Solid wood sculpture - 12 Chinese zodiac animals - China

Antique Solid Wood Sculpture – The 12 Animals of the Chinese Zodiac – China, Mid-20th Century

Exceptional Chinese sculpture representing the 12 signs of the zodiac: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. The whole forms a complex and perfectly balanced composition, hand-carved from a single block of hardwood.

The rendering is particularly expressive, with a richness of textures: fur, feathers, scales, horns… every detail is finely crafted. The animals' eyes are inlaid, probably made of polished horn or black glass, adding a realistic and deep glow to the expression of each figure.

Characteristics

Origin: China
Period: Mid-20th Century
Wood: Exotic hardwood, probably Asian rosewood or hongmu
Dimensions: Height 20 cm / Width 13 cm
Weight: 1.35 kg
Finish: Highly polished, natural patina
Condition: Very good overall condition. An old restoration is visible on one of the horse's legs, but it is discreet and solidly integrated.

Technical Details

Sculpture made in the round, with no visible joints.
Works of this type were often intended to adorn family altars or for decorative purposes in traditional homes.
The absence of a signature is common for handcrafted sculptures of this period.
The eye inlays (probably horn or black glass) are well preserved and bring a rare realism to this type of object.

Fast and careful shipping with tracking number.
Reinforced packaging.
International shipping.