Carved Wood Character Figures

Wooden figures work in a way that painted ceramic never quite does. The grain shows through, the edges soften with handling, and they warm up a shelf that has gone slightly too minimal. These are cut and finished by hand from engineered timber, with the character carried in the silhouette and a few painted details rather than in fussy modelling, which is what keeps them looking considered instead of novelty.

Four designs are available, each with its own posture and expression, and they are sized to group. One on its own reads as a quiet accent on a mantel or a stack of books. Three or four together, mixed heights side by side, become a proper little scene along a windowsill or the back of a sideboard. They come into their own around midwinter but do not look out of place in July.

The finish is smooth and sealed, so a dry cloth is all the upkeep they need. Keep them away from direct heat and standing damp, as with any timber piece, and the colour will hold. They also make an unusually easy gift for someone whose house already seems to be full of things, because they take up almost no room.

• Handcrafted engineered-wood character figures
• Four designs available, each sold individually
• Smooth sealed finish, painted detailing
• Free-standing for shelves, mantels and sideboards
• Group several together for a layered display
• Wipe clean with a dry cloth; keep away from damp