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Hi, I recently acquired this wood carving. I know nothing about it, not even the type of wood. It has 2 small patches of old lacquer. Do you recommend oiling or waxing it or leaving it as is? 9.5”/24cm high. Thanks
Richard,
What a nice carving that dancer certainly has a spring in his step full of life and movement. And at 24cm a really good size. I think you are correct he would of been painted or covered with laqure and would of been quite bright and colorful. Perhaps this original covering had become so degrade that somebody has stripped the remains away. It also looks to have suffered some weathering been out in the rain or in the sun to long which would explain his lack of old patina. As far as finishes are concerned it is a matter of taste if you want to use a wood stain to give it some color or you just want to preserve it. There are lots proprietary wood care products available they go under different trade names in different places so it is hard to make a recommendation. A visit to your local hardware or craft/ hobby shop that has a section for wood carvers/ turners may help. I have found that products made from natural mineral oils work best. If you live in a dry climate suggest you keep a small container of water close by it. The color of the timber looks like box wood however based on the base I am not sure that is the case. Carvings that were made to be painted or lacquered were often made from softwood not tropical hardwoods.
Not sure it matters that much in your case as the quality of the carving is good the base material is perhaps no so important I have always thought that it's best to look to the quality of the carving before worrying about the timber or the objects age. If it looks like it was carved by Fred Flintstone with a blunt stone axe it don't matter what it is made from or how old it is. Others will no doubt disagree. Can't make my mind if your carving is Chinese or Japanese nor it's age other than it looks to be older rather than a recent carving. Think it is worth taking some professional advice from a wood care specialist as your item is worth preserving.
Michael
Hi All,
Thanks for your info and help. I think it's boxwood but not sure, when wet the colour and appearance looks like boxwood, the texture is also very smooth, but then why would they have lacquered boxwood? There surface remnants are of lacquer. The base is chiseled flat, not cut with a saw, curious piece, I do like it a lot.
Best,
Richard.
@richard2095 It is a pretty figure, but I suspect it looks older than it really is.
Rootwood figures generally incorporates the natural rootwood, which is usually very burly, into the design - your figure is completely carved and I see no burl, so not root wood.
Boxwood is very dense, and usually when carved the detail put into the carving is very fine. Your figure is just not detailed enough, and the surface of the wood lacks density, so not likely boxwood.
Michael may be correct that the piece was painted or lacquered...it looks deliberately stripped given no remnance of paint or lacquer remains.
Elm was commonly used for these type of figures.
Hi Thanks for the info. The wood is not elm. I have boxwood pieces and it feels like those. Anyway still to be determined:)
Richard.
Here is a Chinese boxwood figure sold by Christie's....compare to your figure.
Do you see the wide grain on your figure, and the absence of grain in the Christie's boxwood piece? Do you see softer degree of carving?
To my knowledge, boxwood is never painted or lacquered, and the appearnce of being stripped is a clear indication of such decor.
So, what kind of wood was used in lacquered/painted figures? If you disagree with me, then just Google it... this information is available through other sources.
Ah yes, I see what you mean. Thanks for the comparison.
best,
richard.
It's elm wood. Should be covered with lacquer. This figure is called Liu Hai and toad. Qing dynasty.
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