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Chinese Wood Carving

The Role of Wood Art in Oriental-Inspired Design

The world has increasingly become one global city. Nowadays, more people have shown a preference for traveling to far-flung countries, discovering cultures, and appreciating art from all over the world. As a direct result, diverse and eclectic interior design styles have emerged. One of these is Oriental design. From using ceramic jars to wood wall art, this interior design concept incorporates specific pieces that evoke the mystique of the Far East.

The Oriental cultural tradition is typically dominated by practical simplicity and religion. As such, it is not surprising to find simple household items as well as religious icons and other ceremonial pieces in most Asian homes. Perhaps the most essential pieces of Oriental interior design are the wooden home accents that figure prominently within it. For those who are a bit more adventurous and would want to incorporate their travels and their passion for art and culture into their home décor, but are reluctant to do a complete renovation, consider using just a few key pieces to infuse your home with the same effect.

Of the prevailing cultural traditions, Thai, Chinese, and Balinese cultures all include wooden pieces that are either utilitarian or ceremonial in nature as part of every home's décor. Wooden carvings of elephants dominate Thai homes and public structures, while Chinese furniture pieces such as beds, chairs, and tables regularly figure in most homes. Meanwhile, wooden statues of Buddha in varying sizes and poses also figure prominently not just in Balinese homes but in public temples as well.

The main reason why wood has come to dominate oriental interior design is because it is the most ubiquitous material in those regions. Along with the existence of this easily-accessed material came the development of Asia's wood-carving tradition, through which wood is used to carve different kinds of objects for household or ceremonial purposes. Household items include furniture, chests and containers, while craftsmen have also produced carvings and sculptures for religious purposes such as icons and statuettes. Over the years, wood carving has evolved into a simple part of daily life into a large industry that has produced beautiful creations exemplified by gorgeous sculptures, furniture, and wood wall art.

Of all the types of wood used for these pieces, Teak or "Tectona grandis" remains as the most popular. The name Teak is in fact derived from the Malayan word "tekka," demonstrating its importance in Asian culture and daily life. Teak is native to Burma and Thailand but may also be found throughout the Malay Archipelago. Teak timber is an ideal medium because it is soft enough to carve but is hard enough to resist the elements. As a material, it is highly valued because it is a virtually imperishable material due to its durability. Another important advantage to using Teak is that it is has natural properties that make it resistant to known wood destroyers such as termites, wood mites, and other insects.

Today, wood carving has remained to be an indigenous tradition that has withstood the times. Due to its ubiquity and integral role in major Asian cultural traditions, wood has successfully retained its economic and cultural importance.

About the Author

Jessica Ackerman is the senior staff writer for WallDecorandHomeAccents.com - a unique wall art store specializing in art and canvas wall art sets.

Bamboo Pattern Chinese Art Wood Carving Handcraft Fan Shaped Plaque $14.12 Description:Traditional Chinese Wood Carving is a kind of classic and mysterious Handwork CraftsFan shaped Chinese style Handcraft Wood Carving is an ideal Wood Carving Plaque for your roomsBamboo's long life makes it a Chinese symbol of longevity in ChineseThis Chinese Wood Carving made of wood materialsNot chromatic, same color of the wood, you can paint by yourselfThickness: about 8mmFan size: about 410 x 170mmWeight: 145g

Wood Carving $23.11 Wood Carving

Chinese Art Handcraft Wood Carving with Fortune Pig Pattern $24.99 Description: Traditional Chinese Wood Carving is a kind of classic and mysterious Handwork CraftsRound shape Chinese style Handcraft Wood Carving is an ideal Wood Carving Plaque for your roomsFortune Pig with plenty of wealth pattern means bring in wealth and riches in ChineseThis Chinese Wood Carving made of special camphorwoodNot chromatic, same color of the wood, you can paint by yourselfThickness: about 12mmDiameter: about 260mmWeight:277 g

Peony Bloom Chinese Art Handcraft Wood Carving Wall Decoration $20.75 Description:Handcraft Wood Carving is Chinese traditional Handwork Crafts, classic and mysteriousChinese painting style Wood Carving Plaque is elegant and very delicacy which can be decorate your living room with special style, also suitable for fitment of bar, hotel who need Chinese styleFlower in bloom symbolizes richness on the way and have a great career in ChineseRound shape Chinese Wood Carving, made of special camphorwoodNot chromatic, same color of the wood, you can paint by yourselfThickness: about 16mmDiameter: about 275mmWeight: 384g

Chinese Art Twin Carp Handcraft Wood Carving Wall Plaque $19.98 Description:Handcraft Wood Carving is Chinese traditional Handwork Crafts, classic and mysteriousChinese painting style Wood Carving Plaque is elegant and very delicacy which can be decorate your living room with special style, also suitable for fitment of bar, hotel who need Chinese styleTwo alive and kicking carps is swimming in the lotus flower blossom, it means having more than need every year in ChineseRound shape Chinese Wood Carving, made of special camphorwoodNot chromatic, same color of the wood, you can paint by yourself Thickness: about 15mmDiameter: about 275mmWeight: 348g

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Wood Carving of the Virgin Mary $39.99 Martin Gray Wood Carving of the Virgin Mary - Photographic Print

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Detailed Wood Carving of Flowers and Patterns $39.99 Detailed Wood Carving of Flowers and Patterns - Photographic Print

Wood Carving Set carving set $151.99 This professional quality set comes with a complete collection of tools for carving wood. The set also includes a durable canvas roll for storing and carrying the tools.The set contains nine tools:5/8 in. Straight Chisel1/2 in. Shallow Gouge3/4 in. Medium Gouge1/2 in. Short Bent1/4 in. Parting ToolCarving KnifeCraftsman?s KnifeSharpening StoneMallet

Manual of Traditional Wood Carving $13.43 Possibly the best book in English on the craft of wood carving. Practical instructions, along with 1,148 working drawings and photographic illustrations.

Copal Wood Carving, an 'Alebrijo,' of a Demon $39.99 Raul Touzon Copal Wood Carving, an 'Alebrijo,' of a Demon - Photographic Print

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Wood Carving Mallet mallet $15.3 This one-piece solid wood mallet is designed for light to medium wood carving. Its handle fits well in your grip and is completely wax-coated to deter possible checking. Approximately 12 oz.

The Book of Wood Carving $9.12 Nationally famous teacher and craftsman Charles Marshall Sayers carefully guides the reader through the fundamentals of wood carving. Beginning with tools and materials and how to use them, the book covers incised, relief, and other carving methods--and provides 34 illustrated designs for over 34 projects for the student to create while learning.

Chinese Wood Carving Artist in Nanchang, Jiang Xi, China