Carved Animal Sculptures

Sculpture elephant in hand-carved noble wood. All in waxed noble wood and with 2 tusks in white finish.

Sea monster Carrara marble mouth fountain Italy, late 16th century It measures 13.8 x 31.5 x 18.9 in (35 x 80 x 48 cm) State of conservation: some small evident gaps and widespread signs of wear due to outdoor exposure. The gray marks crossing it do not come from restoration, but are rather the natural veins of the marble. This work has some morphological characteristics typically associated with the iconography of the sea monster: an elongated muzzle, sharp teeth, protruding eyes, elongated ears, and a coiled serpent's tail. An in-depth series of studies on artistic depictions of the sea monster attempted to verify how this symbol evolved in antiquity in the European and Mediterranean contexts and how it gradually changed its image and function over time. The iconography itself is mutable and imaginative and its history is rich with cultural and artistic exchange, as well as the overlapping of ideas. This occurred so much that it is difficult to accurately pinpoint the "types" that satisfactorily represent its various developments. However, we can try to summarize the main figures, starting from the biblical Leviathan and the marine creature that swallowed Jonah (in the Christian version, this figure was to become a whale or a "big fish", the “ketos mega”, translation of the Hebrew “dag gadol”). Other specimens ranged from the dragons mentioned in the Iliad (which were winged and had legs) to "ketos” (also from Greek mythology), the terrifying being from whose Latinized name (“cetus”) derives the word "cetacean". See J. Boardman, “Very Like a Whale” - Classical Sea Monsters, in Monsters and Demons in the Ancient and Medieval Worlds, in Papers presented in Honor of Edith Porada, Mainz am Rhein 1987, pp. 73-84). In Italy the monster underwent yet further variations: it can be found in Etruscan art on the front of some sarcophagi representing the companion of souls, while among the Romans we find the “Pistrice” (cited by Plinio in Naturalis Historia PLIN., Nat., II 9, 8 and by Virgilio in Eneide: VERG., Aen., III, 427), which appeared in the shape of a stylized hippocampus or a very large monstrous cetacean and evolved into a hideous being with a dragon's head and long webbed fins. During the Middle Ages, the sea monster was the object of new transformations: at this time, it is often winged, the head is stretched like a crocodile, the front legs are often very sharp fins - sometimes real paws - until the image merges with dragons, the typical figures of medieval visionary spirituality widely found throughout Europe (on this topic and much more, see: Baltrušaitis, J., Il Medioevo fantastico. Antichità ed esotismi nell’arte gotica, Gli Adelphi 1997). In Italy during the 15th and 16th centuries, the revival of classicism - representative of the humanistic and Renaissance periods - led to a different reading of these "creatures". Indeed, the sea monster was also to find widespread use as an isolated decorative motif, especially in numerous fountains and sculptures where dolphins or sea monsters were used as a characterizing element linked to water (on this theme see: Chet Van Duzer, Sea Monsters on Medieval and Renaissance Maps, London, The British library, 2013). From the morphological point of view, the "sea monsters" of this period are mostly depicted as hybrid figures, in which the body of a mythological or real being (a hippocampus, a sea snake, a dolphin), is joined to a head with a rather indistinct appearance. It was usually characterized by large upright ears, an elongated snout, sharp teeth and globular, protruding eyes; a complex and indefinite figure, both from the symbolic point of view and from that of its genesis. The work we are examining is placed as a cross between the medieval sea serpent and the Renaissance dolphin, with stylistic features which recall the snake as often used in heraldry (such as the "snake" depicted in the coat of arms of the Visconti - the lords and then dukes of Milan between 1277 and 1447 - and which, for some, may be derived from the representations of the “Pistrice” that swallowed Jonah). In the search for sources, Renaissance cartography and in particular woodcuts should not be neglected. See for example the monsters of Olaus Magnus, from the editions of the “Historia de gentibus septentrionalibus” (“History of the peoples of the north”) and the natural histories of Conrad Gesner, Ulisse...

