Hand-Carved Decorative Objects

Antique primitive large Swedish trough style dough bowl, c. 1850. Hand carved from a single piece of wood, this robust, elongated bowl is designed for kneading and proofing dough. F...

Group of five mid 20th century modernist abstract carved wood sculptures. Some are signed w/ artist monogram at lower back side ( see picture 8 ) the sculptures measure as follows - ...

This finely executed bust of a Naiad is attributed to the neoclassical sculptor John Gibson (1790 – 1866). A Naiad was a type of mythological water nymph and is depicted here with her head bowed and cocked slightly to the side, displaying her strong neo-Hellenistic profile. In her hair, the nymph wears a headdress that is comprised of long and slender reed leaves, which not only identifies her iconographically as a water spirit, but draws a close comparison with those worn by the female figures in John Gibson’s Hylas Surprised by the Naiades (1827 - 1837) (fig.1). The downwards and off-centre orientation of our Naiad bust mirrors that of the taller figure on the left of the group, who rests her cheek on the head young Hylas (fig.2) Her facial physiognomy follows the neo-Hellenistic archetype established by Gibson and can be closely compared with his Tinted Venus – one of the most important statues of the Victorian era (1851–56, Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool) (fig.3). While Gibson’s Tinted Venus is known best for its controversial polychrome ‘tinting’, the essential structure of the face—broad brow, finely drawn nose, wide (and slightly drooping) almond-shaped eyes - provided a template that Gibson returned to repeatedly in his depiction of mythological maidens. Critics of the time noted the consistency of his female types, with some seeing their idealised severity as an antidote to the sentimentality of much mid-Victorian sculpture (fig.4 – 6). The facial physiognomy is also very similar to a drawing by Gibson at the Royal Academy that depicts Hero weeping over the dead body of Leander (fig.7). The socle style of the present work also finds comparisons with Gibsons busts of Cupid and Aurora. This was of course somewhat standardised, but it is interesting to note the extent of their similarity with our bust. John Gibson RA is considered by many to be the greatest British sculptor of the nineteenth century working in the Neoclassical style. It is hard to overestimate the impact Rome had on the life and art of the artist. He first arrived in the city around 1817, when he was just twenty-six, and remained a resident there until his death. Not only did Rome’s ancient sculptural treasures and architectural fragments offer Gibson a lifetime of inspiration, but the Grand Tourists who poured into Rome in the first half of the nineteenth century provided him with many commercial opportunities. These rich or aristocratic travellers sought out mythological sculptures for their grand, palatial residences. However, since the papal decrees of Doria Pamphilj and Pacca of 1803 banned the export of ancient Greek and Roman works of art from Rome, there was a large demand for modern idealised sculpture in the Neoclassical style (Frasca-Rath 2016, p. 10). During his early days in the city he had the great fortune to train under both Antonio Canova and Bertel Thorvaldsen (Roscoe and Hardy 2009, p. 522). He referred continuously to Canova as his “master”, particularly in his memoirs, which he dictated to Margarete Sandbach at the beginning of the 1850s; these were subsequently published by Lady Eastlake in 1870. Moreover, he claimed to be Canova’s last pupil in a letter to Antonio Gacini, Secretary of the Royal Academy in Milan in 1861, written to thank the Academy for accepting him as an Honorary Member: “The first instruction which I received in my art was from an Italian. It was Canova whose pupil I became in the year 1817 and studied under him for five years when he died. I was his last pupil” (Royal Academy Archive GI/1376). By 1821, Gibson had established his own studio in the via Fontanella, off the via Babuino. From here he aimed to produce sculpture of “the sublime and the purest beauty”, believing that the sculptor’s role was to select and combine the most beautiful parts of nature to create a harmonious whole, which would delight and elevate the viewer. By the mid nineteenth century he was one of the few remaining exponents of the so-called ‘pure’ and ‘neo Hellenistic’ style of sculpture, resolutely upholding the Neoclassical ideals established by Wincklemann, in a period when naturalism and modern subjects preoccupied the majority of artists in Europe (Turner, ed., 1996, p. 598). Gibson was convinced of the importance of disseminating artistic ideas through the younger generations, an ideal no doubt impressed upon him by Canova, and established ‘the British Academy of Arts in Rome’. His students included William Theed (1804–1891), Benjamin Spence (1822–1866), Harriet Hosmer...

This wooden bowl is believed to have been made in Southeast Asia around the 20th century. It was owned by a Japanese antique collector, and its rugged yet warm shape is impressive. ...

19TH Century artist male lay figure form This hand carved pine artists lay figure is untouched in form and shows lots of natural age. Dimensions in inches: H 12” x W 3” x D 1.5” ...

A pair of 20th century solid stone court lady statues. The full face is with long slender eyes under arched brows flanking a strong straight nose. Hair held...

