Sculptural works made from 300-year-old oak, a witness to history
The Witnessing Wood
Handcrafted by
Alexander Cheglakov
I create sculptural objects from centuries-old wood shaped by time and natural forces.
The material comes from oak trees that lived for hundreds of years before becoming fragments. I do not alter their form. I work with what already exists, preserving natural relief, fractures, and traces of age.
My intervention is minimal. Wax, metal, and light are used only to stabilize and clarify the structure.
Each work is unique.
The material comes from oak trees that lived for hundreds of years before becoming fragments. I do not alter their form. I work with what already exists, preserving natural relief, fractures, and traces of age.
My intervention is minimal. Wax, metal, and light are used only to stabilize and clarify the structure.
Each work is unique.
Revealed, not constructed.
About
Studio process.
Working with centuries-old oak.
Working with centuries-old oak.
A short documentation of the studio process
The wood used in these works comes from oak trees that lived for nearly three centuries in regions affected by major historical movements of the early 19th century.
During their lifetime, these landscapes witnessed the passage of Napoleon Bonaparte’s army during the 1812 campaign, as well as the presence of Josephine de Beauharnais and her circle.
This historical context is not used as narrative illustration. It serves as factual evidence of the material’s age and continuity.
Each fragment is accompanied by documentation confirming its age and origin.
During their lifetime, these landscapes witnessed the passage of Napoleon Bonaparte’s army during the 1812 campaign, as well as the presence of Josephine de Beauharnais and her circle.
This historical context is not used as narrative illustration. It serves as factual evidence of the material’s age and continuity.
Each fragment is accompanied by documentation confirming its age and origin.
Material Provenance
The trees remained rooted while human history unfolded around them.
Sunrise
Dimensions: 35 × 8 × 14 in
Weight: 24 lbs
Carved from naturally aged oak over 200 years old, Sunrise interprets the wing form as a calm architectural gesture. The rotating central disk reveals a rising sun, while the oak wings support candlelight, creating a quiet sense of movement.
A restrained sculptural object where light, balance, and material age form a unified presence.
Status: Available
Price: Upon request
Weight: 24 lbs
Carved from naturally aged oak over 200 years old, Sunrise interprets the wing form as a calm architectural gesture. The rotating central disk reveals a rising sun, while the oak wings support candlelight, creating a quiet sense of movement.
A restrained sculptural object where light, balance, and material age form a unified presence.
Status: Available
Price: Upon request
Gold Fish
Dimensions: 31 × 7 × 17 in
Weight: 14 lbs
Formed from the preserved outer shell of a 300-year-old oak fragment, this sculpture recalls the silhouette of a fish emerging from darkness. Time, wind, and decay shaped the contours long before intervention.
Subtle gilding and candlelight bring the surface to life, revealing shifting reflections and organic curves.
Status: Available
Price: Upon request
Weight: 14 lbs
Formed from the preserved outer shell of a 300-year-old oak fragment, this sculpture recalls the silhouette of a fish emerging from darkness. Time, wind, and decay shaped the contours long before intervention.
Subtle gilding and candlelight bring the surface to life, revealing shifting reflections and organic curves.
Status: Available
Price: Upon request
Wild forms
Dimensions: 47.2 × 23.6 in
Weight: 33 lbs
Created from a weathered fragment of a 300-year-old oak, this work captures the tension and rhythm of organic motion. The natural lines of the wood define the composition, while antique chrome-plated horse figures introduce a contrasting metallic accent.
Light animates the surface, emphasizing depth and internal movement.
Status: Available
Price: Upon request
Weight: 33 lbs
Created from a weathered fragment of a 300-year-old oak, this work captures the tension and rhythm of organic motion. The natural lines of the wood define the composition, while antique chrome-plated horse figures introduce a contrasting metallic accent.
Light animates the surface, emphasizing depth and internal movement.
Status: Available
Price: Upon request
The Joker's Smile
Dimensions: 15 × 5 × 15 in
Weight: 6 lbs
A rare oak cross-section shaped by time into an unexpected expression. Two candles act as luminous focal points, giving the piece a subtle, playful tension.
