Edo Sculptures and Carvings
EDO STYLE
Edo furniture was created during a flourishing time for the decorative arts owing to the stability of the Tokugawa shogunate rule in Japan. Spanning from 1603 to 1867, this era of peace and economic growth supported artistic advancements in lacquer, woodblock printing, porcelain and other artisanal trades. Because the country was largely isolated, there was little outside influence, leading to centuries of exceptional attention to the design of its furnishings and the quality of its traditional arts.
Unlike during the Meiji period that followed, with an increase in domestic and international markets, furniture during the Edo period was predominately commissioned by the ruling class, although people from across social groups benefited from the burgeoning metropolitan hubs for artisanal trades. For instance, Kyoto became a major center for lacquer art. Most furniture pieces were made from wood such as cedar or ash, including the era’s sashimono cabinets, which involved fine joinery and were rooted in the Heian period.
Sashimono cabinets, which were built by master craftsmen in a range of different wood types owing to the various trees that populate Japan, occasionally featured a stack of slender drawers as well as sliding doors. They were popular with everyone from samurai to kabuki actors. Tansu storage chests crafted from wood with metal fittings were also common in Edo-period homes. Some were designed to be easily portable while others were made to double as staircases.
Painted folding screens, called byōbu, were also fashionable, with Japanese artists inspired by nature, literature and scenes of history and daily life to create vivid works. In Buddhist temples and the palatial homes of the aristocratic class, fusuma, or large sliding panels, would sometimes be adorned with gold or silver leaf. These dividers allowed interiors to change throughout the day, closing in small spaces for personal use or reflecting candlelight to illuminate communal spaces after dark.
Find a collection of Edo tables, lighting, decorative objects, wall decorations and more furniture on 1stDibs.
to
1
4
6
511
189
77
33
33
27
12
12
11
8
8
8
4
3
2
2
1
2
4
6
3
3
1
1
6
6
6
6
6
6
Style: Edo
Japanese Fish Shape Meditation Drum (Gyoban), Edo Period
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Japanese Monk Meditation Fish Gong, Edo Period (Zen fish shaped drum, Gyoban)
In the Zen Buddhist temples of Japan, suspended in front of the entrance to the refectory, you will not...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Antique Wooden Sculpture "Kobo Daishi" / Buddha Statues / Edo-Meiji Period
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an old Japanese "Kobo Daishi" wooden figure.
"Kobo Daishi" means "Kukai".
"Kukai" was a monk from the early Heian period. His posthumous name was "Kobo Daishi". He is the fou...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Cypress
Antique Japanese Noh theatre Carved Painted Wooden Ko-Omote Mask
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce antique Japanese Noh theatre hand carved and painted wooden mask of Ko-Omote.
Sculpted in Japan in the 19th century, Ko-omote (literally ...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Cypress, Paint
Noh Edo Period Lion Mask II
Located in Pasadena, CA
This another superb example of an Edo Period early 18th century or earlier Lion Mask created for the Lion Dances of the Gion Matsuri Festival. The mask is i...
Category
Early 18th Century Japanese Antique Edo Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Japanese Seated Edo Buddha Amida Nyorai Wood Carved
Gilt-Lacquered Sculpture
Located in Studio City, CA
This truly a magnificent piece. Stunning. Beautiful. Supremely serene.
Meticulously hand carved in such fine and amazing detail (see hands and flowing robes). Gilded throughout. Sea...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Lacquer, Wood
Rare Antique Statue of a Chinese Child Performing Tai Chi
Located in Prahran, Victoria
Rare Japanese antique statue of a Chinese child performing Tai chi capturing the pose in motion. Middle Edo period, circa 1750. Made from polychrome on carved ...
Category
Mid-18th Century Japanese Antique Edo Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Cypress
$2,880 Sale Price
20% Off
Related Items
Ishihara Hideo Japanese Kokeshi Doll Sculptures Signed
Located in San Diego, CA
A pair of Kokeshi dolls by Hideo Ishihara (1925 - 1999). The title of this set is "Mitinoku Okako" or "Parent and Child". Hideo Ishihara came from a fam...
