?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Japanese wood carving is an art form in which artists produce intricate figurines and other objects by cutting and shaping blocks of zelkova, camphor or paulownia wood. In Japanese, the artwork is known as inami. Find a selection of Japanese wood carvings on 1stDibs.
How do you identify wood carvings?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024
To identify wood carvings, get a magnifying glass and inspect your items. Some artisans marked their carvings with symbols or signed them. Researching any markings found on your carving may allow you to identify the maker who produced it and potentially learn more about the piece from there. If you're unable to find a maker's mark, the best approach is likely to use the services of a certified appraiser or other knowledgeable expert. On 1stDibs, explore a selection of wood carvings.
What are the types of wood carving?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
There 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.
How can I tell if carved wood is antique?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Antique carved wood can be identified by how it is made. Antique carvings were done by hand, so nicks and cuts will indicate carvings completed with a plane or knife. In addition, hand-carved wood will not be uniform or have perfect symmetry. Always works with a certified appraiser to determine the exact date and value of an item. Find a variety of antique carved wood furniture and decor on 1stDibs.
How can you tell if wood is hand-carved?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
To tell if wood is hand-carved, first look for small marks in the wood that indicate hand tools were used to cut and shape the material. Hand-carved pieces may also have small irregularities, particularly along curved areas. However, it may be very difficult to tell the difference between machine-worked and hand-carved pieces in some cases. On 1stDibs, shop a range of wood furniture and decorative objects.
What is carved wood art called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
What carved wood art is called depends on the type of piece. Three-dimensional pieces created by hand-carving wood are whittlings, while carvings into a flat piece of wood are reliefs. Shop a collection of wood art from some of the world's top galleries on 1stDibs.
What wood is used for carving in Indonesia?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
In Bali, Indonesia, Jackfruit is considered the best wood when it comes to carving. Jackfruit is a medium hardwood, resistant to termite attacks and is easy to polish. You’ll find a variety of Indonesian carvings from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What wood is used for African carvings?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023
What wood is used for African wood carvings varies. Iroko, mahogany and ebony are frequently chosen materials, but artisans may choose to work with whatever wood is available in their local areas. Shop a variety of African wood art from some of the world's top galleries on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between wood carving and sculpture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
The difference between carving and sculpture is that carving is a carved object, whereas sculpture is the art of shaping figures or designs — because sculpture can involve adding material (i.e., working with plaster, creating a mold to be cast in bronze), it is considered “additive” versus the “subtractive” act of carving.
What wood is used for carving in Bali?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
In Bali, many different types of woods are used for carving. Some examples include albesia, crocodile wood, rain tree, hibiscus, jackfruit, teak, mahogany and sandalwood. On 1stDibs, you can shop a range of Balinese wood art, furniture and decorative objects.
What are carved wood figures in African art?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Carved African wood figurines were typically spiritual in nature and were primarily in human form. The wood figurines were carved using ebony, teak, mahogany and iron wood. On 1stDibs, find a collection of authentic African wood figurines from some of the world’s top sellers.

This Fabulous Mid-Century Prefab House Could Be Yours

Ferdinand Fillod's Tropical Pavilion is a painstakingly restored architectural gem.

47 Inspiring Swimming Pools by Top Designers

It's hard to resist the allure of a beautiful pool. So, go ahead and daydream about whiling away your summer in paradise.

50 Spectacular Spaces Warmed by Fireplaces

As the days grow colder, the desire to gather around the fire grows stronger. Take a peek at these well-appointed rooms featuring extraordinary sculptural and historic hearths.

This Lavish 18th-Century Chimneypiece Comes from a Historic Scottish Estate

The exceptionally crafted mantel was saved despite the home’s regrettable demise.

A Pair of Monumental Stone Tigers Protect and Guide Wandering Souls

The Qing dynasty beasts honored the dead and warned off malicious spirits.

Andrés Monnier’s Stone Tub Makes Bathing a Rite of Renewal

The dramatic piece transforms a daily scrub into an act of communion with the elements.

Meet the Siblings behind the Exquisite Outdoor Furniture of McKinnon and Harris

Anne and Will Massie apply the lessons of the past to create alfresco pieces as timeless as the traditions that inspire them.

35 Wondrous Outdoor Dining Spaces

Eating meals alfresco is one of the great pleasures of warm weather, and a beautifully appointed space only heightens the experience. Get inspired by these delectable dining areas as you think about creating your own outdoor oasis.