Vintage Chinese-Style Warrior Wall Mask in Hand-Carved Tropical Wood, C. 1960–1980

Details

Description

A commanding vintage hand-carved tropical wood wall sculpture depicting a Chinese-style bearded warrior or official figure, dating to approximately the … Read more A commanding vintage hand-carved tropical wood wall sculpture depicting a Chinese-style bearded warrior or official figure, dating to approximately the 1960s–1980s.

Measuring 16 inches tall with an unusually substantial 4-inch projection, the carving has remarkable sculptural presence. Deeply modeled cheeks and brows surround narrow pierced eyes, while a prominent nose, sweeping mustache and dramatically separated openwork beard create strong dimensionality.

An elaborate two-part headdress crowns the figure and incorporates a carved central floral medallion. The ears are pierced for separate ornaments; one of the original-style carved wooden hoop ornaments remains, while its counterpart is missing.

The relatively lightweight tropical carving wood displays attractive natural variation from honey and golden tan to warmer reddish-brown tones. Examination of the exposed grain, weight and carving characteristics suggests an Albizia-family wood may have been used, although the exact species has not been confirmed.

The imagery is distinctly Chinese in character, although neither the specific identity of the figure nor exact country of manufacture has been definitively established. It may have been carved in China or elsewhere in Asia for the decorative/export market. The piece comes from an estate collection assembled by a well-traveled collector.

Its scale, dimensional carving and warm natural wood make it especially effective as a standalone wall sculpture in an organic modern, wabi-sabi, collected, global or Asian-inspired interior.

Dimensions & Weight

16” H × 10” W × 4” D; 2 lb 11 oz See less