Anglo Indian carved mahogany cat with ebonized stripes and a curious expression, featuring a secret compartment on the bottom.

Black Forest hand-carved linden-wood hand-carved pipe tobacco holder stand also have seen examples of it used as a decanter or liqueur Stand with the holders being used for shot or small glasses. Modeled as hiking bear with walking stick...

Rare and Unique Model From our Black Forest collection, we are delighted to introduce this rare example Swiss Black Forest Bear Tobacco Jar. The Bear Tobacco Jar carved from Linden ...

Large antique Edwardian quality carved linden wood Japanese bear carrying a fish having a large Japanese carved bear carrying a fish on his back ...

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...

An Elaborate 19th century Meissen Porcelain Figure of a Sultana Riding an Elephant. After the model by P.J. Reinicke and J.J. Kändler, the Sultana sitting on the elephants back and h...

Intriguing horse sculpture made of hand carved solid wood, hand painted with beautiful rustic patina. Professionally mounted on steel base. Exceptional object of art for display.

An awe-inspiring large-size eagle sculpture from driftwood. This majestic eagle is depicted with a broad upward wingspan, as if just landing or preparing for flight. The talons are g...

Decorate a kitchen counter with this charming and cheerful monkey sculpture! Crafted in Italy, circa 1990, this terracotta figure depicts a small monkey in a sited position eating gr...

This sophisticated and stoic horse head sculpture, in unique green marble boasting hints of mustard and veins of dark green, illuminates the amazing creative skills that went into th...

Hand-carved in Indonesia from naturally shed North American moose antler, this finely detailed sculpture depicts a majestic eagle perched on a textured base. The artisan has skillful...

Great wooden sculpture after the famous bronze of Emmanuel Fremiet This handcrafted sculpture was probably made in South Tyrol by/of Josef Anton Riffeser who founded the ANRI Compan...

Hand-carved quartz cockatiel sculpture with white granite and tourmaline specimen set on marble base.

A striking hand-carved wooden sculpture depicting two elephants in dynamic interaction. Some would see it as they're fighting others as they are playing. Rich in detail and texture, ...

Bronze Sculpture Lioness / Roger Godchaux Jewish Artist & Susse Lost Wax Bibelot . An important bronze sculpture By the great Jewish Master animalier , Estampille 1- Cire perdue Lost Wax Stamp "La Lionne" by Roger Godchaux. See Photo 2- 2- With A Stamp of Susse. See Photo 3- 3- the signature of the Artist on the bronze. See Photo Incredible Executed and very fine details with Dark Brown Patina with a hue of green . The movement of the lionesse is very graceful and sinuous (as most of the lion Sculpture he produced) Mounted on a black stone base 5 1/2" x 11 1/2" Godchaux Né à Vendôme le 21 décembre 1878 et mort le 6 mars 1958 à Paris. Excellent color and details Collector’s item, hand finished On a Desk as garniture on a mantle fireplace, on a side table or a library , placed on a console or inside a niche . Decorative accent in any home , on top of a chest-of-drawers or credenza . As a special gift item small object that adds a touch of history or as a whimsical accent finishing touches. A Great Holiday season Gift or a house warming present. on a bedroom nightstand, or to make it part of the bibelot in a library . What sets this piece apart from other productions is the quality of the bronze casting, the level of attention to details, the depth and the character reflecting the passion of the maker. Over the decades you can see signs but overall good condition. For your office desk elegant space , a man's den , living room or entry way, this fun piece is very versatile. Roger Godchaux Sculpteur animalier regularly produces animal drawings and paintings. Thus, unlike his sculptures which mainly represent wild animals, especially elephants and felines that he was going to study at the Jardin des Plantes, his paintings are often inspired by farm animals that he could observe in a small village of Brie where lived the mother of his companion. He also paints commissioned portraits or portraits of his family or friends, such as Gaston Switzerland or René Huchet . But it is above all a sculptor. He made some works by direct carving of the wood. However, he mainly worked by modeling the earth. It treats surfaces by smoothing and oblique streaks. In this respect, unlike other animal sculptors like Édouard-Marcel Sandoz , François Pompon or Armand Petersen whose works are smooth, his work is close to the art of Paul Jouve which leaves apparent textures. The lioness is finished with Godchaux’s distinctive surface modeling where the flesh is left textured like a wax model on the artists bench...