Compact in scale, strong in character.
Status: Available
Price: Upon request
Weight: 6 lbs
A rare oak cross-section shaped by time into an unexpected expression. Two candles act as luminous focal points, giving the piece a subtle, playful tension.
Compact in scale, strong in character.
Status: Available
Price: Upon request
Wave of luck
Dimensions: 29 x 11 x 33 in
Weight: 35 lbs
This sculptural candle piece is created from the preserved outer part of a centuries-old oak trunk that was struck by lightning and burned out almost entirely from within. The natural form resembles a rising wave frozen in motion.
At the center rests a natural pearl shell with a candle symbolizing a hidden treasure. Candlelight plays across the curves of the wood, revealing gold-tinted textures and the dramatic relief shaped by fire and time. The piece is finished with wax and gilding. The stand is crafted from Siberian larch and wrapped with rope.
This is a rare, naturally formed structure — a true one-of-a-kind piece shaped by nature and refined by hand.
Status: Available
Price: Upon request
Weight: 35 lbs
This sculptural candle piece is created from the preserved outer part of a centuries-old oak trunk that was struck by lightning and burned out almost entirely from within. The natural form resembles a rising wave frozen in motion.
At the center rests a natural pearl shell with a candle symbolizing a hidden treasure. Candlelight plays across the curves of the wood, revealing gold-tinted textures and the dramatic relief shaped by fire and time. The piece is finished with wax and gilding. The stand is crafted from Siberian larch and wrapped with rope.
This is a rare, naturally formed structure — a true one-of-a-kind piece shaped by nature and refined by hand.
Status: Available
Price: Upon request
Dance of Fire
Dimensions: —
Weight: —
Twisted oak fragments rise upward in a dynamic, flame-like motion. The composition emphasizes vertical tension and internal rhythm.
A sculptural study of movement shaped by fire, time, and gravity.
Status: Available
Price: Upon request
Weight: —
Twisted oak fragments rise upward in a dynamic, flame-like motion. The composition emphasizes vertical tension and internal rhythm.
A sculptural study of movement shaped by fire, time, and gravity.
Status: Available
Price: Upon request
Shell of Hera
Dimensions: 39.4 × 11 × 31.5 in
Weight: 33 lbs
Carved from the trunk of a 300-year-old oak, partially hollowed and scorched by time. A natural mother-of-pearl shell holds the candle at its center.
The work carries a calm, protective presence associated with Hera and feminine symbolism.
Status: Available
Price: Upon request
Weight: 33 lbs
Carved from the trunk of a 300-year-old oak, partially hollowed and scorched by time. A natural mother-of-pearl shell holds the candle at its center.
The work carries a calm, protective presence associated with Hera and feminine symbolism.
Status: Available
Price: Upon request
Embrace of Zeus
Dimensions: 37 × 13 × 39 in
Weight: 54 lbs
Formed from the base of a 300-year-old oak struck by lightning. The burned relief and curved fragments create an open, mythic silhouette associated with Zeus.
Candlelight reveals internal tension and latent energy within the wood.
Status: Available
Price: Upon request
Weight: 54 lbs
Formed from the base of a 300-year-old oak struck by lightning. The burned relief and curved fragments create an open, mythic silhouette associated with Zeus.
Candlelight reveals internal tension and latent energy within the wood.
Status: Available
Price: Upon request
Apollo's Lyre
Dimensions: 33 × 8 × 28 in
Weight: 44 lbs
A naturally sculpted oak fragment forms the silhouette of a lyre. Seven vertical brass elements rise like strings, each crowned with candlelight.
The contrast between raw wood and precise metal creates a dialogue between nature and classical order.
Status: Available
Price: Upon request
Weight: 44 lbs
A naturally sculpted oak fragment forms the silhouette of a lyre. Seven vertical brass elements rise like strings, each crowned with candlelight.
The contrast between raw wood and precise metal creates a dialogue between nature and classical order.
