Delve into two worlds: the appreciation of wood as medium for sculpture and the practical ins-and-outs of sculptural technique. An illustrated history of direct wood sculpture is explored, along with a vital resource for those seeking to create sculpture in wood. A complete description of the qualities and types of wood, tools (both hand and power), techniques, and finishing, complements discussions of the art form and philosophy.

"This book offers a brief survey of the history of Nepal recalling why, leaving aside the Kathmandu valley, the sum of knowledge on its material culture lacks the objective distance allowed by other non-European civilizations: the country, long closed to Western visitors, opened but recently, and documents prior to the 1960s are scarce." "Bertrand Goy's research into the archives leads us on the tracks of is statuary, while the ethnologist Gisele Krauskopff shares with us a line of thought supported by her field experience and her knowledge of Nepalese culture. The testimony of a photographer traveller who visited Nepal in the pioneering days completes this volume with Hugues Dubois' photographs of the masks and statuettes collected over the past twenty years by Max Itzikovitz." --Book Jacket.

The first English-language book to comprehensively discuss the history and methodology of conserving medieval polychrome wood sculpture. Medieval polychrome wood sculptures are highly complex objects, bearers of histories that begin with their original carving and adornment and continue through long centuries of repainting, deterioration, restoration, and conservation. Abundantly illustrated, this book is the first in English to offer a comprehensive overview of the conservation of medieval painted wood sculpture for conservators, curators, and others charged with their care. Beginning with an illuminating discussion of the history, techniques, and meanings of these works, it continues with their examination and documentation, including chapters on the identification of both the wooden support and the polychromy itself—the paint layers, metal leaf, and other materials used for these sculptures. The volume also covers the many aspects of treatment: the process of determining the best approach; consolidation and adhesion of paint, ground, and support; overpaint removal and surface cleaning; and compensation. Four case studies on artworks in the collection of The Cloisters in New York, a comprehensive bibliography, and a checklist to aid in documentation complement the text.

Down-to-earth, practical book by noted sculptor covers everything you need to know — woods, tools, equipment, carving techniques, finishing, preservation, etc. Especially valuable "dictionary of woods" covers geographical distribution, physical properties, carving characteristics, more. Over 70 photos and drawings illustrate methods and techniques, works by Brancusi, Henry Moore, Leonard Baskin, other artists.