What periods do these figures come from?

The pieces span the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century, encompassing the Qing Dynasty in China and the Meiji Period in Japan. Earlier examples date back to the seventeenth century, while the majority reflect late-Qing and Meiji craftsmanship.

How do Chinese and Japanese figures differ?

Chinese carvings frequently portray Daoist immortals, scholars, temple guardians, and mythical creatures in hardwood or polychrome wood. Japanese examples often include boxwood netsuke, okimono of daily life, and figures rendered in traditional styles like Nata-tsukuri.

What woods were commonly used?

Carvers utilised dense materials such as boxwood, root wood, hongmu, and general hardwoods. These timbers allowed for deep, crisp relief work. Softer woods were occasionally employed for larger architectural or temple sculptures destined for interior shrines.

How were surface finishes applied?

Surfaces were often treated with layers of lacquer, gold leaf, gesso, and hand-painted polychrome pigments. Metal mounts and inlaid bone were also integrated into the designs. Many pieces retain traces of original gilding and pigment, particularly those originating from temples.

Where were these figures displayed?

Smaller carvings, such as okimono and boxwood figures, sat on household tables, shelves, or inside display cabinets. Larger monumental sculptures and guardian figures stood within temples, ancestral halls, and elite residences.