Fruitwood Sculptures

Tim Holmes (American b. 1955), The Victorious Gladiator, Brutalist Bronze on Wood plinth, Signed © Holmes and numbered 5/20 on base. Measures 9" in width, 7.5" in depth and stands 19...

Immerse yourself in the poignant beauty of this significant carved wood and polychrome sculpture depicting the iconic scene of the Pieta. Crafted possibly in Spain during the 19th ce...

This Art Nouveau Italian bust embodies the movement's hallmark features and also incorporating elements influenced by Italian art and culture. Their historical and artistic value mak...

18th century French or Italian Santo Nativity Figure, a hand carved and painted fruitwood figure for a Christmas Crèche or Krippe. Excellent and delicate details to the head and hands. The half figure stands on a dowel set into platform base, dressed in original fine linen robe...

Product Description: Artist: Johann Heinrich von Dannecker (1758-1841) Title of the Sculpture: "Ariadne on the Panther" Material: Carved from fruitw...

20th century carved mango wood novelty dinner gong circa 1928. Here we present a novelty dinner gong made from mango wood, which was retailed by henry howell & co ltd.  Having made ...

Exceptionally Fine Wooden Sarcophagus Mask Third Intermediate Period, 21st Dynasty, circa 1069-945 BC. Acacia wood, rosewood, hippopotamus ivory Masterfully carved from a single piece of fine-grained hardwood, the present mask is characteristic of the most exquisite funerary art made during the 21st Dynasty, and was probably commissioned for a particularly high-ranking individual. The oval face displays a gently smiling mouth with full, outlined lips, furrows at the corners and a bow-shaped philtrum. The straight nose with rounded nostrils, the cheeks full and fleshy and the large, almond shaped eyes with heavy lids and tapering cosmetic lines, set below long, sweeping eyebrows. Social collapse across the Mediterranean in the Late Bronze Age meant that the 21st Dynasty in Egypt was a period of great turmoil. Trade routes were disrupted, governments collapsed, and mass migration occurred. Economic scarcity meant that traditional funerary practices in Egypt were also affected, with a lack of material and financial resources leading to the reuse of preexisting material. As a result, during the 21st Dynasty, 19th and 20th Dynasty coffins changed ownership rapidly and were heavily recycled for new purposes. Tombs were also unmarked allowing them to be shared by many people. These new practices brought forth a shift in the understanding of funerary paraphernalia. No longer important objects owned forever by the deceased, they were now simply seen as short-term transformative devices, whose symbolic and ritualistic meaning could be appropriated for others. However, paradoxically, the art of coffin-making also reached new heights during this period, and many of the richly dec- orated “yellow” coffins, characteristic of the 21st Dynasty, are remarkable works of art in their own right. Indeed, knowing that coffins were being reused throughout Egypt, the Egyptian élite set themself apart by commissioning lavish sarcophagi decorated with the images and texts meant to help guide them to the afterlife, and which would otherwise have adorned the tomb walls. As coffins were the chief funerary element which now identified the dead and allowed them a physical presence in the world of the living, their quality and appearance were of the utmost importance. The traditional coffin ensemble was made of three parts: a wooden mummy cover, which laid directly atop the mummy, an inner coffin, and an outer coffin, both made of a lid and case. Additional decorative elements, such as masks, were carved out separately and later glued or pegged to the lids. After the completion of the painted decoration, the sarcophagus was covered in a varnish to give it its yellow colour. Gilding was sometimes used for the coffins of the high priests’ families, notably on parts representing naked skin, such as the face mask. However, some of the élite tactically avoided gilding altogether as to ensure that their coffin would not be looted. When manufacturing the inner and outer coffins, particular attention was paid to the woodwork. Displaying the skill of the carpenter, this type of funerary art has largely remained unparalleled throughout Egyptian history. The principal wood used to craft the present mask is Acacia nilotica. The evergreen Egyptian acacia was considered sacred and said to be the tree of life, the birthplace of the god Horus, as well as symbolic of Osiris, the god of the dead and resurrection. The modelling of the face in the wood is superb, but the inlays also help mark this mask out as exceptional. Inlaid eyes and eyebrows were extremely rare and reserved to the finest and most expensive coffins. Traditionally, eyes were made of calcite, obsidian, or quartz, and eyebrows of coloured glass paste or bronze. Here, the pupils, eyebrows, and cosmetic lines are inlaid with Dalbergia melanoxylon, a rare type of wood which belongs to the rosewood genus. In antiquity, however, it was known as Ebony of the Pharaohs, from the Egyptian word “hbny”, meaning dark timber, because of its black, lustrous appearance. An extremely dense and hard wood requiring significant skill to work with, ebony was a luxury material highly coveted by the pharaohs themselves, to make furniture, decorative and funerary objects. The wood was imported with great effort from the southern Land of Punt, most likely modern Sudan, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Eritrea, alongside other luxury goods such as gold and ivory. A magnificent ebony throne, recovered in the tomb of King Tutankhamun, illustrates the incredible aesthetic potential of this material and why it was so highly valued by Egyptian royalty. Only élite members of Egyptian society could have afford- ed Ebony of the Pharaoh inlays for their funerary mask. The sclerae on the present piece were once both inlaid with hippopotamus ivory. Whiter than elephant ivory, this type of ivory is also denser, and more difficult to carve. The use of this luxury material, reputed for its gleaming appearance, enhances the lifelikeness of the eyes. For the Egyptians, hippopotamus ivory was imbued with magic powers. The hippopotamus was indeed both feared and venerated due to its aggressive behaviour. Whilst the male hippopotamus was associated with danger and chaos, the female was benevolent and invoked for protection, especially of the house and of mothers and their children, through the hippopotamus goddess Tawaret. Thus, not only was hippopotamus ivory used as an inlay and to make practical objects, such as combs and clappers, but it was also used to make talismans like apotropaic wands or knives. Made during a time of scarcity where few could afford made-to-order coffins, the present mask could have only belonged to one of the highest-ranking individuals in society. Undoubtedly one of the finest Egyptian coffin...