Category
1970s Japanese Vintage Edo Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Japanese Folk Art Carved Gilt Wood Theater Facial Mask on Brass Base
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
2-342,Japanese Folk Art carved gilt wood mask on brass base.
Category
1960s Vintage Edo Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Brass
Modern Creative Kokeshi Doll by Hideo Ishihara, Japan
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Rare Modern creative Kokeshi doll by Hideo Ishihara, Japan
This rare whimsical sosaku kokeshi was created and signed by the award winning master, Hid...
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Edo Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
European Antique Artifact Hand Carved Wooden Foot
Located in Malibu, CA
Antique rare
ancient artifact, a foot, wearing a sandal, the bottom of the foot has been carved with the sandals bottom as well.
Category
Early 17th Century European Antique Edo Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Six Foot "Fresh Fish" Trade Sign
Located in Norwell, MA
Six foot carved fish trade sign. The Atlantic mackerel is hand-carved with gills, fins, tail, eyes, and snout. "Fresh Fish" is painted in red letters on one side. Great distressed fi...
Category
2010s North American Edo Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Hand-Carved Wood Javanese ‘Wayang Topeng’ Theatre Mask, Indonesia c. 1900
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
A visibly old mask from the Javanese masks theatre ‘wayang topeng’: carved from hard wood, and painted on the front side. The mask shows clear traces of ...
Category
Early 20th Century Indonesian Edo Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
$1,500
H 9.85 in W 8.27 in D 4.73 in
Japanese Pair Vintage Gilt Pheasant Bird Sculptures, Signed
Located in South Burlington, VT
Beautiful pair (2) old Japanese vintage gilt pheasant bird sculptures.
Marked Japan on bottoms.
From our recent Japanese acquisitions in original condition with original attractive gilding present.
Japan, an attractive and iconic pair (2) pheasant sculptures with original gilt patina. One is poised with vertical tail and thehy other in a seated horizontal position.
The pheasant is considered Japan's national bird.
This creative simple adaption makes a compelling contemporary pair of sculptures.
Fine original used condition with original gold gilt patina appropriate to their age.
Original gilt patina from age.
Dimensions: 7 inches tall and 6.5 inches wide
Photographed in natural day light.
Quality: Excellent quality and fine craftsmanship by Japanese specialized artisans
Provenance: authentic Japanese examples (see labels).
Lifetime guarantee of authenticity. All of our Asian works of art come with our lifetime authenticity guarantee.
About Japan's Green Pheasant
In Japanese culture, the green pheasant is unofficially considered the national bird of the country owing to its references in ancient folk tales of Japan. The green pheasant was said to be a messenger of the Sun Goddess...
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Edo Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Iron
$100 Sale Price / set
66% Off
H 7 in W 6.5 in D 2 in
Antique 18th Century Late Ayutthaya Period Siamese Buddha
Located in Peabody, MA
A fine 18th century, late Ayutthaya period Siamese (Thailand) life size standing Buddha temple figure in carved and gilded teak. The base of the figure is a tapered plug fashioned to...
Category
18th Century Thai Antique Edo Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Teak, Paint
Old Rare Wooden Child Sculpture "Sleeping Chinese Baby"
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Enjoyable wooden statue with a smiling sleeping Chinese baby, with the head resting on a pillow.
This was used as a head rest for elaborate hairstyles of ...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Edo Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Hardwood
Japanese Big Antique Blue And White Hand-Painted Good Fortune Money Cat
Located in South Burlington, VT
Japan a rare large-scale and lovely hand-painted blue and white ceramic Maneki Neko good fortune money cat.
It is from the Arita/ imari kilns and dates to the early 20th century.
Notice the intricate detailed blue painting on white porcelain of this cat's eyes, body, necklace, and tail.
