Martlesham Antiques Animal Sculptures

A 'Black Forest' Dog Group The naturalistically carved limewood group shows the bitch couchant and her three playful pups; glass eyes are used in all the figures, in the manner of Walter Mäder...

Decorate a ranch or hunt cabin with this beautifully executed, antique bear sculpture composition. Hand carved in France circa 1920 from one piece of frui...

A nice folk art carved polychrome timber rabit..Female… Beautiful pink, white, and black colors carved with very long ears and a great pair of eyelashes.. part of a collection that we are selling… We have one more of these timber rabbits..

This unusual antique mirror was crafted in the Alps region of France, circa 1880. The whimsical mirror features a large eagle sculpture with win...

19th century hand carved Black Forest clothes brush in the form of a bear. The bear is recumbent, and his face is so sweet - he will look good anywhere you decide to place him in yo...

19th century Black Forest hand carved figure of a Chamois deer, bending down to eat foliage. The carving is lovely and in very good condition for its age.

Early 20th century hand carved pine architectural model A well modelled early 20th century hand carved pine architectural model of a rooftop corner. Showing natural age and minor lo...

A rare and interesting carved wood mannequin resting on a carved wood base from the first part of the 20th century.

Small, but coolest pair of bear bookends. Thanks to the wonderful bears, these hand-carved bookends from the 1930s are an absolute joy to own and look. These sculptural bookends have a warm and...

This charming antique Black Forest inkstand dates from circa 1880. Beautifully modelled, hand carved from linden wood, with mother and baby bear on a naturalistically carved rocky outcrop. The inkwells are in the form of a pair of tree trunks with fluted glass wells with carved lids and a useful pen tray in front. Condition: In excellent condition. As an antique item, it shows signs of use commensurate with age, these minor condition issues are mentioned for accuracy and, as seen in the accompanying photographs, the inkstand displays beautifully. Dimensions in cm: Height 15 cm x Width 23 cm x Depth 14 cm Dimensions in inches: Height 6 inches x Width 9 inches x Depth 5 inches History of Black Forest Carving The idea behind the success of Brienz wood carving was quite simple. After a disastrous famine in 1816 in the Brienz area people were forced to find new areas of revenues. Driven by the need to create jobs in the Bernese Oberland, an economically underdeveloped region, the Swiss government encouraged the existing resource of timber industry to liaise with the traditional wooden craftsmanship. It took some time to improve from home requirements to sophisticated designed arts but the process was supported by the rising amount of tourists visiting the region. Christian Fischer and other founders Christian Fischer (1790-1848) started self-taught from simple turneries (carved bowls and other articles of daily use) to unsophisticated regional animals and people. Due to his success and the interest of the tourists, other carvers started also following his idea of carving the pristine naturalism. The Swiss government supported these start-ups with additional training of apprentices at special trade school. Brienz School of Wood Carving In 1884 the "School of Wood Carving, Brienz" was founded. It became an important educational institution to strengthen and develop the artistic backgrounds and exhibit an area of creativity. During the years of war in the 20th century, the demand for wooden sculptures came to rest and led to the re-orientation in areas such as toys and carvings for constructions. Beyond that the Brienz wood carving articles had to face an enormous competition from abroad. The School of Wood Carving had to get through difficult economic times but in the late 1970s wood carving enjoyed a renaissance. A lot of young people searched for elemental jobs and added a new value to school education. Today Brienz School of Wood Carving is combined with the education of turner, basket makers and coopers. The school still claims high-quality standards and follows old principles with regard to future perspectives. Wild animals At all times wild animals fascinate people. The highland around Brienz has large variety of different wild animals. Bears are among the most popular models for carvers. On the one hand bears are easy to cut and on the other hand they have a strong symbolized image. The enthusiasm for bears in art...

Antique black forest carved seated bear sculpture An adorable and masterfully hand-carved figure of a seated bear. Switzerland, circa 1900...

French bronze centerpiece raised on three legs ended with animal heads. France, circa 1880.