Carved Cork Scenes

Cork carvings are popular for their shear beauty and amazing intricacy, but they are also a reflection of folklore and philosophy. Most Carved Cork Scenes are pastoral scenes with trees, buildings and animals. This type of landscape scenery has its roots in Taoism and the balance of heaven and earth. Mountains fading into the background become one with each other whilst elements of human activity (such as boats, houses or bridges) in the foreground bring together heaven and mankind in a single path or 'way'.

Using the natural coarseness of cork to represent jagged mountain scenes in these delicate ornaments epitomises Taoist thought, as the same material is used to create smooth objects like houses. It is crude and delicate, ying and yang together; whole in a Taoist sense.

See also our range of Mahogany Jewellery Boxes with Inset Cork Carvings.