What historical movements favored teak for minimalist figurative sculptures?

Teak wood has long been prized for its durability, fine grain, and natural resistance to decay, making it a favored material for minimalist figurative sculptures across several historical art movements. The mid-20th century modernist movement, particularly Scandinavian and Japanese design philosophies, embraced teak for its ability to convey simplicity and organic warmth. Artists like Isamu Noguchi and Danish modernists utilized teak to create sleek, abstract human forms that emphasized purity of line and material authenticity. The Bauhaus school's influence further solidified teak's role in functional yet artistic sculptures, merging form with purpose. Even earlier, colonial-era artisans in Southeast Asia employed teak for religious and cultural carvings, laying groundwork for its later minimalist adaptations. Today, teak remains a timeless choice for sculptors seeking to balance natural elegance with modernist restraint.