Wood Sculptures and Carvings

This is an old wood carving made in Japan. It is a female figure by an unknown artist, and is estimated to have been made in the late Showa period (1960s-1980s). The statue is carved...

This is an old carved wooden fish made in Japan. It was made during the Meiji period (1860s-1900s) and was carefully carved one by one using chestnut wood. The annual ring pattern th...

This is an old carved large wooden penis statue made in Japan. It was made during the Edo period (1800s-1860s) and is made of cedar. In the Tōhoku region of Japan, there has long be...

Abstract Wooden Wall Sculpture – Unique Artistic Design This striking abstract wall sculpture, crafted from wood, showcases a captivating interplay of form and texture. Designed by ...

Step back in time with this stunning pair of antique wooden horses, meticulously carved in the style reminiscent of the illustrious Tang Dyna...

Vintage hand carved and hand-painted baby Buddha sculpture depicts Buddha as a boy, kneeling and hugging a large melon, ready to fall asleep. The...

A lovely antique pair (2) Japanese hand-painted six-panel folding screens byobu- each conceived in an attractive birds, trees, and blue waters motif. Likely given as a wedding gift...

Huge fish gong bell- first we have seen in this rare large scale size, 22 inches in length Immediately useable. Crafted using the ancient lost wax technique, this bell is a Japanes...

This is a wooden rabbit made in the Taisho to Showa eras (20th century) in Japan. The sculptor's name is engraved on the bottom, and it seems to have been carved by a person named "O...

A very special antique collection - this long strand of Japanese hand-crafted natural wooden (perhaps Rosewood) Buddhist Juzu mala beads with customary larger "Guru" beads. These rosary-type prayer bead necklaces were often used by Buddhist monks in temple rituals and worn by Samurai as amulets of protection. This particular piece features a wonderful, naturally organic patina acquired over years of handling and use. Likely originates from the late Edo period (1603-1868) or early Mejia Period (1868-1912). This juzu bead...

This is an old wooden form of Daruma made in Japan. It is estimated to have been made between the Meiji and Taisho periods (1860s-1920s) and seems to have been made of cedar wood. De...

An Exceptionally Fine Example of a Chinese Export Hand Carved Bovine Ivory Walking Stick of small proportions, last quarter of the Nineteenth Centu...

This is an old carved wooden dog made in Japan. It was produced in the late Showa period (1950s-1970s) and is made of zelkova wood, which has a beautiful grain. The robust and expres...

This is a wooden Buddha statue made around the Edo period (1603-1868). It is likely to be Amida Nyorai, the highest-ranking Buddha statue, which is an enlightened being. This Buddha ...

The ultimate jumbo 13" diameter antique door knocker, Circa 1860 ! Rare Japanese Find- Imperial Family Crest- Auspicious "Long Life And Happiness" Two halves of of an iron chrysan...

Large 20th century Chinese head of Guanyin. This piece is quite large and has been hand crafted by a skilled artisan from a single log. It measures 27 1/2” ...

1202 Japan pair hand carved finely detailed pair of koi fish.

multi dimensional hand carved and hand painted wall hanging Depicting a Chinese Dynasty Emperor and Empress. Vivid detailed stone carving of the two looking forward in grace Except...

A beautiful and quite engaging original large mixed media wall sculpture by contemporary/modern internationally recognized Japanese artist/sculptor Minoru Ohira (born 1950 in Niigat...

Late Edo Period Dolls representing Sannin-kanjyo which means the three court ladies. They support and care for the emperor (Odairi-sama) and the empre...

1157 Oversized hand carved statue of Okimono of Jurojin (godof langevity) a symbol of long life carved from a solid block of boxwood.

This is a vintage hand-carved wooden bear from Japan. It was crafted in the mid-Showa period (1950s–1970s) and has long been cherished as a traditional folk craft from Hokkaido. The ...

Double-sided carved wooden blawong board from Java, Indonesia (circa 1920s-1950s). Blawong boards were used to hold a pair of Keris daggers. They were fix...