Dimensions: Big 15.5 inches tall and 7inches wide.
This comes from a very fine Kyoto area collection.
Handsome hand painted blue detail replete with a necklace with bells and bows.
Old original patina from appropriate age.
An earlier work of art that is hard to find in this size and quality.
Handmade and hand-painted.
Only one.
History:
The Maneki-Neko (Japanese literally -beckoning cat) - is a common Japanese figurine (lucky charm, talisman) which is often believed to bring good luck to the owner. In Modern Times, they are usually made of ceramic or plastic. Wooden examples are few and far between. The figurine depicts a cat (traditionally a calico Japanese Bobtail) beckoning with an upright paw, and is usually displayed in—often at the entrance of—shops, restaurants, pachinko parlors, and other businesses. The maneki-neko is sometimes also called the welcoming cat, lucky cat, money cat, happy cat...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Edo Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Ceramic
$760 Sale Price
52% Off
H 15.5 in W 6 in D 6.5 in
Japan Tall Antique Hand Crafted Inari Fox Kitsune With Glass Eyes Inari Shrine
Located in South Burlington, VT
Japanese antique shinto shrine ceramic Inari fox guardian and Shinto Kami (god).
Rare glass eyes and remnant red (mouth) and white paint on its base still present and it holds the ...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Edo Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Pottery, Glass
$975
H 16 in W 7.5 in D 5.5 in
Antique Wooden Carved Black Forest Game Plaque with Fox
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique wooden carved Black Forest game plaque with fox
An antique wooden hunting game plaque with impressive carving of a fox and hunting accessoires. Black Forest, executed ca. 1900. Very good condition. This plaque is a splendid addition to every rustic wall decoration.
The tradition of wood carving in Brienz dates back to mid of the 19th century. People in the region were looking for new employment opportunities. They used their skills from traditional crafts, carving everyday objects and sculptures, and created a new business. Many woodcarvers were trained in the 'School of Wood Carving, Brienz' which was established in 1884. Around 1900 the woodcarving industry counted ca. 2000 woodcarvers. Brienz woodcarvings were presented on several worlds fairs with great success. With the Gran Tour Tourism wealthy people from all over the word visited the area and took their woodcarving souvenirs home. Today some companies, like 'Huggler Holzbildhauerei' still exist and build traditional sculptures.
Measures:
Width: 13.78" (35 cm)
Height: 18.5" (47 cm)
Depth: 2.76" (7 cm)
Literature Reference:
Peter F. Blackman, Black Forest Woodcarvings, Atglen 2009.
Jay Arenski, Simon and Michael Daniels, Swiss Carvings...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Edo Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Previously Available Items
Japanese Antique Wooden Daruma, Late Edo Era
1603-1868
, Wabi Sabi
Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08
This antique daruma was crafted in the Late Edo Era (1603-1868).
Made of wood, it exudes a simple yet unique charm that reflects the cultural essence of its time. The natural textu...
Category
Mid-19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Antique Wooden Sculpture of Japanese God / Buddha Statues / Edo-Meiji Period
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
It is a god that has existed since ancient times in Japan.
The name is "Daikokuten" .
What is Daikoku?
Originally a synonym for the Hindu god Shiva.
However, in Japan, it was incorp...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Cypress
H 5.91 in W 5.12 in D 5.12 in
Japanese Noh Mask Depicting Zou-Onna Representing a Female Deity Edo Period, 19t
Located in Fukuoka, JP
Japanese Noh Mask was crafted at early Edo period. The Japanese Noh Mask depicting Zou-onna that you are considering is an excellent example of a mas...
Category
Mid-19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
H 8.5 in W 3 in D 5.5 in
Japanese Wood Carved Polychrome Temple Shrine Shinto Priest Figure, Edo Period
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful piece depicting a Japanese Shinto (Shintoism) priest in reflection. The wood carving shows clear signs of use and natural organic wear acquired over years of display.
...
