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.

Polynesian Wood Sculpture

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Polynesian Carved Sculpture

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H 8.5 in W 3.25 in D 2.25 in

Polynesian Carved Sculpture

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A small, hand-carved Polynesian sculpture from the Marquesas Islands with soft curved wood grain

Mid-20th Century Polynesian Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Wood

1960s Shou-sugi-ban Stool Polynesian Tiki Jungle Wood Sculpture Orange Kids Room

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H 15.25 in W 20 in D 12.5 in

1960s Shou-sugi-ban Stool Polynesian Tiki Jungle Wood Sculpture Orange Kids Room

By William Westenhaver / Witco

Located in Hyattsville, MD

different time. Good weight, solid wood.

Vintage 1960s American Tribal Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Wood

POLYNESIAN SCULPTURE

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H 41.5 in W 16 in D 14 in

POLYNESIAN SCULPTURE

Located in Solebury, PA

Polynesian figural sculpture, mad for the tourist trade. From a prominent midwestern collection

Vintage 1930s Sculptures

Materials

Wood

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Polynesian Wood Sculpture For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal piece of polynesian wood sculpture for your home. Was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood. Your living room may not be complete without an item from our selection of polynesian wood sculpture — find older editions for sale from the 20th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 20th Century. Many designers have produced at least one well-made choice in our collection of polynesian wood sculpture over the years, but those crafted by William Westenhaver and Witco are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Polynesian Wood Sculpture?

Prices for a piece of polynesian wood sculpture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $1,775 and can go as high as $11,250, while the average can fetch as much as $4,480.

Questions About Polynesian Wood Sculpture

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.