What subjects do these figures represent?

These sculptures depict a wide variety of subjects, including Buddhist and Daoist deities, mythical beasts like Foo dogs, and secular figures such as scholars and fishermen. Many pieces draw directly from traditional folklore and religious practices in China and Japan, serving as objects of devotion or scholarly contemplation.

How do I care for carved wood?

Keep carved wooden sculptures away from direct sunlight and sudden temperature shifts to prevent the timber from drying out and splitting. Dust the surface gently with a dry, soft brush rather than using liquid polishes, which can harm historic lacquered or painted finishes.

How can I tell Japanese from Chinese carvings?

Japanese pieces from the Meiji period often emphasise naturalistic poses and expressions in objects like okimono and netsuke. Chinese carvings frequently lean towards formal symmetry, traditional deities, and distinct stylistic markers associated with the Qing Dynasty.

Were these figures painted originally?

Many temple figures and deities featured applications of polychrome paint, gesso, and gold leaf over the carved wood base. Over the decades, much of this original pigment has softened or worn away, revealing the natural grain of the hardwood beneath.