Large sculpture of a majestic big cat. Over the years we have owned and sold a fair number of beautiful quality sculptures in all kinds of materials, but we never had the pleasure o...

A carved and contrastingly stained wood eagle perched on a tree stump and surveying the surroundings. With life like feathers, brass beak and talons, and glass eyes. Mounted on a cir...

Antique set of Fifteen 19th century miniature carved black forest bears some standing, some sitting down, some with original glass eyes and in fabulous original condition. A char...

A stunning all natural genuine tiger's eye sculpture depicting a dragon chasing a ball. The sculpture is made with a whole slab of natural Tiger's Eye with fantastic iridescence. Fin...

Alabaster sculpture depicting a roaring tiger with glass eyes in the Art Deco style, early 20th century. Unsigned. This is an impressive statement piece. High. : 31 cm - Length. : ...

Impressive pair of cat sculptures or figures expertly hand carved from wood with surprisingly realistic form, attitude and lush spotted bronze like finish.

Top quality carved, early 20th century, wooden Black Forest nut cracker. If you are a collector of only the best quality and condition Black...

Vintage Folk Art sleeping cat figurine was hand-carved from a solid piece of rare Amaranth (or Paduk) wood. Beautiful wood grain is accentuated by the wax finish. The cat has elonga...

These impressive stone garden statues are hand-carved of solid limestone to the form of two reclining rams. As motifs in Chinese art, rams and sheep represent the breath of light and...

Magnificent rare Swiss Black Forest carved deer form hall stand with mirror. Having impeccably detailed deer and eagle carvings above rock form base and ...

Black Forest Hunting-Theme Hand-Carved Wooden Wall Mounted Salt Box. This beautiful and compact Black Forest wall salt box depicts a masterful...

A Pair of Italian Rosso Verona Marble Lions, Late 19th Early 20th C. Pictured from Wikipedia is a Column-bearing lion in Red Verona marble from Santa Maria Maggiore, Bergamo. Also pi...

Highly stylish bronze pendant light with nine organic, amber color alabaster shades. If you are looking for a truly stylish antique light fixture to grace your dining room or kitche...

Charming vintage turtle sculpture or object of art crafted in bronze with a mother of pearl shell. Signed Maitland-Smith on the bottom.

Roman Lion's Protome Sandstone Gallo-Roman, 2nd century AD - 3rd century Provenance : Private Collection Prof. Giesen (Konstanz on Bodensee), pré 1945 Most likely from the Chateau a...

An exquisite fusion of function and artistry, born from the hands of Italian artisans and the creative genius of the designer Piero Manara from Casamanara...

By Cocry. Lion's head, terracotta, circa 1930-1950 Signned by the artist "COCRY" 10 H x 10 H x 8 D in. Italian unique

Nice stoneware animal figurine of a bear by Tilgmans Pottery Sweden. This sculpture was made by the founder of Tilgmans Pottery - Harry Tilgman.. His initials HT are carved in the f...

a pair of large scale, well carved stone Chinese Foo Dogs / Temple Lions, these are carved out of stone and are traditional Chinese architectural ornaments, China, circa 1920

Large 18K gold, silver gilt, diamond and hardstone bird model by Asprey English, c. 1980 Height 22cm, width 17cm, depth 15cm Made in around 1980, by th...

Large quartz crystal and vermeil bird model by Asprey Swiss, c. 1975 Height 40cm, width 33cm, depth 40cm This phenomenal piece of sculpture depicts an eagle in motion, taking off from a rocky crag made of stunning quartz crystal. The body of the bird is carved from quartz with pyrite inclusions. The contrast between the transparent host quartz and golden pyrite inclusions is considered one of the most attractive pairings in the gem kingdom...