Status: Available
Price: Upon request
Tree of life, Bahrain
Dimensions: 30 × 13 × 28 in
Weight: 35 lbs
Inspired by the legendary Tree of Life in Bahrain, this sculpture speaks to endurance and quiet strength. The oak trunk, hollowed by time and struck by lightning, retains its raw natural relief.
Gold leaf, coral elements, and soft candlelight create a calm, steady glow that emphasizes resilience rather than spectacle.
Status: Available
Price: Upon request
Weight: 35 lbs
Inspired by the legendary Tree of Life in Bahrain, this sculpture speaks to endurance and quiet strength. The oak trunk, hollowed by time and struck by lightning, retains its raw natural relief.
Gold leaf, coral elements, and soft candlelight create a calm, steady glow that emphasizes resilience rather than spectacle.
Status: Available
Price: Upon request
The Wing
Dimensions: 39.8 × 16.9 × 31.9 in
Weight: 92.6 lbs
Carved from the branch of a 300-year-old oak, this sculpture combines spiritual symbolism with documented historical context. The tree grew along Napoleon Bonaparte’s 1812 campaign route.
With candles lit, the form transforms into a luminous, celestial presence.
Status: Available
Price: Upon request
Weight: 92.6 lbs
Carved from the branch of a 300-year-old oak, this sculpture combines spiritual symbolism with documented historical context. The tree grew along Napoleon Bonaparte’s 1812 campaign route.
With candles lit, the form transforms into a luminous, celestial presence.
Status: Available
Price: Upon request
Wings of Light
Dimensions: —
Weight: —
Created from a 300-year-old oak, this work unites sacred text and light. Carved wings rise from a base shaped like ancient Torah pages, forming a full Hanukkiah with an elevated shamash.
The piece functions equally as sculpture and ritual object, emphasizing illumination, memory, and continuity.
Status: Available
Price: Upon request
Weight: —
Created from a 300-year-old oak, this work unites sacred text and light. Carved wings rise from a base shaped like ancient Torah pages, forming a full Hanukkiah with an elevated shamash.
The piece functions equally as sculpture and ritual object, emphasizing illumination, memory, and continuity.
Status: Available
Price: Upon request
Wings of Soulrise
Dimensions: 35 × 8 × 23 in
Weight: approx. 21 lbs
Two mirrored fragments of a 300-year-old oak form a pair of wings, with the shamash rising gently between them. The composition functions as a Hanukkiah, where light ascends through form.
Gold and wax finishes highlight the depth of the aged wood, reinforcing the upward motion of the piece.
Status: Available
Price: Upon request
Weight: approx. 21 lbs
Two mirrored fragments of a 300-year-old oak form a pair of wings, with the shamash rising gently between them. The composition functions as a Hanukkiah, where light ascends through form.
Gold and wax finishes highlight the depth of the aged wood, reinforcing the upward motion of the piece.
Status: Available
Price: Upon request
The Grand Menorah
Dimensions: 18 × 6 × 20 in
Weight: 15.4 lbs
Sculpted from a fallen piece of centuries-old oak, this menorah uses a natural split in the wood to create a wing-like silhouette. Brass candle holders rise vertically, forming a clear ceremonial structure.
A restrained ritual object with strong architectural presence.
Status: Sold
Weight: 15.4 lbs
Sculpted from a fallen piece of centuries-old oak, this menorah uses a natural split in the wood to create a wing-like silhouette. Brass candle holders rise vertically, forming a clear ceremonial structure.
A restrained ritual object with strong architectural presence.
Status: Sold
Ancient Torah Pages (Hanukkiah)
Dimensions: 32 × 7 × 16 in
Weight: 20 lbs
Carved from a 300-year-old oak grown on historic land crossed by Napoleon’s troops. The form recalls an ancient prayer book, with candlelight rising above the carved surface.
A compact yet symbolically dense ritual sculpture.
Status: Available
Price: Upon request
Weight: 20 lbs
Carved from a 300-year-old oak grown on historic land crossed by Napoleon’s troops. The form recalls an ancient prayer book, with candlelight rising above the carved surface.
A compact yet symbolically dense ritual sculpture.
