Are these figures meant for outdoor display?

These sculptures are strictly intended for interior environments where humidity and temperature remain stable. Fluctuating weather causes old wood to expand and contract, which makes painted surfaces crack and flake away.

How can I tell if the paint is original?

Examine the surface under magnification to check for natural craquelure and uniform ageing across the pigment layers. Later overpainting often sits flat in recessed areas or masks older wear patterns beneath bright, unbroken colour.

What woods were commonly used for these carvings?

European carvers frequently selected regional timbers like oak, walnut, limewood, and olive wood for their working properties. Asian and other regional workshops utilised local hardwoods suited to detailed relief carving and lacquering.