Wood Carvings

Woodcarving translates ordinary blocks of wood into sculptures or ornamental objects, an artwork that transcends its associations with mere craft. As an art form, the concept of wood carving can include anything from decorative bas-reliefs to life-size figures, furniture, and architectural ornaments. Through its evolution from primarily serving devotional and religious purposes to its transformation into abstract shapes, the art of carving follows the evolution of art as a whole. It was valued for its aesthetic qualities and unaltered form, whether it was highly polished and colored or for its natural texture and quality. As wood carving designs evolved over time, they were modified and revived in a classical style. Classical principles are embodied in the designs of antique wood carving products offered on Bidsquare.

Wood carving is not only an ancient form of art, but it also is a type of art that varies from culture to culture. In the same way as other art forms, carved wood masterpieces are considered expressions of culture and expression. It has also been a way to express your feelings. Aside from its physical attributes, wood also possessed cultural and social meanings, which influenced its use. Many things such as shelves and other wooden objects do not have intricate designs like before.  

Due to its accessibility and relative ease of carving, wood artwork has always captured the imagination of designers and artists. The combination of wood’s characteristics, coupled with its delicate and warm appearance, makes wood the perfect choice for interior design and decor in contemporary style. With sustainability considerations gaining importance and biophilic design trending in interior design, wood has become more prevalent in modern design.

The medium of wood has seen a resurgence in popularity in the 20th century. Today, artists continue to draw inspiration from these timeless mediums. A number of contemporary sculptors have utilized wood, including Archipenko, Barlach, Henry Moore, and Tapio Virkkala of Finland. Several figurative artists have worked with wood due to an appreciation for the texture and grain of the material. Examples include Chaim Gross, Robert Laurent, William Zorach, and José de Creeft. Abstract artists have also been drawn to wood, particularly Louise Nevelson, who turned and carved large forms of wood into intricate compositions.

You can create your own signature statement with decorative wood carvings for a room or object. Adding a dramatic focal point to a fireplace mantel or applying wood carvings to walls are all good uses for wood carvings. Classical architecture and furniture decoration include wood carvings as a distinctive feature. Discover the collection of contemporary and antique wood carvings for sale at online auctions on Bidsquare. Browse our selection of artworks created by artisans around the globe, including realistic and abstract pieces. 

Quick Facts about Wood Carvings

  • It is possible to find great satisfaction in wood carving on a personal level. Continue carving this way and you will soon be able to carve something useful or artistic. 
  • A woodcarver's imagination as well as the raw material determine the size of their art.
1887 Results
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  • Pedro Friedeberg (b. 1936): Hand Moon
    Estimate
    $3,000 - $5,000

    Pedro Friedeberg (b. 1936): Hand Moon

    Est.
    $3,000 - $5,000
    STAIR
    1 Bid
    Current Bid
    $1,500
  • Chinatsu Ban (b. 1973): April Showery, May Flowery, June Bowery
    Estimate
    $7,000 - $9,000

    Chinatsu Ban (b. 1973): April Showery, May Flowery, Jun...

    Est.
    $7,000 - $9,000
    STAIR
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $3,500
  • WPA Wood Carved  Sculpture 1932 B.E.S Hallein
    Price$3,500

    WPA Wood Carved Sculpture 1932 B.E.S Hallein

    King Art & Antiques
    Buy Now Price
    $3,500
  • FOLK ART CARVED AND PAINTED WOODEN ARTICULATED BLACK AMERICANA JOINTED LIMBERJACK / JIG DOLL
    Estimate
    $200 - $300

    FOLK ART CARVED AND PAINTED WOODEN ARTICULATED BLACK AM...

    Est.
    $200 - $300
    Jeffrey S. Evans & Assoc., ...
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $100
  • JOHN L. HEATWOLE (VIRGINIA, 1948-2006), SHENANDOAH VALLEY OF VIRGINIA, FOLK ART CARVING
    Estimate
    $300 - $500

    JOHN L. HEATWOLE (VIRGINIA, 1948-2006), SHENANDOAH VALL...

    Est.
    $300 - $500
    Jeffrey S. Evans & Assoc., ...
    1 Bid
    Current Bid
    $150
  • JOHN L. HEATWOLE (VIRGINIA, 1948-2006), SHENANDOAH VALLEY OF VIRGINIA, FOLK ART CARVING
    Estimate
    $500 - $800

    JOHN L. HEATWOLE (VIRGINIA, 1948-2006), SHENANDOAH VALL...

