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Antique Chinese Rootwood Boat Carving – Late Qing Dynasty
Sold by Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd
sold SA1153250
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd

Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd

Sellingantiques Verified Since Apr 2025
Browse dealers 74 items
  • About Us
    Specialists in fine antique furniture, decorative arts & collectables
Id #SA1153250
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Antique Chinese Rootwood Boat Carving – Late Qing Dynasty

19th century
Sold 12 July 2025 · Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd
This “Antique Chinese Rootwood Boat Carving – Late Qing Dynasty” found a buyer.

It was listed by Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

Description

Antique Chinese Rootwood Boat Carving – Late Qing Dynasty

Circa 1890–1910

A finely carved antique Chinese rootwood sculpture depicting a group of figures aboard a traditional river boat. The piece is carved from a single natural section of rootwood, likely camphor or boxwood, following the organic contours of the wood to form the hull and canopy with striking naturalism.

The scene portrays eight figures in traditional Chinese dress, including a rower at the front and others seated in quiet conversation beneath carved fruiting branches. Their robes, hats, and facial features are delicately rendered, showing a high level of craftsmanship associated with southern Chinese folk carving of the late Qing period.

The wood has developed a mellow, aged patina and remains structurally sound. A decorative and engaging object, likely intended as a scholar’s or collector’s piece.

Date: Circa 1890–1910

Origin: Southern China

Material: Carved rootwood (likely camphor or boxwood)

Dimensions: 26 cm long × 14 cm wide × 13 cm high

Condition: Minor age-related wear and small areas of old damage to the carving, as shown. Presents well overall.

Physical Dimensions
Height
13cm (5.12")
Width
26cm (10.24")
Depth
14cm (5.51")
Declaration

Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd has dated this Chinese Rootwood Boat Carving to the 1890s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1153250
Dealers Notes

All items offered by Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd are carefully selected for their authenticity, decorative appeal, and period character. We specialise in antique and vintage pieces sourced with a knowledgeable eye, and we aim to provide accurate descriptions and detailed photographs for every item.

Our stock is available to view by appointment at our Worcester showrooms, and we are happy to provide further information or additional images on request.

We offer both national and international delivery, and can arrange professional packing or assisted delivery where appropriate.

We strive to make the buying process as straightforward and personal as possible — whether you're a private collector, interior designer, or trade client.

Description
Antique Chinese Rootwood Boat Carving – Late Qing Dynasty

Circa 1890–1910

“
A finely carved antique Chinese rootwood sculpture depicting a group of figures aboard a traditional river boat.
Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd

The piece is carved from a single natural section of rootwood, likely camphor or boxwood, following the organic contours of the wood to form the hull and canopy with striking naturalism.

fig 1. An antique Chinese rootwood boat carving depicting multiple small human figures and goods within an organic wooden hull.
fig 1. Antique Chinese Rootwood Boat Carving – Late Qing Dynasty

The scene portrays eight figures in traditional Chinese dress, including a rower at the front and others seated in quiet conversation beneath carved fruiting branches. Their robes, hats, and facial features are delicately rendered, showing a high level of craftsmanship associated with southern Chinese folk carving of the late Qing period.

fig 2. An antique Chinese rootwood boat carving depicting multiple small human figures and goods within an organic wooden hull.
fig 2. Antique Chinese Rootwood Boat Carving – Late Qing Dynasty

The wood has developed a mellow, aged patina and remains structurally sound. A decorative and engaging object, likely intended as a scholar’s or collector’s piece.

Date: Circa 1890–1910

Origin: Southern China

fig 3. An antique Chinese rootwood boat carving depicting multiple small human figures and goods within an organic wooden hull.
fig 3. Antique Chinese Rootwood Boat Carving – Late Qing Dynasty

Material: Carved rootwood (likely camphor or boxwood)

Dimensions: 26 cm long × 14 cm wide × 13 cm high

Condition: Minor age-related wear and small areas of old damage to the carving, as shown. Presents well overall.

Height
13cm (5.12")
Width
26cm (10.24")
Depth
14cm (5.51")
Date of Manufacture

Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd has dated this Chinese Rootwood Boat Carving to the 1890s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1153250
Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd
Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd
Sellingantiques verified Since Apr 2025

Specialists in fine antique furniture, decorative arts & collectables

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd Profile Page

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An antique Chinese rootwood boat carving depicting multiple small human figures and goods within an organic wooden hull. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
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Archive I An antique Chinese rootwood boat carving depicting multiple small human figures and goods within an organic wooden hull. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Antique Chinese Rootwood Boat Carving – Late Qing Dynasty

Archive II An antique Chinese rootwood boat carving depicting multiple small human figures and goods within an organic wooden hull. View II
Archive III An antique Chinese rootwood boat carving depicting multiple small human figures and goods within an organic wooden hull. View III
Archive IV An antique Chinese rootwood boat carving depicting multiple small human figures and goods within an organic wooden hull. View IV
Archive V An antique Chinese rootwood boat carving depicting multiple small human figures and goods within an organic wooden hull. View V
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 01905 799928
Location
50 Barbourne Road
Worcester
Worcestershire
WR1 1JA
United Kingdom
Verified Since Apr 2025
Items For Sale 74
Items Sold 76
Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd
Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd
Verified Since Apr 2025
View Dealer Info
Location: 50 Barbourne Road, Worcester, Worcestershire, WR1 1JA, United Kingdom
Verified
Apr 2025
For Sale
74
Sold
76
An antique Chinese rootwood boat carving depicting multiple small human figures and goods within an organic wooden hull.
Antique Chinese Rootwood Boat Carving – Late Qing Dynasty
Ref: SA1153250
An antique Chinese rootwood boat carving depicting multiple small human figures and goods within an organic wooden hull.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Archival Detail
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Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectSculptures & Carvings
  • Period19th century
  • StyleQing Dynasty Traditional
  • MaterialRootwood, Hardwood
  • ColourWarm Brown
  • MotifsFigural groupings, Natural root contours, Hand-carved paddles, Conical hats
  • SizeH 13 cm (5 in) x W 26 cm (10 in) x D 14 cm (6 in)

Chinese rootwood carving is a traditional art form where artisans utilise the natural, organic shapes of tree roots and burls to sculpt figures, animals, and landscapes, often reflecting folklore and nature.

These pieces are handcrafted from dense, durable hardwoods such as boxwood, camphor, or specific local burls, shaped meticulously by hand to preserve and enhance the natural grain and knot formations of the root.

Authentic pieces typically exhibit deep, dry patina, tool marks consistent with manual hand-carving methods, natural wear appropriate for their age, and intricate detailing integrated into the organic contours of the wood.

Position the sculpture as a focal point on a plain surface, such as a sideboard or mantelpiece, allowing its organic form and rich wooden texture to contrast cleanly against minimalist modern surroundings.

Maintain stable indoor humidity levels and keep the wood out of direct sunlight to prevent cracking, dusting gently with a soft, dry cloth without applying modern chemical polishes or oils.
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