A Sensational Carved 'Black Forest' Bear Bench

Object Description

A Sensational Carved ‘Black Forest’ Bear Bench

An extremely rare example of Lindenwood carved with extraordinary skill, the rectangular seat supported by two free-standing bears and a larger central bear flanked by two conifers. Each with realistic carved fur, wax patination to render the nuances, and inset with realistic glass eyes.
Brienz, circa 1890

Only a handful of the most accomplished Swiss carvers were able to produce works of this calibre to this degree of realism. A rare-to-the-market example.

Object Literature

Brienz, Bernese Oberland, Switzerland

Brienz, in the Bernese Oberland, Switzerland was remarked upon in Baedeker’s Travel Guide, as having a population of 2400, of whom 600 persons were employed as woodcarvers, to supply the tourist trade to Switzerland with mementos of the tour. A museum devoted entirely to the art of wood carving may be visited today.

Object Condition

Excellent condition

Object Details