    Est.
    $500 - $800
    Jeffrey S. Evans & Assoc., ...
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $250
  • JOHN L. HEATWOLE (VIRGINIA, 1948-2006), SHENANDOAH VALLEY OF VIRGINIA, FOLK ART WAX CARVING
    Estimate
    $50 - $80

    JOHN L. HEATWOLE (VIRGINIA, 1948-2006), SHENANDOAH VALL...

    Est.
    $50 - $80
    Jeffrey S. Evans & Assoc., ...
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $20
  • JOHN L. HEATWOLE (VIRGINIA, 1948-2006), SHENANDOAH VALLEY OF VIRGINIA, FOLK ART CARVED BOX
    Estimate
    $200 - $300

    JOHN L. HEATWOLE (VIRGINIA, 1948-2006), SHENANDOAH VALL...

    Est.
    $200 - $300
    Jeffrey S. Evans & Assoc., ...
    1 Bid
    Current Bid
    $100
  • JOHN L. HEATWOLE (VIRGINIA, 1948-2006), SHENANDOAH VALLEY OF VIRGINIA, FOLK ART CARVING OF DR. CLARENCE GEIER
    Estimate
    $80 - $120

    JOHN L. HEATWOLE (VIRGINIA, 1948-2006), SHENANDOAH VALL...

    Est.
    $80 - $120
    Jeffrey S. Evans & Assoc., ...
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $40
  • Vintage Polychromed Carved Wood Putti Playing the Flute
    Estimate
    $300 - $500

    Vintage Polychromed Carved Wood Putti Playing the Flute...

    Est.
    $300 - $500
    Rafael Osona Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $200
  • Black Forest Carved Wood Standing Bear, 19th Century
    Estimate
    $500 - $700

    Black Forest Carved Wood Standing Bear, 19th Century

    Est.
    $500 - $700
    Rafael Osona Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $400
  • H. Hamlin Peck Folk Art Carved Wood Shorebird Sculpture
    Estimate
    $300 - $400

    H. Hamlin Peck Folk Art Carved Wood Shorebird Sculpture...

    Est.
    $300 - $400
    Rafael Osona Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $200
  • Two Contemporary Folk Art Wood Carvings "Farmer, Wife and Lamb"
    Estimate
    $250 - $350

    Two Contemporary Folk Art Wood Carvings "Farmer, Wife a...

    Est.
    $250 - $350
    Rafael Osona Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $200
  • Vintage Carved Wood Camel Saddle Form Stool, 20th Century
    Estimate
    $300 - $500

    Vintage Carved Wood Camel Saddle Form Stool, 20th Centu...

    Est.
    $300 - $500
    Rafael Osona Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $150
  • Thad Mosley Counterforms freestanding wood sculpture
    Estimate
    $15,000 - $20,000

    Thad Mosley Counterforms freestanding wood sculpture

    Est.
    $15,000 - $20,000
    Concept Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $12,000
  • Igal Preslor- Original one of a kind acrylic painting on 3D wood sculpture
    Estimate
    $3,600 - $4,500

    Igal Preslor- Original one of a kind acrylic painting o...

    Est.
    $3,600 - $4,500
    Robinhood Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $2,605
  • Igal Preslor- Original one of a kind acrylic painting on 3D wood sculpture
    Estimate
    $3,600 - $4,500

    Igal Preslor- Original one of a kind acrylic painting o...

    Est.
    $3,600 - $4,500
    Robinhood Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $2,605
  • Enrico Glicenstein Wood Sculpture Beethoven c.1927
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,500

    Enrico Glicenstein Wood Sculpture Beethoven c.1927

    Est.
    $800 - $1,500
    Concept Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $500
  • Enrico Glicenstein Peasant with Scythe Wood Relief Sculpture 1930
    Estimate
    $1,000 - $2,000

    Enrico Glicenstein Peasant with Scythe Wood Relief Scul...

    Est.
    $1,000 - $2,000
    Concept Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $600
  • Antique Multi-Wood Inlaid Gameboard Lap Desk, 19th century
    Estimate
    $400 - $600

    Antique Multi-Wood Inlaid Gameboard Lap Desk, 19th cent...

