Where were these sculptures originally displayed?

Many larger temple figures and guardian statues stood within sacred Buddhist or Daoist shrines in China, Tibet or Burma for ritual veneration. Smaller figures, okimono and netsuke belonged in private Japanese and Chinese domestic settings. Over time, travellers and collectors brought these pieces into Western homes, where they function as standalone decorative or contemplative works of art.

How do I care for antique wood sculptures?

Keep carved wooden objects away from direct sunlight and sudden temperature shifts to prevent the timber from drying out or splitting. Dust them gently with a dry, soft cloth without applying modern chemical polishes. Maintain stable indoor humidity levels to preserve delicate surface details like old gold leaf and polychrome paint.

What is the difference between an okimono and a netsuke?

A netsuke is a small functional toggle pierced with cord holes, designed to secure a suspended pouch on traditional Japanese dress. An okimono is strictly a decorative display sculpture made to sit independently on a shelf or table. Both forms share similar subjects and fine boxwood or hardwood carving techniques from the Meiji period.

How are periods like the Meiji period identified?

The Meiji period corresponds to the reign of the Japanese emperor from 1868 to 1912, characterised by distinct aesthetic standards in boxwood and hardwood carving. Chinese pieces often reference dynastic eras such as the Qing Dynasty or specific reigns. Stylistic markers, subject matter and signature formats help connect individual carvings to these historical spans.

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Asian Wood Sculpture

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These pieces of asian wood sculpture bring carved deities, animals and figures from Chinese, Japanese, Burmese, Indonesian and Tibetan traditions into your interior.