09/09/2026
Vintage Carved Hardwood Water Buffalo
A beautifully tactile hand-carved hardwood sculpture of a water buffalo, dating probably to the mid-20th century.
Carved from a wonderfully dark and dense hardwood, the buffalo is depicted standing four-square with its head lowered and substantial curved horns framing the expressive face. The carving has an appealing simplicity, with the powerful shoulders, rounded belly and sturdy legs skilfully reduced into a compact and highly tactile form.
The rich, near-black brown surface has developed an attractive aged patina through time and handling, with subtle variations revealing the natural grain of the timber beneath the polished surface. The underside retains the original flat-cut feet, allowing the figure to stand independently.
Water buffalo have long been associated with rural life across much of Asia, and carved representations such as this were produced as decorative objects and expressions of strength, endurance and agricultural life.
A particularly appealing example of folk or ethnographic carving, its small scale and wonderfully tactile quality give it considerable character. Equally suited to a collection of carved animals or Asian decorative arts, or simply displayed as an unusual decorative object within a more contemporary interior.
Condition; Good overall vintage condition commensurate with age and use. There is surface wear and variation to the patination throughout, together with minor marks and abrasions consistent with the age and nature of the piece. The feet are intentionally flat-cut and there is no apparent evidence of a missing base. Please refer to the photographs as part of the condition description.
Dimensions: Approx. 5½” (14cm) long × 3½” (9cm) high