    Est.
    $400 - $600
    Rafael Osona Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $250
  • Marvin Jones (American, 1940-2005) sculpture
    Estimate
    $60 - $120

    Marvin Jones (American, 1940-2005) sculpture

    Est.
    $60 - $120
    Rachel Davis Fine Arts
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $30
  • Marvin Jones (American, 1940-2005) sculpture
    Estimate
    $80 - $150

    Marvin Jones (American, 1940-2005) sculpture

    Est.
    $80 - $150
    Rachel Davis Fine Arts
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $40
  • Marvin Jones (American 1940-2005) sculpture
    Estimate
    $60 - $120

    Marvin Jones (American 1940-2005) sculpture

    Est.
    $60 - $120
    Rachel Davis Fine Arts
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $30
  • David A. Ludwig wall relief sculpture Structure 9370
    Estimate
    $100 - $200

    David A. Ludwig wall relief sculpture Structure 9370

    Est.
    $100 - $200
    Concept Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $70
  • David A. Ludwig wall relief sculpture Structure 2028
    Estimate
    $100 - $200

    David A. Ludwig wall relief sculpture Structure 2028

    Est.
    $100 - $200
    Concept Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $70
  • W. Glen Davis Welded Metal Untitled Abstract Sculpture
    Estimate
    $200 - $400

    W. Glen Davis Welded Metal Untitled Abstract Sculpture

    Est.
    $200 - $400
    Concept Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $125
  • Fine Trinity House Marquetry Money Bank Box, 19th Century
    Estimate
    $1,500 - $2,000

    Fine Trinity House Marquetry Money Bank Box, 19th Centu...

    Est.
    $1,500 - $2,000
    Rafael Osona Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $1,200
  • Hitoshi Kakizaki (Japanese, 20th/ 21st c.) glass sculpture
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200

    Hitoshi Kakizaki (Japanese, 20th/ 21st c.) glass sculpt...

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
    Rachel Davis Fine Arts
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $300
  • Skewville: Hype Boxes: A Pair
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200

    Skewville: Hype Boxes: A Pair

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
    2 Bids
    Sold for
    $250
  • 20th Century School: Construction
    Estimate
    $200 - $400
  • David Barr (b. 1939): No. 35
    Estimate
    $1,500 - $2,500

    David Barr (b. 1939): No. 35

    Est.
    $1,500 - $2,500
    2 Bids
    Sold for
    $600
  • Dave Maggard Wood Carving
    Estimate
    $125 - $200

    Dave Maggard Wood Carving

    Est.
    $125 - $200
  • Contemporary Carved Wood Dolphin Sculpture
    Estimate
    $200 - $300

    Contemporary Carved Wood Dolphin Sculpture

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • Vintage Carved Wood Figure of Buddha
    Estimate
    $400 - $600

    Vintage Carved Wood Figure of Buddha

    Est.
    $400 - $600
  • Carved Wood Black Forest Interior Scene
    Estimate
    $400 - $500

    Carved Wood Black Forest Interior Scene

    Est.
    $400 - $500
  • Antonio Zeppellini, Carved Wood Sculpture Woodsman
    Estimate
    $60 - $100

    Antonio Zeppellini, Carved Wood Sculpture Woodsman

    Est.
    $60 - $100
  • Carved Wood Lobster Hat or Coat Rack
    Estimate
    $200 - $300

    Carved Wood Lobster Hat or Coat Rack

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • Chinese Wood Carving of Immortal Lu Dongbin
    Estimate
    $100 - $200

    Chinese Wood Carving of Immortal Lu Dongbin

    Est.
    $100 - $200
  • Ancient Carved Wood and Polychromed Santo Sculpture
    Estimate
    $400 - $600

    Ancient Carved Wood and Polychromed Santo Sculpture

    Est.
    $400 - $600
  • Vintage Polychrome Carved Wood Eagle Plaque
    Estimate
    $2,000 - $2,500

    Vintage Polychrome Carved Wood Eagle Plaque

    Est.
    $2,000 - $2,500
  • Antique Chinese Carved Wood Landscape Panel
    Estimate
    $200 - $300

    Antique Chinese Carved Wood Landscape Panel

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • Hand Carved Wood George Washington Snuff Box
    Estimate
    $300 - $600

    Hand Carved Wood George Washington Snuff Box

    Est.
    $300 - $600
  • Vintage Carved and Painted Wood Humpback Whale Plaque
    Estimate
    $400 - $600

    Vintage Carved and Painted Wood Humpback Whale Plaque

    Est.
    $400 - $600
  • Brian Mitchell Carved and Painted Wood Sperm Whale
    Estimate
    $300 - $500

    Brian Mitchell Carved and Painted Wood Sperm Whale

    Est.
    $300 - $500