Category
Early 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
H 9.25 in W 5 in D 3.25 in
Antique Wooden Sculptures of Japanese Gods / Buddha Statues / Edo-Meiji Period
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
It is a god that has existed since ancient times in Japan.
The name is "Daikokuten" on the left and "Ebisu" on the right.
What is Daikoku?
Originally a synonym for the Hindu god...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Cypress
H 8.67 in W 5.44 in D 4.97 in
Japanese Antique Wood Carving Daruma 1800s-1900s /Folk Art Figurine Wabisabi Art
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
It is an old Japanese wood carving Daruma doll.
It is from the Edo period (1800-1900).
The material is cedar.
This is black and beautiful.
Why is it black?
Because there is so...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Cedar
H 6.11 in W 5.52 in D 4.73 in
Japanese Folk Art / Antique Wooden Carp / Hearth Tools / Wooden Sculpture Object
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
We have an aesthetic sense peculiar to Japanese people.
And we introduce the unique items that only we can do, the route of purchasing in Japan, the experience value so far, and the way that no one can imitate.
It is an old wooden carp from the late Edo period to the Taisho period (1800-1926) in Japan.
This was used in the hearth of private houses and farmhouses.
It's a very simple sculpture...
Category
19th Century Asian Antique Edo Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Other
H 4.14 in W 11.82 in D 3.15 in
Japanese Antique Stone Statue / Two Gods / Edo Period / Buddha /Stone Figurine
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
It is a stone carving god made in the Edo period.
One is "Ebisu" and the other is "Daikoku".
Ebisu is a god that originated in Japan.
He is one of the Seven Lucky Gods who bestows...
Category
Late 18th Century Japanese Antique Edo Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Other
H 7.56 in W 5.12 in L 7.56 in
Japanese Antique Wooden Buddha Statue / "Daikoku-Ten" Edo Period-Meiji, 1800s
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
We have an aesthetic sense peculiar to Japanese people.
And we introduce the unique items that only we can do, the route of purchasing in Japan, the experience value so far, and the...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Cypress
H 3.27 in W 2.17 in D 2.68 in
1600s-1800s Japanese Wood Carving Jizo Bodhisattva or Buddha Statue Edo Period
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
We Japanese introduce unique items with unique aesthetics, purchasing routes, and ways that no one can imitate.
It is a wood carving Jizo Bodhisattva from the Edo period in Japan.
...
Category
17th Century Japanese Antique Edo Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
H 8.27 in W 2.52 in D 2.01 in
18th-19th Century
Mid-Late Edo Period
Japanese Stone Buddha "Jizo Bodhisattva"
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
We Japanese introduce unique items with unique aesthetics, purchasing routes, and ways that no one can imitate.
It is believed to have been made between the middle and late Edo pe...
Category
18th Century Japanese Antique Edo Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Other
H 14.73 in W 7.49 in D 5.52 in
Japanese Okame Ko-Omote Noh Theater Mask Edo Period
Located in Studio City, CA
A truly beautiful, wonderfully aged, alluring mask made for Japanese Noh theater. The natural faded beauty and unique character drew us to this mask immediately.
This mask is handcrafted and carved from natural wood and lacquer.
Ko-omote translates as "little mask" or sometimes "small face." This particular delicate featured mask (her red lips really stand out) is used for main and sometimes secondary roles when the character is a young girl or, in some cases, a supernatural being. What is also interesting about this mask is that remnants of the blackened teeth can still be seen. Centuries ago, it was customary for Japanese women to paint their teeth black after they were married.
We believe this mask dates from the mid-late Edo period and thus quite rare. The mask was acquired from an antique mask...
Category
Late 18th Century Japanese Antique Edo Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Edo sculptures and carvings for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Edo sculptures and carvings for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 19th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage sculptures and carvings created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include folk art, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, cypress and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Edo sculptures and carvings made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and Japan pieces for sale on 1stDibs. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for sculptures and carvings differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $800 and tops out at $7,950 while the average work can sell for $2,880.