Oversize and spectacular 19th century Black Forest carved wood trophy wall plaque with a large fish. Beautiful carved border with acanthus leaves. Measur...

A charming pair of ebony elephants sculpted out of solid ebony, modelled in a striding stance,  also more unusual having the textured surface giving them better effect. In good condition with no breaks, nicely patinated surface and still retaining the original carved bone tusks...

Carved wood horse head, hand-painted in light pastel colors. Exquisite carving and original paint. Good original condition, some cracks and fading, ch...

A Whimsical English 19th-20th century white marble figural fountain with dogs fountain. The Baroque Revival six-sided tripod marble base surmounted with three upright seated Yorkshire Terriers resting on a leaf and acanthus center stem, topped with a semi-circular scalloped carved basin...

This exquisite antique hand-carved wooden horse head sculpture is a stunning piece of Indian art. Horses symbolize power, nobility, and swiftness in Indian culture, making this piece...

Late 19th century, sizeable Swiss black forest table piece. This finely carved Black Forest table piece brings a smile to everybody's face. This wonderful piece of craftsmanship fro...

Old wooden hut door from Cameroon, decorated with carved crocodile, bird, snake and a knife within geometric ornament in the traditional ethnic style. Superb old door African sculpt...

Hand-carved Black Forest style bear with aluminum pot, from ca. the 1920s. This beautiful hand-carved wooden, linden-wood, seated bear is holding an alum...

Hand Carved Stone Possible malachite Paperweight office Desk Sculpture object . A nicely hand carved Hardstone paperweight sculpture frog object decorative...

Dog lovers will appreciate this realistic vintage hound dog. Crafted in Italy, circa 1950, this charming terracotta statue is life-size, and depicts ...

Dodo bird sculpture. Mounted on base. Carved stone with marble beak and feet. H 15-1/4" W 10" D 10".

French Black Forest carved wood eagle vase , circa 1880. Height / 10.3 inches.

Striking butterfly wall mirror, with a beech body and thick beveled glass wings. If you love butterflies and/or if they are meaningful in your life then this wonderful wall mirror could be flying your way soon (lots of pun intended). Because of their wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes, butterflies are loved throughout the world. However, because of their deeper meaning they for many people also represent things like spiritual rebirth, transformation, change, hope and life. Via one of our foreign contacts we managed to purchase this rare and possibly unique, butterfly wall mirror. The all handcrafted and hand-carved beech wooden body has the perfect design and a wonderful patina. The two beveled mirror wings...

A delicately hand-carved wood sculpture of a chamois family. The item is very detailed and a classical natural carving by the Austrian woodcarver Ernst Heissl...

Prancing wooden horse. Age: Early 20th Century Size: Height 51.5 C.M. / Width 14.5 C.M. / Length 32.5 C.M. Condition: Nice condition overall (some expected degradation due to its ag...

Pair of Art Deco stylized brown onyx horses head bookends. Vintage set of bookends, hand carved in brown onyx. Hermes style horses, great mo...

🦆 Curated Collection of Artisanal Duck Figurines – Ceramic, Wood & Wicker (Set of 6) A poetic flock, hand-selected and thoughtfully composed, Whispers from the Pond is a collection ...

Carved Wood American Eagle Sculpture 1960s. Vintage Sculpture of an American Eagle Carved in Seri Ironwood. Handmade large carved wood eagle ...

Unusual large Antique Edwardian Japanese carved linden wood bear having two bears standing on carved rocks next to a tree with one carrying a fish. Dimensions: Height 38 cm (14.96 i...

A beautiful 1970’s carved wood lion sculpture in the manner of Evelyn Ackerman. It’s not marked. But beautifully carved, possibly pine. Measurements: 26” wide, 7” deep and 10.5” high.

White painted wood standing horse. Hand carved and well proportioned.

Pair of mid 20th century carved solid wood lions circa 1950. Here we offer a fine pair of decorative carved lions for the ultimate installation piece.  Heavily carved out of solid w...