A very beautiful, rare, and exotic Chinese dragon landline telephone, circa 1980s-1990s. Phone is a hard carved wood with all the details of a dragon (claws, tongue, horns, tail, etc.) Phone handle has a beautiful oval piece of polished emerald green jade or other similar stone along with carvings in Chinese. A 'red' light on top of dragon's pearl indicates phone is 'on'. Dragon's green eyes light up when phone rings...

Antique Japanese Kokeshi Dolls – Early 20th Century Handcrafted Set of 2 from Northern Japan Discover the beauty of traditional Japanese craftsmanship with this exquisite set of two...

A beautiful and exceptionally 19 inches tall classic traditional Kokeshi doll from Northern Japan. Handcrafted of wood and hand-painted in the early 20th century, covered with a layer of wax. Signed by the artist on its underneath. In good condition with charming patina. A classic traditional doll with a simple but lovely design, a decorative piece. In Japan these dolls symbolize love, friendship and believed to be a lucky charm. We offer more large Kokeshi...

Description: A fine depiction of Guanyin, possessing the regal tranquillity that the Chinese Bodhisattva of compassion has come to be visually associated with. Marked by an urna signifying her spiritual enlightenment and crowned with a diadem depicting the Buddha Amitabha, the figure is immediately recognisable as Guanyin. Her androgynous figure is gracefully poised in the Lalit asana or “royal ease”, the pose classical in representations of the deity. The figure is asymmetric, with the weight of her supple form falling upon her left hand placed against the base, her right knee raised and left pendant. Her right hand rests upon her raised knee, delicately pinching at her draped attire. At first unassuming, this gesture may be suggestive of the Apana Mudra, the seal of purification. This Mudra is associated with physical wellbeing, fecundity and the cleansing of the body. Though she is adorned in the princely garb of dhoti, she bears features of idealised feminine beauty as prescribed in Asian art. With plump cheeks and near pouted lips, her full face gazes down upon the viewer with an empathetic and half-lidded gaze, upholding her title as ‘One who hears the cries of the world.’ Notes on the item: Guanyin is the Chinese interpretation of Avalokiteshvara, the Indian Bodhisattva of compassion. The term “Bodhisattva” is derived from the Sanskrit “Bodhi”, meaning ‘awakening’ or ‘enlightenment’, combined with “Sattva”, meaning ‘spirit’ or ‘being’, referring to one on the path to achieving enlightenment. Bodhisattvas in Mayahana Buddhism are recognised as figures who have effectively achieved enlightenment yet relinquish their accension to nirvana in order to remain amongst mankind in the ultimate act of compassion to aid as spiritual guides. As such, the Bodhisattva inhabit a liminal space between samsara and nirvana; enlightened beings that maintain a relationship with humanity that buddhas cannot, as attaining Buddhahood necessitates the abandonment of all worldly attachments, including mankind. Guanyin’s very name, ‘One who hears the cries of the world’ highlights this role as a compassionate figure who acknowledges the suffering and strife of man. Along with Mahāsthāmaprāpta, a fellow bodhisattva, Guanyin serves as an attendant to Buddha Amitabha, with these three deities recognised as the Three Sages of Western Pure Land Buddhism, a sect of Mayahana Buddhism popular in East Asia. Avalokiteshvara is commonly posited to have been adopted from Indian Buddhism into China as Guanyin around 200-400 CE, however it was the Tang dynasty (618-907) which saw the popularisation of the deity. By the Ming (1358–1644) and Qing (1644–1911) dynasties, Guanyin held the position as the most popular female deity in China. The unique state of religion in China held no monolithic canon regarding Buddhism and saw the assimilation of several belief systems, primarily Daoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. Consequently, Guanyin became a deity to be revered beyond Buddhism alone, appointed as both an official imperial deity and Daoist deity in the 12th century. Guanyin may also be seen to fulfil the role of idealised femininity as prescribed by Confucianism, with the scarcity of female Chinese deities perhaps accounting for the gradual gender shift Guanyin underwent. The Indian Avalokiteshvara is unequivocally recognised as male, whilst the supposed gender of Guanyin remains contentious. Although there is a clear shift from the masculine Avalokiteshvara towards a more feminine representation, it is unclear if Guanyin is understood to be entirely feminine, to inhabit qualities of both genders or to be elevated beyond gender entirely, embodying neither. Depictions of Guanyin are highly androgynous, which some believe lends credence towards Guanyin symbolising the unity of dualistic forces as recognised in Daoism, displaying the anthropomorphism of yin and yang. Comparative Analysis: Market comparisons of similar Qing Dynasty polychrome figures of Guanyin include lot 767 (no.2) From Christies ‘Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art,’ New York, 25 March 2022, with the price realised USD 52,920 (Estimate USD 20,000 – USD 30,000). Christies also auctioned a comparable polychrome Guanyin...

