Carved Resting Monk or Boy Figurine (Showa-inspired Folk Figural)
Other; Decorative Object / Figural Accent · Traditional Southeast Asian or Chinese Folk Style (mid-to-late 20th Century) · Unknown artisan; likely produced for the export giftware market or as regional folk craft.
Type
Other; Decorative Object / Figural Accent
Style Period
Traditional Southeast Asian or Chinese Folk Style (mid-to-late 20th Century)
Material
Hand-carved solid wood (likely a light tropical hardwood like Suar or Jackfruit), acrylic or oil pigments, and inset glass or plastic rhinestones/mirror shards.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970–1990; based on the style of the inset rhinestones and the type of pigments used.
Dimensions
Height: 5 inches, Width: 8 inches, Depth: 3 inches; typical for a shelf ornament or desk accessory.
Origin
Likely Southeast Asia (Thailand or Indonesia) or Southern China; depicts a 'Sleeping Buddha' or lucky boy motif common in those regions.
Designer/Maker
Unknown artisan; likely produced for the export giftware market or as regional folk craft.
Value Estimate
$25 - $65 (Market/Retail Value for decorative folk art).
Description
A charming hand-carved wooden figurine depicting a young boy or novice monk reclining peacefully on a teal cushion. The figure wears a decorative vest adorned with gold-painted scrollwork and colorful inset jewels, capturing a moment of serene repose.
Key Features
Polychrome painted clothing, reclining pose on a globular pillow, distinctive 'jeweled' embellishments, and hand-painted facial features.
Color & Finish
Natural honey-toned wood stain for skin, polychrome finish in red, gold, and teal for the clothing and pillow, with a matte protective varnish.
Construction Method
Handcrafted and hand-carved from a single block of wood with artisanal hand-painted details and manual application of decorative trim.
Joinery & Craftsmanship
Monolithic carving (single piece); features coarse hand-tool marks and slightly asymmetrical features typical of folk art production.
Wood Grain & Species
Open-grain tropical hardwood, likely Albizia Saman or similar regional fruitwood, showing slight interlocking grain patterns.
Surface Treatment
Hand-carved relief work, flat-brush painting, and gilding on the scrollwork patterns of the vest.
Upholstery Details
None; carved wooden representation of a pillow and robe.
Hardware & Fittings
Decorative inset 'jewels' (rhinestones/glass beads) serving as embellishments on the robe; no functional hardware.
Origin & Provenance
Likely Southeast Asia (Thailand or Indonesia) or Southern China; depicts a 'Sleeping Buddha' or lucky boy motif common in those regions.
Condition Notes
Good; some minor paint loss on the red vest and slight surface dust in the carvings. Structural integrity is excellent. No visible cracks in the wood.
Interesting Facts
In many Asian cultures, figures of sleeping or laughing children symbolize future prosperity, health, and a carefree life.
Cultural Significance
Represents the fusion of traditional religious iconography (the reclining Buddha) with secular folk art and the 20th-century global trade in artisan woodcraft.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with Netsuke (which are much smaller and usually ivory/boxwood) or Balinese 'Sleeping Wood' carvings, though those typically lack the rhinestone accents.
Care & Maintenance
Dust with a soft, dry brush; avoid damp cloths which may lift the hand-painted pigments or loosen the glue on the inset stones.
Value Estimate
$25 - $65 (Market/Retail Value for decorative folk art).
Sustainability Notes
Highly sustainable as it is hand-crafted from renewable timber and lacks modern synthetic resins or large carbon-footprint manufacturing.