We are happy to offer you this brass-hammered menorah. With Hanukkah just a few weeks away, now is the time to treat yourself to a gorgeous new brass menorah. It has a hammered finish that is contemporary and yet classic. So light up your home and the festival with this beauty! Approximate Height 30 - 35 cm. We sell several of these candle holders through a year and because these items are unique individual handcrafted they would have a slight diffrences on each one. Rare Antique Solid Brass 7-Branch Menorah, Heavy Sweden Hanukkah Candelabrum, Jewish Candle...

A beautifully weathered terracotta vessel from early 20th-century Anatolia, hand-thrown in coarse local clay and fired in a traditional wood kiln. Originally used for storing olive o...

Vintage Murano Glass Bowl 'Rest of the Day' 1950s A vintage Murano art glass bowl, crafted in the style of AVEM's 'Tutti Frutti' or 'Rest of the Day' glasses. Shaped in a characteri...

Cuyo bookends are solid heavy beatiful pieces of geometrical onyx stone, moustly in square base and round top. Very sharm for a personal library. Our pieces are made by hand. One ...

Vintage carved wood box features Modernist abstract organic form and striking choice of solid wood. Asymmetrically sculpted box is covered with a rounded lid, lined with felt fabric ...

CONSOLE NO. 1 J.M. Szymanski d. 2018 This unique console table is inspired by the ancient Asian decorative arts. The inverted legs give this unique table a highly dynamic look. Its ...

A mid 20th Century Handcrafted, Hand-Carved from a single piece of wood , Figure of an Bald American Eagle landing On Wood Plinth, Circa 1950s. Varnish Finish in very good condition....

Pair 18th C. Carved Marble Terracotta Figures Lions Sculptures Garden Statues LA . Rare large Pair of early 18th century carved marble terracotta Figures of regal lions, holding an i...

A pair of large, carved alabaster urns from Portugal (late 19th century) exhibiting all the worldly refinement and grandeur of the period. The urn forms have a light blush-tone and f...

20th Century Carved & Polychromed Carousel Lion, Style of Dentzel This striking monumental carousel lion is a finely carved and polychromed sculptural work executed in the mid-20th ...

19th century Swedish folk Art wooden bowl dated 1791 & owner marks PPS A stunning antique organic wooden bowl with lovely patina. You can see the use of time. The bowl is made of...

We are pleased to present a small wood carving of a flanking Bodhisattva made around the Edo period. This work is thought to be one of the Kannon ...

Early 20th Century Hand-Carved Folk Art Duck Decoy. The duck 's head is movable and the body features wonderful patina throughout including traces of the original paint. Wonderful co...

A large and impressive Chinese caved jade vase, Republic Period, circa 1930. Carved from one massive piece of jade. The vase carved with the He He Er Xian...

Rare early 19th century Italian Grand Tour model of an ancient Roman labrum (bath) or sarcophagus in exquisitely carved rosso antico marble having double ring handles and central lio...

Hand-carved from reclaimed wood, this colorful koi fish is a traditional symbol of harmony, wealth and luck. The small fish is carved with a squat, rounded body, the scales and fins ...

Very nice carved oak fragment of a Christ figure with a strong expression. Beautiful weathered , France circa 1600-1700. Weathered, and losses. Measurement with the base

Originally part of a larger architectural from a French building in the 1600s, this hand-carved limestone fragment of a winged angel has been mounted more recently to a painted black...

A stunning French white marble mortar dating from the nineteenth century with unique linear striation marks creating a grated texture on the outside. This would make an excellent scu...

Exceptionally elegant late 19th Century studio easel, Neoclassical with early Amsterdam School influences This rare and elegant late 19th century artist’s easel is an outstanding ex...

Mid Century Bali Indonesian hand carved wood woman. This bust statue with headdress is made out of heavy hardwood mahogany. It is dark rich brown in color. This is heavy and well car...

Keep your jewelry safe while traveling with this compact and durable black onyx jewel box. The round everything catchall box is a carved using traditional wood carpentry techniques ...

Discover a decorative piece you can assemble yourself — a puzzle and candelabra in one. Bring playful elegance to any celebration with the Triangle Candelabra: a sculptural piece ma...

Hand carved white alabaster sculpture of a nude woman reclining inside a clam shell with three winged putti carrying her aloft from shell laden waters. Signed to verso by the Italian...

A most impressive large single piece of sculptural carved free-form organic teak rootwood becomes a writhing, wispy, whimsical wonder of craftsmanship and artistry. This naturalistic...

Circa 1890. 19th c large ebonised carved winged serpent gargoyle table lamps Originally hand carved winged serpent gargoyle wall brackets. Wired...

The shape of the inactive Tronador volcano reminded us of the pyramid shaped idea of our boxes that make up this collection. With a rectangular or square base, the box is a reflectio...

"Roma Imperiale" is not just a vase or rather a sculpture, imagine it as a memory, the memory of a nobility now dissolved, a suspended memory, forgotten in a secret garden, of those ...