Status: Available
Price: Upon request
Maccabee Flames
Dimensions: 41 × 11 × 18 in
Weight: approx. 20 lbs
Crafted from a fallen spruce trunk marked by bark beetle patterns resembling ancient inscriptions. Nine candle holders form a traditional Hanukkiah structure, with the shamash positioned forward.
A work bridging natural history and Jewish memory.
Status: Available
Price: Upon request
Weight: approx. 20 lbs
Crafted from a fallen spruce trunk marked by bark beetle patterns resembling ancient inscriptions. Nine candle holders form a traditional Hanukkiah structure, with the shamash positioned forward.
A work bridging natural history and Jewish memory.
Status: Available
Price: Upon request
Tablets of Stone
Dimensions: 33.1 × 15.7 × 43.3 in
Weight: 93 lbs
Created from the dry trunk of a century-old spruce, this composition evokes Mount Sinai and the moment of receiving the Tablets of Stone. The natural split of the wood defines the form.
A solemn, monumental work presented at the Central Synagogue of Moscow.
Status: Not available for purchase
Weight: 93 lbs
Created from the dry trunk of a century-old spruce, this composition evokes Mount Sinai and the moment of receiving the Tablets of Stone. The natural split of the wood defines the form.
A solemn, monumental work presented at the Central Synagogue of Moscow.
Status: Not available for purchase
Calvary
Dimensions: 19.7 × 66.9 × 27.6 in
Weight: 99 lbs
Carved from a 300-year-old Russian oak, Calvary depicts the moment of Christ carrying the cross. The wood originates from a region crossed by Napoleon’s troops in 1812, embedding historical depth into the material itself.
A large-scale, museum-grade work where spiritual symbolism and the weight of time converge.
Status: Available
Price: Upon request
Weight: 99 lbs
Carved from a 300-year-old Russian oak, Calvary depicts the moment of Christ carrying the cross. The wood originates from a region crossed by Napoleon’s troops in 1812, embedding historical depth into the material itself.
A large-scale, museum-grade work where spiritual symbolism and the weight of time converge.
Status: Available
Price: Upon request
Vigilance
Dimensions: 27 × 11 × 11 in
Weight: 22 lbs
Created from a naturally aged fragment of a 300-year-old oak, this sculptural candle piece preserves the authentic texture of the wood, reinforced to maintain its original form. The deep relief reflects centuries of natural shaping.
A bronze lion adds a symbolic presence and a sense of quiet strength. Four candle points are integrated into the composition, and when lit, they reveal additional depth and emphasize the sculptural silhouette.
The base is made of Siberian larch, finished with traditional wood wax and subtle gold accents.
A considered, contemplative work suited for curated interiors, private collections, and gallery displays.
Status: Sold
Weight: 22 lbs
Created from a naturally aged fragment of a 300-year-old oak, this sculptural candle piece preserves the authentic texture of the wood, reinforced to maintain its original form. The deep relief reflects centuries of natural shaping.
A bronze lion adds a symbolic presence and a sense of quiet strength. Four candle points are integrated into the composition, and when lit, they reveal additional depth and emphasize the sculptural silhouette.
The base is made of Siberian larch, finished with traditional wood wax and subtle gold accents.
A considered, contemplative work suited for curated interiors, private collections, and gallery displays.
Status: Sold
Light of the Torah
Dimensions: 43 x 10 x 17 in
Weight: 26 lbs
This sculptural Hanukkiah is crafted from a 300-year-old dry oak from Russia. The wings are shaped from the preserved outer part of the trunk, while the central disk with the Star of David is carved from a branch cross-section. The candles are placed in a classic Hanukkiah arrangement, with the central candle set on a stand inspired by a traditional Jewish hat. The base resembles a symbolic Torah made from solid oak. These ancient oaks grew in regions of Russia where Napoleon’s troops passed in 1812, giving the wood a remarkable historical resonance. Lit candles enhance the sculpture’s atmosphere, highlighting the natural beauty of the oak and the spiritual symbolism of the piece.