Antique wooden Zushi (miniature shrine, the "house of the Gods") with wooden figurine of Daikoku - from Tohoku area., Japan. Manufactured circa 1860s - 1900s (late Edo to Meiji perio...

A beautiful, wonderfully crafted, alluring mask made for Japanese Noh theatre. The mask is handcrafted and hand-carved from natural wood and is signed by the maker. This mask is of the immortal character Doji who symbolizes perpetual and eternal youth ("doji" literally translates as "child") in the Noh theater world. He is portrayed as a handsome male...

Stunning and unique pair of matching horse sculptures. With a combined experience of almost 30 years in the antiques trade, we were thrilled to once again find beautifully hand-crafted and decorative antiques that we had never seen before. From the density and the weight we can see and feel that these highly decorative horse sculptures are made of a tropical hardwood. Like, for example, with antique mirror frames or church sculptures these horses too were first covered with a mixture of chalk and glue so that the paint would hold longer. And, as so often is the case with antiques, the colors that were used for painting these horses are so much more beautiful than anything you find in this day and age that they truly are an absolute joy to look at. From the colors, the wear, the materials and the techniques that were used to create these horses we can see that these are 19th century antiques. However and unfortunately we lack the knowledge to be able to tell you from which country these highly decorative and sizeable works of art originate. We just can't find matching style horse sculptures anywhere on the worldwide web. They could be Chinese or Nepalese, but they could also be Persian or Arabian. We just have not been able to find out. What we do know is that they are definitely antique, they are in beautiful condition (with some wear, consistent with their age), they are highly decorative, probably unique and they have a look and feel that will instantly change the atmosphere of the room they are in. Mind you, our sharp price for this wonderful pair of horse sculptures...

A magnificent Chinese carved spinach green jade chilong dragon sculpture, resting on fitted hardwood stand. Rich deep bright green color with molten shades of lighter pale green, exceptionally carved, with intricate detail throughout. The mythical beast lying ready on all four, head raised, mouth ajar with teeth exposed, wings by its side, spiral scroll incised on hind legs. Provenance: Estate of Ali A. Abssi (1934-2020) and Florence Hall Abssi (1919-2014), founders of the Ishtar Gate...

An amazing earthenware Kwan Yin statue with lamp and reverse incense burner by master potter Liu Li Hui. Seated dhayana asana on wood ledge, Kwa...

A beautiful string of Japanese hand-crafted Buddhist Juzu mala beads made of natural wood. These rosary-type prayer bead necklaces were used by Buddhist monks in temple prayers/ritua...

An Important Chinese Carved Wood Figure of Guanyin, Ming Dynasty, 17th Century Description: A dignified portrayal of the bodhisattva, respl...

