Swiss Brienz Black Forest Hand-Carved Wood Grizzly Bear

About the Item

Black Forest hand-carved linden-wood hand-carved grizzly bear with glass eyes and enamel painted mouth with fangs/teeth showing on a thick base, circa 1900. See our other items for more hand-carved wood pieces. Black Forest sculptural art originates from the small mountain town Brienz, Switzerland contrary to belief that it originated in Bavaria, Germany or Austria. After a famine in the early 1800's this swiss town found itself scrambling for new avenues of revenue. The government encouraged combining the already existing timber industry with wooden craftsmanship. Forefather Christian Fisher (1790-1848) carved woodland and domestic animals in whimsical scenes from walnut tree trunk. Brienz attracts many tourists with being by the foot of the mountain, lake, and central location. Tourists were intrigued with these Alpine theme, so it made this Black Forest era very successful. Soon owning one of these sculptures was a status of luxury and wealth, and travel. Exhibits such as "Great Exhibition in London (1851)", "Centennial Exhibit in Philadelphia (1876)", "Chicago Worlds Fair (1893)", "Exposition Universelle in Paris (1900)" showcased these fascinating works. 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. Literature; 'Swiss Carvings, The Art of the Black Forest' by Arenski, Daniels and Daniels, published by The Antique Collectors Club 2004 shows similar examples.

Dimensions:
Height: 12.5 in (31.75 cm)Width: 5.88 in (14.94 cm)Depth: 5.75 in (14.61 cm)
Style:
Black Forest (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques:
Wood,Hand-Carved
Place of Origin:
Switzerland
Period:
Early 20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1900
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Hamilton, CA
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU1355212271791