Pair of gothic revival carved cherubs circa 1970. Good quality pair of hardwood cherubs which are coloured to match walnut. Each figure seated on a plinth base of carved rock, tree...

Antique Arts & Crafts crucifix with stunning hand carved details and an amazing patina. This remarkable and good size sculpture of Christ (who has just bowed His head) on the cross is different to almost all others. The artist who hand-sculpted this impressive work of religious art has created a church relic that, in our view, is second to none. And that is because this uniquely hand carved corpus comes with numerous stylized details that are unlike anything you will have ever seen. It is a style of carving that is very recognizable for being from the European Arts and Crafts...

Technique: Tempera and oil on wood Dimensions: 25 x 11 x 8 cm Description: This exceptional work from the 12th century represents the Seated Virgin with Child (Sedes Sapientiae), standing out as an artistic treasure from medieval Spain. The portrayal of the Virgin enthroned with the Child on her lap is emblematic of Romanesque art, and this particular piece is a valuable and authentic example of that era. The current polychromy belongs to the Gothic period and overlays the original Romanesque layer. It is crucial to highlight that the current state of the artwork is the original, without any cleaning interventions, imparting a unique authenticity. The work exhibits architectural characteristics typical of Romanesque art, evident in the sides of the throne. The rigidity and symmetry characteristic of this style are reflected in the firm presentation of the Baby Jesus, noticeable in his gesture while holding his son. The Virgin wears a crown, symbolizing her royal character as the Queen of Heaven and Creation. Both figures retain traces of polychromy on the face and attire, adding layers of history and authenticity. While similar Romanesque Virgin...

This exceptional sculpture, finely carved from solid wood and dating back to the 18th century, pays tribute to the devotion and artistic skill of its era. Depicting the Virgin Mary, ...

Step into the sophistication of 1950s French artistry with this elegant wooden male torso. Sculpted from solid wood, this piece stands as a testament...

A Sicilian Marionette head depicting a Saracene, it's a part of " Opera dei Pupi " inspired by The French poem " La Chanson de Roland ". This one it's in original condition with consistent signs of use and age, original fabric and natural hair. A Late 19th Century Hand-Carved Wood Sicilian Head...

An angel lost a wing.. and I picked it up for Christmas time.. I cannot write the exact sizes of this wing because 1stdibs deletes every number.

An angel lost a wing... and I picked it up for Christmas time...

Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of 1950s French artistry with this elegant wooden female torso. Sculpted from solid wood, this piece stands as ...

Wooden sculpture figuring a man by a French artist, circa 1980. A very tall figurative sculpture made from roughly hewn birchwood. The features and details composing the character a...

Anatomical model for class, depicting an external and inner ear, made out of painted papier mache’ mounted on black painted wood. France circa 1890.

An unique piece composed of bronze and fruitwood parts that move on a hinge, evincing the flight of a bird. Fred Brouard was renowned in his time for bringing unique curves, strikin...

Lovely piece with subtle patina.

Striking piece, with history and subtle wear.

O/4911 - Unusual cup that comes from Rwanda, formerly Zaire, Democratic Republic of the Congo. I bought it at an exibition, from a young African man well known to dealers in Paris. ...

A Victorian pair of shell and coral floral arrangements on carved and gilded wooden base. Each of the two compositions features a base in sculpted and carved fruit wood, gilded which...

Anglo-Indian carved mango wood Marwari war horse figurine with brass saddle and equipage. Jodhpur, India, British Raj, 19th century.

18th Century Water Gilt sunray fragment reimagined as an objet d'art. Sunray would have been part of a full sunburst that would have been installed in a church or other holy building...

A charming Theodore Alexander bronze bust of Mozart. The youthful Mozart in patinated bronze on a fruitwood column with an ebonized wood ba...

Hutton-Clarke Antiques is delighted to present an exquisite Antique Carved Walnut Polychrome Figure of Saint Madeleine. This beautiful piece, bearing the likeness of Saint Madeleine ...

Behold this exquisite set of three 19th century French dibbers, tools used to aid in planting seeds or seedlings, each a unique testament to the artistry of bygone eras. Crafted with...

Specimen from wunderkammer, a glass ampoule with turned fruitwood lid painted black and label on the front. The paper label reads: Pulvis eructanea. France circa 1870.

Specimen from wunderkammer, a glass ampoule with turned fruitwood lid painted black and label on the front. The paper label reads: Corallium Sidere and the number XXI. France circa 1870

Antique crucifix with stunning hand carved details and an amazing patina. This remarkable and good size crucifix with a sculpture of a suffering Christ on the cross is another one...

Gilt wood friezes for furniture: sphinx. To be applied on furniture or frames as an unusual decoration: they don't want to look ancient. Beautiful on the corners of a frame.

Stunning and rare Black Forest bear. Striking German design from the 1920s. Hand-carved fruitwood sculpture of a life-like bear walking on all four paws. Rare because of the hand-...

a polychromed wooden Santos head, found in Spain, mid 18th century, height is 16 cm with foot 24 cm, width 9 cm with foot 12 cm, depth 7 cm with foo...

Very nice black forest bear. Hand carved 1920s. Good condition.

An academic cast. Over the fruit wooden black painted base is set the cast of Costanza Bonarelli head by Bernini. Cast for drawing teaching in Academy. Italy circa 1890.

DAVID SCULPTURE IN WOOd OLD SOLID WOOD HANDMADE SCULPTURE AT THE BEGINNING OF 1900, POSSIBLY ITALIAN SCHOOL. IT HAS A NICE PATINA AND IS IN VERY GOOD...

Anthony Redmile shell encrusted ducks boxes. Beautiful rare Anthony Redmile shell encrusted r ducks form box, 20th century A pair. Size :40X25X20 cm.

A mounted antique carved wooden mould from the Tucker collection. This is one of many moulds we are selling from this vast collection assembled by British make-up artist, Christopher...

A mounted antique carved wooden mould from the Tucker collection. This is one of many moulds we are selling from this vast collection assembled by British make-up artist, Christopher Tucker. Dating from the late 18th to mid 19th centuries, this wooden mould has been exceptionally hand carved by talented Victorian artisans, these elaborate details originally used to cast details in composition for the frames of pictures and paintings. This mould is inscribed with design number 4968 to the front and features a beautiful design deeply carved into the wood. This results in a highly ornate and precise compo embellishment that appears as though it has been carved rather than cast. The wooden mould comes with an accompanying custom-made steel display stand. Christopher Tucker Christopher Tucker (1941-2022) was an award-winning British make-up artist, specialising in prosthetics for theatre and film. Over his vast career, Tucker worked on a number of famous film and theatrical sets, creating prosthetics for the likes of The Phantom of the Opera, Star Wars and The Company of Wolves as well as the spectacular transformation of John Hurt into The Elephant Man. Following Tucker’s death in 2022, his expansive collection of film memorabilia...