Amazing 18th century carved wooden Baroque arm of a Saint figure. This piece was once part of a procession Saint figure. The arm is now placed at a wooden base and as visible on the ...

An amorphous and sensual early piece by Pioneer Wood Artist Mark Lindquist. Signed and dated '74 along one edge. A carved amorphous natural wood form wi...

Elegant clear crystal bowl by Orrefors, Sweden, featuring a sophisticated wavy cut design that captures and reflects light beautifully. This heavy, multifaceted bowl serves as a styl...

18th century Italian silk-wrapped octagonal wall piece with original gilded sunrays and adorned with coordinating mother-of-pearl with gold highlights and a cross-shaped baroque pear...

Oval-shaped snuffbox in 925/1000 gold-plated sterling silver with two-tone fire-enamelled stripes. English style, early 1900s. Dimensions: 8 x 4.5 x 2 cm. Weight: 84 g. Designed in 1...

Czech artist Josef Kratina lived in Paris for several years and was a student of Auguste Rodin. He lived in New York from around 1907 onwards. Note: We highly recommend shipping thr...

This unusual bronze really caught our attention. The seated female warrior perched high atop a marble base is a rare look in antique bronzes. The bronze...

FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING Antique French perfume box in tulipwood surmounted by a Sevres style porcelain plaque, dating to the mid nineteenth centur...

White marble vase This artisanal home decor vase was hand cut Blanco Bego white marble from Morelos, Mexico. Each piece is hand carved by expert artisans and craftsmen following f...

Rose blossom sculpted entirely by hand starting from a solid block of rare rose quartz. Dimensions: approximately D 12 x H 12 cm. Available in different...

A Charming and Finely Executed Pair of Meissen Porcelain Figures Depicting Royal Lovers, modeled after 18th-century designs by Johann Joachim Kändler, Meissen’s celebrated master mod...

Mughal style pietra dura marble box - hand made - featuring an over-all floral and vine design with lapis lazuli, mother-of-pearl and black onyx inlay - signed on the base and the li...

An attractive carved wood figure of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, known as Guanyin in China, late Ming Dynasty, early 17th century, China. Guanyi...

A pair of large Late 20th Century Thai hand carved wooden horse sculptures. Circa 1980s Feature two horses trotting, carved from single piec...

This exceptional ancient-style terracotta amphora vessel is a beautifully sculpted piece that evokes the timeless forms of classical Mediterranean antiquities. Modeled after traditio...

Very charming ribbed gilt gold art frame found in a Paris market. Perfect piece for that special oil painting or watercolor. The frame has fantastic patina throughout. Inside measure...

A beautiful antique and all handcrafted jewelry box with a striking velvet lining. This rare and larger size jewelry box or casket makes a beautiful accessory for a lady with an eye for fine arts. It is a very well made gem and highly practical with seven drawers and a good working lock and key in the right door and two sliding brass 'locks' in the inside of the left door. This box opens and closes perfectly and its striking presence will grace your vanity or dresser in a way that no modern piece ever could. The drawers come with a stunning blue lining and the three 'tiers' each have their own kind of interior. The top tier may have been made for pocket watches or circular brooches. The one below could have been made for necklaces and/or bracelets and the two bottom tiers, consisting of four drawers would have been used for all other types of jewelry. Have you also noticed the striking bronze handles? They too add to the grandeur of this striking antique gems box...

A LARGE WOOD FIGURE OF GUANYIN WITH TRACES OF PIGMENTS MING DYNASTY (1368-1644) The bodhisattva is shown seated in padmasana, wearing long flowing ro...

Large Mid-Century Modern hand-carved Brass Flamingo, Animal Sculpture with stylized legs & feet. Features long legs and body of the Flamingo which are attached with small screws to the Base. Made in the USA in the late 1960s. A beautiful Arts and Crafts Style Art...

Campaign Box Carved Gentleman's British Army WW2 Regimental Arms Beautifully stylized and masterfully carved wooden box of floral and fruit foliage bas-rel...

Novelty Fruit Caddy From our Tea Caddy collection, we are delighted to offer this Continental Pear Fruit Tea Caddy. The Tea Caddy turned in Sycamore shaped as a Pear fruit with globu...

Ruler selenite adorned with an 18th century Italian gilded fragment and natural forming baroque pearls and mounted on a lucite base. Ruler selenite or "selenite logs" are single, pri...

Vintage handmade beautifully carved wooden trinket box, jewelry box or keepsake box. Depicting a village scene with Houses & Palm Trees. Folk Art ...

Caribbean mahogany hinged pedestal tea poy with fitted interior, foliate carvings, and resting on the original scrolled feet. Early 19th century.

The Ambrosiá Footed Crystal Bowl Set is a Multifunctional Luxury Serveware. It is a handcrafted, collectible centerpiece that beautifully merges vi...

A stunning carved and pierced Chinese jade vase, Qing Dynasty, 19th century. The vase is carved with a design of birds, flowers and trees, each rife ...