An impressive depiction of Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of compassion, whose name bears the meaning ‘One who hears the cries of the world.’ The rather androgynous figure is adorned with beaded jewellery and the princely regalia of a dhoti, draped across her body and spilling out over to partially obscure what she is resting upon. The goddess’ profile exhibits idealised features of Asian artistic convention; her face is soft and rounded, with full lips and relaxed eyes that provide a serene quality of youthfulness to the figure. Adhering to Chinese iconography of Guanyin, the figure is marked by an urna on her forehead, denoting her own enlightenment, as well as a diadem displaying Buddha Amitabha, the spiritual teacher of Guanyin. Seated in the Lalit asana pose, translated as ‘royal ease’, the figure exudes a fine example of the relaxed majesty typical in the characterisation of Guanyin. Whilst the figure’s left hand is placed restfully upon the left leg pendant, the right is raised in the gesture shuni mudra, the second finger held gently against the thumb. Otherwise known as the seal of patience, this gesture indicates the figure as one intended to bestow this virtue, along with compassion and understanding, upon the beholder. Notes on the item: Guanyin is the Chinese interpretation of Avalokiteshvara, the Indian Bodhisattva of compassion. The term “Bodhisattva” is derived from the Sanskrit “Bodhi”, meaning ‘awakening’ or ‘enlightenment’, combined with “Sattva”, meaning ‘spirit’ or ‘being’, referring to one on the path to achieving enlightenment. Bodhisattvas in Mayahana Buddhism are recognised as figures who have effectively achieved enlightenment yet relinquish their accension to nirvana in order to remain amongst mankind in the ultimate act of compassion to aid as spiritual guides. As such, the Bodhisattva inhabit a liminal space between samsara and nirvana; enlightened beings that maintain a relationship with humanity that buddhas cannot, as attaining Buddhahood necessitates the abandonment of all worldly attachments, including mankind. Guanyin’s very name, ‘One who hears the cries of the world’ highlights this role as a compassionate figure who acknowledges the suffering and strife of man. Along with Mahāsthāmaprāpta, a fellow bodhisattva, Guanyin serves as an attendant to Buddha Amitabha, with these three deities recognised as the Three Sages of Western Pure Land Buddhism, a sect of Mayahana Buddhism popular in East Asia. Avalokiteshvara is commonly posited to have been adopted from Indian Buddhism into China as Guanyin around 200-400 CE, however it was the Tang dynasty (618-907) which saw the popularisation of the deity. By the Ming (1358–1644) and Qing (1644–1911) dynasties, Guanyin held the position as the most popular female deity in China. The unique state of religion in China held no monolithic canon regarding Buddhism and saw the assimilation of several belief systems, primarily Daoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. Consequently, Guanyin became a deity to be revered beyond Buddhism alone, appointed as both an official imperial deity and Daoist deity in the 12th century. Guanyin may also be seen to fulfil the role of idealised femininity as prescribed by Confucianism, with the scarcity of female Chinese deities perhaps accounting for the gradual gender shift Guanyin underwent. The Indian Avalokiteshvara is unequivocally recognised as male, whilst the supposed gender of Guanyin remains contentious. Although there is a clear shift from the masculine Avalokiteshvara towards a more feminine representation, it is unclear if Guanyin is understood to be entirely feminine, to inhabit qualities of both genders or to be elevated beyond gender entirely, embodying neither. Depictions of Guanyin are highly androgynous, which some believe lends credence towards Guanyin symbolising the unity of dualistic forces as recognised in Daoism, displaying the anthropomorphism of yin and yang. Comparative Analysis: Market comparisons of similar Qing Dynasty polychrome figures of Guanyin include lot 767 (no.2) From Christies ‘Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art,’ New York, 25 March 2022, with the price realised USD 52,920 (Estimate USD 20,000 – USD 30,000). Christies also auctioned a comparable polychrome Guanyin...

Pair of Qing dynasty architecture carving panels, detail carvings with warriors riding horses.

Truly, a wonderful piece. We gravitated towards it upon first sight. Very well done, beautiful detail and coloring. Quite unusual and rare in this pose. Very well preserved. We have ...

This is a stone mined in Japan. Not only in China but also in Japan from ancient times, rocks in the mountains have been shaved and stones for viewing have been quarried. Such stones for appreciation are collectively called "suiseki". Suiseki means "water" and "stone". The name comes from the fact that I enjoyed pouring water on the stones and changing the color of the stones. And this item is also Suiseki, but it is for viewing without splashing water. It is made with the image of a mountain view. The flow of the river...

Japanese dolls called Kokeshi of the early 20th century. Provenance from the northern Japan. Set of 2. Measures: 36 x 10 cm 30 x 7.5 cm Handmade by Japanese Artisants from w...

Japanese dolls called Kokeshi of the early 20th century. Provenance from the northern Japan. Set of 4. Measures: 30 x 9.5 cm 30.5 x 8.5 cm 30.5 x 9.5 cm 30.5 x 8.5 cm ...

