Antique hand carved Black Forest hanging wall plaque to hold matches, beset with a pair of beautifully carved game birds in the wonderful "Fruits of the Hunt" genre, c. late 1800s. Those old Swiss carvers were such artists, weren't they. The anatomical sculptures they've carved truly remain works of fine art today. I have a lot of these in both homes, and we range from Country French eclectic in one home to high French antique & French chateau in the main home. LOVE the look, the artistry, the unique beauty of these carved wood pieces and also the thing that they represent. These are not celebrations of the kill, but are small prayers of gratitude for the plentiful bounty of putting food on the table - a little like a prayer of thanks, hailing back to the 1500s Flemish and Northern European still life art that had the same thematic drama. This one is 10" in length, has a striker on front of the hunter's pouch which does have emory board panel still in place (might be replacement on that striker). Wonderful presence in this one! Oddly, I purchased another by this same carver, I'm sure, that is almost a mate to this one (different markets in France) and is slightly lighter wood. That other one is also offered today, separately, so look for it if you want 2 for any reason. These are so fabulous in a Country kitchen, lodge or cabin setting, too.
Very good to excellent condition throughout considering age and type. The old carved wood has a beautiful natural patina, and the carving is really undamaged, which is quite rare. I find the very edge of one wing has a chip but it's linear and really not distracting and seems complete. Look closely to find what I mean; no cracks, nothing by way of a restoration. Even their beaks remain sharp and perfect. A superb plaque!