A pair of mounted antique carved wooden moulds from the Tucker collection. This pair is one of many moulds we are selling from this vast collection assembled by British make-up artis...

Very nice Hand carved Black Forest Wooden Bear ,Glass Eyes ,

18th century exceptional Italian carved wood and polychromed figure depicting baby Jesus holding the world in his hand, he has halo made from sterling silver and the globe is also st...

A pair of mounted antique carved wooden moulds from the Tucker collection. This pair is one of many moulds we are selling from this vast collection assembled by British make-up artist, Christopher Tucker. Dating from the late 18th to mid 19th centuries, these wooden moulds are exceptionally hand carved by talented Victorian artisans, their elaborate details originally used to cast details in composition for the frames of pictures and paintings. This set is inscribed with design number 8546 and features beautiful scrolling and foliage deeply carved into the wood. This results in a highly ornate and precise compo embellishment that appears as though it has been carved rather than cast. Each wooden mould comes with an accompanying custom-made steel display stand. Christopher Tucker (1941-2022) was an award-winning British make-up artist, specialising in prosthetics for theatre and film...

Folk art walking stick: carved wooden handle depicting a Great Dane dog’s head, sulphur glass eyes. Fruit wood shaft and metal ferrule. Germany ...

Majestuous 17th century Angel. Important carved, gilded and polychrome wooden angel from the 17th century from the choir of a church in Spain. It is of very good quality (see the dr...

According to the legends, there are two types of Saint Anthony’s, they can easily be distinguished by their hair. This one is known as Saint Anthony of Padua, he is recognizable by his clerical tonsure. It is practice of cutting or shaving some of all the hair on the scalp as a sign of religious devotion. Saint Anthony was born in 1232 in Lisbon, Portugal. He was a Portuguese Catholic priest and friar of the Franciscan Order. Known by his contemporaries for his powerful preaching, expert knowledge of scripture and undying love and devotion to the poor and the sick, he was one of the most quickly canonized saints in church history. Saint Anthony of Padua is also known as patron saint of lost causes. The wooden sculpture stands...

19th century Black Forest hand carved figure of a Chamois deer, bending down to eat foliage. The carving is lovely and in very good condition for its age.

handcrafted fruitwood elephant figurals in good vintage condition. Measures 18 inches in width, 4.25" in depth and stand 16" tall.

Elegant little carved wooden horse from the 19th century in polychrome wood Very beautiful polychromy which has a lot of charm Old child's toy with the front wheels which moves ...

These beautifully hand-carved birds are reproductions of Hong (or Hamsa), the celestial swans that adorn many of Northern Thailand’s temple roofs. They signify unsurpassed grace and ...

A composite abstract angular horned animal headed piece with carved details. Mounted on a tiered black marble base. The artist was a member of The Art Students League in NYC and his ...

Mechelen dolls are rare wooden devotional figurines (mainly walnut was used), which were made by some members of the Guild of Saint Luke. The figures, all individual saints, were made from reference models using highly regulated carving and polychrome techniques. They had to meet several requirements. The shape of the rug had to meet certain criteria and the letter M (from Mechelen) had to be visible in the shape. These devotional or saint figurines...

XIX Century child wax bust. Curious bust in wax representing a child of the xix century on wooden base total measurements: 22 cm height only the bust 16 cm.

Excellent hand carved fruit wood quality for this virgin with child in the Belle epoque style. The shape and movement of the drapery is really lively. The patina of the walnut wood...

Pair of antique friezes in gilded wood with fruit (pears). They are all hand sculpted by an Italian artist 200 years ago ! It's very difficult to find ...

Italian antique frieze in hand-carved wood and gilded gold leaf. Very rare. (See my published ancient friezes). You can hang it on the headboard, on a...

Japanese wooden doll. Kokeshi call made in Japan. The Kokeshi are traditional dolls originating from the north of Japan, the kokeshis were created more than 150 years ago. These Japa...