This item is a giant wooden penis that was used in old Japanese houses from the late 19th century to the early 20th century (Meiji to Taisho eras). This i...

Chinese Scrib, but handcrafted in Thailand. Sixteen feet long. Rosewood base. The sculptors of this enormous boat made of jade. You will admire the details of this vessel. The dragon is the ultimate symbol of auspiciousness. It is the most important symbol in both Feng Shui and in Chinese folklore. It's most powerful when displayed in the east sector of your home, office or location of the piece. This dragon jade boat...

Antique Black Ebonized Wood Hand Carved Anglo Indian Elephant Sculpture. Precious black ebonized hand carved wood Anglo-Indian elephant sculp...

South Indian carved wood sculpture depicting the Hindu Deity of Nandi, a recumbent black bull figure, known within the Hindu faith as the vehicle for Siva, often depicted in sculptur...

Here’s what one of our customer says: “Your workmanship is superb.” Japanese Torii gate - Custom Made for your garden. Master crafted design wit...

A wonderful, well-crafted work reminiscent of Isamu Noguchi's early work in bronze. Heavy and solid on a beautiful rosewood base. Apparently unsigned. From a collection of Japanese antiques and...

This is truly a spectacular work A beautifully sculptured Buddha head (the features and finial suggest that it is Thai/ Siam) on a custom display stan...

Laying Foetus From our Japanese collection, we are pleased to offer this Japanese Edo Period Skeleton Netsuke. The Skeleton Netsuke is carved from Boxwood depicting a skeleton in t...

An unusually large vintage Chinese carved and pierced gilt wood story panel, early to mid 20th century, Southern China. The intricately carved panel depicts images from "The Romance...

Just discovered and coming from a Shinto Shrine deaccession Call or message us for details or to reserve. Japan an early and superb pair (2) of mythical Shi Shi Temple Foo Dogs als...

I have acquired something very unique. I would like to introduce an old Japanese wooden carved frog ornament. The frog is standing and in a pose similar ...

Waling cane from the Meiji Period (1868-1912). This is a fabulous antique walking cane created in the imperial Japan during the Meiji period (1868-1912), circa 1880's. The cane was ...

***Reduced In-House Delivery Rates - Click on “Ask Seller” to Request a Quote*** Pair of Antique Chinese Floral Carved Rosewood & Rouge Marble Sculpture Stands C1920. Measures - 3...

A powerful pair of Japanese bronze sculptures of dragonfish, shachihoko, Taisho period, circa 1920, Japan. The pair of bronze shachihoko heavily cast with a good sense of motion. Th...

Ebony wood hand carved anglo Indian elephant sculpture. Gorgeous vintage black hand carved wood ebony Anglo-Indian elephant. This is a hand ca...

Set of 2 antique Asian Thai figures of Siamese musicians, nicely hand-carved in wood. Large heavy Asian gilt wood sculptures depicting Burmese Thai angel...

A truly beautiful, wonderfully aged, alluring mask made for Japanese Noh theater. The naturally faded beauty and unique character drew us to this mask immediately. The mask is handcrafted and hand-carved from natural wood, clearly by a master of his trade. We believe this mask is of the Noh theatre character Otobide. This mask dates back to the Edo Period (1603-1868). It comes with a wooden storage box (which may have been added at a later date). A rare, unique, and exquisite mask. Finely carved and executed. Would be a great addition to any Japanese or Asian art/artifacts collection or an eye-catching stand-alone accent piece in about any setting. Mask dimensions: 7.7" high, 5.7" wide, 2.1" deep...

Design inspired on an artwork by Salvador Dali´: Interpretation project for a stable-library, 1942 Stuffed lamb, elaborated with a technique by a taxidermist. Drawer and table top i...

A vintage bronze Buddha head sculpture on custom base, with verdigris patina, made with the lost wax casting process. Experience serenity and grace with this vintage bronze Buddha he...

Hand-carved wooden sculptures representing a traditional guardian or deity figure, often referred to as the "Lady of Popa," originating from Vietnam or Southeast Asia. These striking...