Massive 23" tall antique Victorian era Black Forest hand carved sculptural grouping, a large bird of prey hawk or eagle figure towering over a mountain goat or chamois figure, its offspring clutched in the bird's talons and all perched on towering rocky ledges with branch & foliage accenting! At first glance, this is exactly the type of size and carving that would have held a clock nestled somewhere in there but no, it's a figural carving for the carving's sake. Marvelous detail, great figures (the large bird of prey far less common than the game birds, etc.) and impressive as can be! A wonderful, large decorative accent for the Black Forest enthusiasts & decorators!
If you've followed us for a while you know I'm a big fan of the old hand carved "Black Forest" items that come to us from 19th century Switzerland, Germany, parts of France and Italy, where they pleased the Grand Tour tourists and still please us all today. These hand carved treasures range from whimsical small bears to large and elaborate mantel clocks, wall clocks, wall plaques showing the most awesome anatomical studies of stag, fowl, "fruits of the hunt". I've got more to list so look through the vast collection. I've just used quite a few piece in our own 2nd home decoration , Rocky Mountains location, and love the look as well as the heritage since my own ancestors hail from that region and others. The pieces work well in Country Manor, French Country, Ski Lodge or Hunt Lodge and even in a den or office. Everything from a pocket watch case to huge plaques - from needle and thread holders to cigar caddy - these decorative objects survive today a testament to the artisan's craft of carving wood.
Very good condition, age considered. There are some flaws, we've included large and clear photos from all angles so you will get exactly what you see. There are glued repair breaks in the rear wing of the bird and the front outer lower leg of the large mountain goat figure. Chips to the wing tips, the ear & horns of the goats and tail of the larger goat. There is also an age/drying split visible in the base/bottom. Weighs just over 14 lbs. See images for all measurements.
