Hardwood Figurative Sculptures

A late 17th-century figure in polychromed chestnut wood with excellent carving and gilding, dressed in a flowing veil and cashew hair down the shoulders. The cheekbones and nose are ...

Boxwood micro carving Deposition Central Europe, first half of the 18th century It measures: the sculpture 7.40 x 5.31 x 0.6 in (18.8 x 13.5 x 1.6 cm); w...

Hand Carved Folk Art Willow Wood Angel Poland C.1950 Willow votive figurine in the form of an angel. Hand painted. Rustic folk art for a touch of whimsy. In very good condition co...

XVII secolo San Rocco Legno policormo, cm alt. 127 L'oggetto è in buono stato di conservazione

Arne Tjomsland Polar Bear produced by Hiorth & Østlyngen in the mid 50. Arne Tjomsland was one of Norway’s foremost souvenir designers in the 1950s and 60s. His designs were based o...

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...

Christ in Boxwood, France, late 16th-early 17th century Beautiful corpse of Christ with missing arms. He must have been on the Cross, arms in a horizontal position. Great expressiv...

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...

Petite 2 Scuplture by Chandler McLellan Dimensions: D 12.7 x W 19.05 x H 43,2 cm. Materials: Walnut. “Petite” made not so petite. Sculptures will be signed and dated. Please contac...

Petite Noire Scuplture by Chandler McLellan Dimensions: D 7,6 x W 10,2 x H 30,5 cm. Materials: Ebonized ash. Please expect minor differences in wood grain and other naturally occur...

Christ Crucified in boxwood and gilded loincloth, 16th-century German sculptor, height from head to foot 31 cm, width between hands 30 cm. Christ also has golden highlights on the pr...

Lovely Set of 7 Scandinavian Wooden Woodpecker Corkscrews + 2 WIne Corks, 1960s

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...

Valery Pchelin’s distinct approach to sculpture has been shaped by his early experience as a carpenter: different pieces of wood are assembled to construct intriguing artworks full o...

Valery Pchelin’s distinct approach to sculpture has been shaped by his early experience as a carpenter: different pieces of wood are assembled to construct intriguing artworks full o...

A pair of 18th century German figures of one legged beggars after the engravings of Rembrandt in box wood. Circa 1780

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

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...

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

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, ...

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

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...

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.

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

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...

Japan Netsuke, circa 1900. Bitter apple. Carved and patinated boxwood. Measures: H. 2.5 cm. L. 3.5 cm.

Art Deco Silver Plated Diana the Huntress Figure circa 1930s Silver plated on Bronze, Sylized Bronze figure of a deer, Chrome Plated Base and Stylized Backround [ some pitting to t...

Made in Italy, 1940s This sculpture is made in nickel-plated brass and features a lacquered beech pedestal. It might show slight traces of use since it's vintage, but it can be consi...

Lovely teak sculpture by Swedish artist Johnny Mattsson. The figurative sculpture is in a shape of a woman and is entitled "Morgon" (morning in Swedish). It is made from relief carve...

This naïve likeness is carved from a solid teak block. The head has deep set eyes and a distinctive beaked nose. He is wearing a tailcoat with seven rows of frogging and tasselled ...

Ethereal Sycamore Seed Sculpture by International Artist Marc Fish. Made from sycamore and resin in a very organic sculptural form. Elegant and sinuous the sculpture shows grace and ...

This atypical item is both an empty pocket and a sculpture representing a flying goose. The sculptor has played with the veins of olive wood to create this unique object with a side ...

An organic wooden hand carved sculpture / drum in solid wood from West Africa in the 1950-1960s. A nice wabi sabi piece in good vintage condition with some signs from age and use. T...

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. ...

Sculpture “Mermaid” by Johnny Mattsson, Sweden, 1950s. Pine with teak base. Dimensions: H: 28 cm/ 11" D: 7 cm/ 2 3/4" Johnny Mattsson was one of Sweden’s leading wood artists in t...

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 ...

Marked altar crucifix with a brass base with Christogram and a bronze corpus with a Gothic crown. For us the most powerful statement will always be 'the truth will set you free'. It is what we have learned most from the life of Christ and of His teachings and it is the one thing we always think about whenever we look at a crucifix. Anyone who has tried to break down his/her ego and found a clearer consciousness in the process, knows how healing and rewarding that journey can be. After that you can only be grateful for all the good things that are bound to come your way. Good things will come your way, because the universe needs people like you. Both the beautifully designed wooden cross and the Art Deco bronze corpus of Christ have an amazing patina and together they make this meaningful antique a true work of beauty. The striking, geometrical Art Deco details of the corpus of Christ combined with the Gothic crown with the trefoil symbols (for the trinity), truly makes this a stunning and impressive work of religious art that will never cease to impress. This antique European altar...

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.

"Framework Of Mastery - Wood - France - 20th" Framework of mastery in wood (probably cedar) Assembling 5 towers Companion work from the beginning of the 20th century Period: 20th ce...

Rare pair of hand-carved works of devotional art with an amazing patina. Saint Teresa of Ávila, born Teresa Sánchez de Cepeda y Ahumada, also called Saint Teresa of Jesus (1515-1582...

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...

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.

Set of 4 twirling birds sculputes by Warm Nordic Dimensions: Small: D8,5 x W2,5 x H3,6 cm Medium: D9 x W4,5 x H4 cm Large: D15 x W3,7 x H4,3 cm X-la...

France, Vintage Decorative wooden balls. H 50 x W 27 x D 13 cm.

A fascinating large hand carved Shetani figure from the Makonde people of Tanzania. Named 'Daudi' which roughly translates to 'beloved'. The Shetani carved figures represent good spi...

Hardwood Wagon Wheel With Base by Artefakto Unique piece. Dimensions: D 17 x W 60 x H 63 cm. Materials: Hardwood. Puebla, Mexico. 19th century. Artefakto opened its doors on t...

Fascinating detailed Olokun head from the Kingdom of Ife in Western Nigeria. Hand carved hardwood face with almond shaped eyes, neck creases and astounding facial incisions Circa 1...

Absolutely rare and beautiful couple of two large matching polychromed Burmese temple dances from the 19th century hand-carved out of a piece of teak. These two dancers are a great ...

Absolutely beautiful large polychromed Burmese temple dancer from the 19th century hand carved out of a piece of teak. Very decorative piece of art. 127 cm / 50 Inches tall. Please n...

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...

Striking wooden sculpture by Johnny Mattsson, in an abstract form. Pine on a teak base. The form of the sculpture follows the pine woodgrain in a beautiful way.

Absolutely beautiful large polychromed Burmese temple dancer from the 19th century hand-carved out of a piece of teak. Very decorative piece of art. 127 cm / 50 Inches tall. Pleas...

Vintage "Solitaire" board game designed by Piet Hein for Danish wood manufacturer Skjøde, Skjern. Both the board and the pegs are made from teak. Designed and made ca. 1960s. This piece comes including the original leather bag for storing the pegs and the original instructions in Danish, German and English attached to the bottom. Marked on bottom: Piet Hein Skjøde...

Poorex Face Rattan mask decorative object by Nów Designed by Poorex Face Dimensions: D 15 x W 48 x H 100 cm Materials: beechwood and rattan The Poorex Face studio is a turn to ...