objet d'art; art object
Abbreviation of French objet d'art. Refers to a decorative or artistic object, often a small sculpture or crafted piece displayed for its aesthetic value.
from French
They displayed a large art object in the lobby.
I have a glass objet d'art displayed in the living room.
This art object is a work by a French artist.
A broader, more casual use for any interesting or unusual small object, not necessarily high art. Often implies a collectible or conversation piece.
I bought a curious object while traveling.
There are several small curios on his desk.
He makes art objects out of scrap materials.
彫刻 specifically means a carved or sculpted work, while オブジェ can be any three-dimensional art object, not necessarily sculpted.
オブジェ (a shortened borrowing) refers specifically to an art object or decorative installation, while オブジェクト is the broader, general-purpose word for 'object' including in programming.
artistic centrepiece; main display item
From French objet, short for objet d'art. The word entered Japanese as a loanword for artistic or decorative objects.