How do I identify a Meiji period carving?

Japanese carvings from the Meiji period often exhibit exceptionally fine detail in boxwood or hardwood, reflecting the opening of Japan to Western trade and a peak in artisan guilds. Look for signature plaques or finely articulated subjects like okimono and netsuke. These pieces typically display naturalistic proportions and dynamic postures that distinguish them from earlier rigid ritual figures. The precision of the tool marks on the timber remains a key indicator of this era's craftsmanship.

What is root wood carving?

Root wood carving utilises the natural contours, twists and burls of tree roots to suggest the forms of animals, scholars or mythical figures. Artisans work with the organic shape of the wood rather than imposing a strict geometric block upon the material. This technique results in highly individual sculptures where no two pieces share the same silhouette. The dense grain of burr and root timber highlights natural imperfections as part of the artistic composition.

Where were temple figures placed?

Large wooden temple figures, such as guardian kings and Buddhas, were positioned within religious sanctuaries to offer protection and inspire reverence. They stood near altars or entryways to delineate sacred space. In domestic settings, smaller iterations of deities and immortals found homes in altars or scholarly studios. Their placement was determined by cultural traditions surrounding luck, protection and wisdom.

How should I care for antique wood?

Antique wooden sculptures require stable environmental conditions away from direct sunlight and rapid humidity fluctuations to prevent splitting or warping. Dusting should be performed gently with a dry, soft brush. Avoid applying modern furniture polishes or oils, as these can damage historical finishes like lacquer, polychrome paint or gold leaf. Allowing the timber to breathe preserves the integrity of the original surface.

Home > Antiques For Sale > Asian Wooden Sculpture > Page 3

Asian Wooden Sculpture

78 items · page 3 of 5

← Page 3 of 5 →

These asian wooden sculpture selections bring together figures, deities and animals carved across centuries in China, Japan, Burma and Southeast Asia.

A Finely Carved Japanese Wood Okimono of Rodent

19th century

Save

A Finely Carved Japanese Wood Okimono of Rodent

From Gerard Robinson Fine Art and Antiques

£475

FOR SALE

sculptures

Superb Quality Large Antique Carved Hardwood Chinese Figure

1900 - 1920

Save

Superb Quality Large Antique Carved Hardwood Chinese Figure

From Unique Antiques by Emma Jade

£1,085

FOR SALE

sculptures

1900 - 1920

Save

Chinese Carved Dragon Table Lamp

From Coast Antiques

£325

FOR SALE

lighting

6 Very Old Carved Figures of Buddhist Immortals

18th century

Save

6 Very Old Carved Figures of Buddhist Immortals

From Elmgarden

£6,000

FOR SALE

sculptures

1900 - 1920

Save

Buddha Carved Figure

From Midwinter Antiques

£1,400

FOR SALE

sculptures

1900 - 1920

Save

Carved Model of a Mongolian Pack Horse

From Elmgarden

£1,300

FOR SALE

sculptures

18th century

Save

Late 18th Century Chinese Carved Wood Foo Dog

From Kendall House Antiques Ltd.

£1,000

FOR SALE

sculptures

19th century

Save

Antique Temple Deity

From The Ark Stores

£180

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

Late C19th Carved Chinese Root Wood Table Lamp

19th century

Save

Late C19th Carved Chinese Root Wood Table Lamp

From Beresford Antiques LTD

£345

FOR SALE

lighting

An Antique Distressed Carved Wood and Polychromed Figure of Quan Yin

19th century

Save

An Antique Distressed Carved Wood and Polychromed Figure of Quan Yin

From Gerard Robinson Fine Art and Antiques

£485

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

The listings span the 17th to the 20th century, encompassing materials such as boxwood, root wood, lacquer and gold leaf across multiple Asian traditions.

Large Chinese Carving of Lion Dog or Foo Dog

19th century

Save

Large Chinese Carving of Lion Dog or Foo Dog

From John Howkins Antiques

£1,850

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

19th century

Save

Early 19th Century Chinese Wooden Carved Polychrome Painted Figure

From Eclectic Antiques

£165

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

A Finely Carved and Charming Wood Okimono of Two Rabbits

1900 - 1920

Save

A Finely Carved and Charming Wood Okimono of Two Rabbits

From Gerard Robinson Fine Art and Antiques

£385

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

19th century

Save

An Interesting 19th Century Carved Indian Figure

From Gary Wright Antiques Ltd

£2,400

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

19th century

Save

Three Oriental Carved Wooden Figures of Shubunkin, 19th Century

From Surrey Antiques by Gary J Hall

£475

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

A Superb and Finely Carved Wood Japanese Figure of a Bearded Man

1900 - 1920

Save

A Superb and Finely Carved Wood Japanese Figure of a Bearded Man

From Gerard Robinson Fine Art and Antiques

£375

FOR SALE

sculptures

← 1 2 3 4 5 →

Asian Wooden Sculpture

A Finely Carved Japanese Wood Okimono of Rodent

Superb Quality Large Antique Carved Hardwood Chinese Figure

Chinese Carved Dragon Table Lamp

6 Very Old Carved Figures of Buddhist Immortals

Buddha Carved Figure

Carved Model of a Mongolian Pack Horse

Late 18th Century Chinese Carved Wood Foo Dog

Antique Temple Deity

Late C19th Carved Chinese Root Wood Table Lamp

An Antique Distressed Carved Wood and Polychromed Figure of Quan Yin

Large Chinese Carving of Lion Dog or Foo Dog

Early 19th Century Chinese Wooden Carved Polychrome Painted Figure

A Finely Carved and Charming Wood Okimono of Two Rabbits

An Interesting 19th Century Carved Indian Figure

Three Oriental Carved Wooden Figures of Shubunkin, 19th Century

A Superb and Finely Carved Wood Japanese Figure of a Bearded Man

Add keywords to the filter

Price

Era

Period

Style

Material

Origin

Stock Location

Recently Added

Online Payments

Categories