19th Century Burr Root Carving

19th Century Large Scale Chinese Burr Root Wood Carving

This fascinating large hand carved figure stands almost 70 inches in height. Made in 5 sections that fit together and weighting close to 40kg, this highly decorative piece of art is a real statement piece. Depicting a holy man balancing on one leg, holding what resembles some fruit in his left hand and a drinking vessel in the other. The regalia of the burr wood covers his robe perfectly with elegance and grace. To his left a disciple of sorts stands holding a small drinking vessel. To his right a bird which resembles a crane also stood on one leg. We have seen a few examples similar in style in years past, but nothing so large as this one.

The burr develops on a trunk or root from the thwarted development of a bud which in turn gives rise to the swirls in the grain which look like water rushing around rocks in a raging river; described by one Chinese scholar as follows, "When it is cut, within it there are the forms of mountains and streams, flowers and trees".

Root carving is a traditional art in China. Integrating ingenuity and craftiness, root carving not only employs ways of expressions similar to wood carvings, sculptures, and stone carvings, but also demonstrates the unique features of root carving by absorbing the techniques exhibited in the creation of other carving arts.

Origin: Chinese

Material: Wood

Age: 1890 – 1910

Size: Height 67” x Width 46” x Depth 27”

Condition Report

Naturally aged items, that has stood the test of time. Wear and tear in certain areas in the form of fading of colour, loss in sections due to breaks and some piece of detail (base are loss) due to breaks (they are firmly in place, however. We feel that this item pay hand been revarnished a few years ago and so the wood in shinier in sections i.e., the man’s head, chest, hands and legs as shown.

Its exceedingly difficult to photograph all the areas of these pieces, therefore we strongly suggest reviewing all the photos provided as part of this advert and propose questions where sections are unclear to avoid disappointment upon purchase.

For multiple years we have sold antique and vintage items globally, please expect our items to show relevant age and natural wear, Items are only restored due to breaks and loss, and we always stipulate this in our condition report.