Status: Available
Price: Upon request
Weight: 26 lbs
This sculptural Hanukkiah is crafted from a 300-year-old dry oak from Russia. The wings are shaped from the preserved outer part of the trunk, while the central disk with the Star of David is carved from a branch cross-section. The candles are placed in a classic Hanukkiah arrangement, with the central candle set on a stand inspired by a traditional Jewish hat. The base resembles a symbolic Torah made from solid oak. These ancient oaks grew in regions of Russia where Napoleon’s troops passed in 1812, giving the wood a remarkable historical resonance. Lit candles enhance the sculpture’s atmosphere, highlighting the natural beauty of the oak and the spiritual symbolism of the piece.
Status: Available
Price: Upon request
Grace
Dimensions: 15 × 20 × 10 in
Weight: 12 lbs
Grace is an exploration of form, movement, and quiet emotion. The sculpture invites the viewer to consider what grace truly is. Does it echo something alive, or does it emerge from abstract lines and silhouettes? As the piece rotates, every angle reveals a new character, shifting from fluid to dramatic, always remaining harmonious. Crafted from the root of a fallen centuries-old oak, the sculpture carries the natural energy of time and the refined touch of hand-carving. The larch base anchors the composition with calm strength. Wax treatment, darkening techniques, gilded highlights, and small candle elements complete the piece, adding warmth and depth.
Status: Available
Price: Upon request
Weight: 12 lbs
Grace is an exploration of form, movement, and quiet emotion. The sculpture invites the viewer to consider what grace truly is. Does it echo something alive, or does it emerge from abstract lines and silhouettes? As the piece rotates, every angle reveals a new character, shifting from fluid to dramatic, always remaining harmonious. Crafted from the root of a fallen centuries-old oak, the sculpture carries the natural energy of time and the refined touch of hand-carving. The larch base anchors the composition with calm strength. Wax treatment, darkening techniques, gilded highlights, and small candle elements complete the piece, adding warmth and depth.
Status: Available
Price: Upon request
2019 — The Art of Nature, Alpert Gallery, Moscow
2020 — The Art of Nature, State Museum of Sergey Andriyaki, Moscow
2020 — Tu BiShvat (New Year of Trees), Zhukovka Jewish Cultural Center, Moscow
2021 — Moscow Meets Friends, Moscow International Performing Arts Center, Moscow
2021–2022 — Nature as Art, Levitan Culture Center, Plyos
2025–2026 — Hanukkah Sculptures Exhibition, Chabad of South Dade / Coconut Grove, Florida, USA
2020 — The Art of Nature, State Museum of Sergey Andriyaki, Moscow
2020 — Tu BiShvat (New Year of Trees), Zhukovka Jewish Cultural Center, Moscow
2021 — Moscow Meets Friends, Moscow International Performing Arts Center, Moscow
2021–2022 — Nature as Art, Levitan Culture Center, Plyos
2025–2026 — Hanukkah Sculptures Exhibition, Chabad of South Dade / Coconut Grove, Florida, USA
Personal Exhibitions
2019 — INDECOR Moscow, Crocus Expo, Moscow
2020 — Maison & Objet, International Exhibition, Paris
2021 — Art Show International, California, USA
2021 — Qatar International Art Festival, Doha
2021 — Textures & Patterns, Las Laguna Art Gallery, California, USA
2024 — The Original Miami Beach Antique Show, Miami Beach Convention Center, USA
2024 — Palm Beach Fine Craft Show, Palm Beach, Florida, USA
2024 — ARTEXPO New York, Pier 36, New York, USA
2020 — Maison & Objet, International Exhibition, Paris
2021 — Art Show International, California, USA
2021 — Qatar International Art Festival, Doha
2021 — Textures & Patterns, Las Laguna Art Gallery, California, USA
2024 — The Original Miami Beach Antique Show, Miami Beach Convention Center, USA
2024 — Palm Beach Fine Craft Show, Palm Beach, Florida, USA
2024 — ARTEXPO New York, Pier 36, New York, USA
Group Exhibitions
The Moscow stage of the tour was held in Raevo Golf & Country Club. There, they also presented the artworks of an artist Alexander Cheglakov who created his sculptures from fallen dry oak trees of more than 300 years old.