How do I care for antique wooden sculptures?

Keep wooden and polychromed figures away from direct sunlight and sudden humidity shifts to protect the underlying material and paint layers. Dust gently with a soft, dry brush without applying cleaning agents. Stable indoor environments prevent the wood from splitting and preserve the remaining gold leaf and pigment.

How are bronze and copper alloy figures cleaned?

Leave metal surfaces untouched to preserve the natural oxidation and historical patina accumulated over centuries. Wiping with a dry cloth removes surface dust safely. Polishing metal sculptures strips away age and reduces their historical value.

Where were these sculptures originally placed?

Many of these figures stood within temples, shrines, or domestic altars for ritual use and daily devotion. Monumental examples served as temple guardians, while smaller bronzes functioned as icons for personal meditation. Their original context dictated their scale and the richness of their surface decoration.