Another charming old Black Forest bear (bears are everyone's favorite) and this time he's likely lumbering through a forest, a pen tray in that front half-log and the thatch or foliage top to the right is the inkwell. All you need is a bit of ink, a dip pen, and some paper - write a book about bears, why not? These carved trinkets were very popular with Grand Tour travelers who visited the Alpine villages of Switzerland, Germany, even parts of France, where remarkably talented carvers supplied them with a wide variety of choices in carved forest mementos, from little bears and animals like this one to huge carved china cabinets, hunt themed wall plaques, incredibly fine clocks housed in forest themed carvings and jewelry boxes galore. Each tourist's memento that survives today is a testament to the Old World carvers' amazing skill, patience, and industry. They are fabulous accents for Country French or English Manor decor, or cabin & ski lodge, alike. Fabulous for all types of settings, the whimsical to the magnificent still fascinate us today as they did in 19th century and very early 20th century. One of my favorite Christmas decor themes was found in Dallas when we still had a shop in the design district there, and it was a huge centerpiece adorned with many of the most wonderful BF bears, amid pine boughs and other ornaments, it was magical - stunningly beautiful. Get creative with your own collection. And Aspen dealers stock their stores from our goods, too, I might add, but mark them double (usually more) our very fair prices. We appreciate their business, but hope that you'll enjoy the savings of finding them directly through us. Quite a few of the finest pieces among our inventory right now - if you don't see what you want, ask. I may have it but just not yet listed. I love these old carvings!
Very good condition. This little fellow just has a chipped/missing front to one of his front paws, luckily itâs toward the back so not as noticeable. A small chip to his right ear but the rest of the stand, including carved wood cap, are in near pristine condition. There are a few tiny nips to the bottom edge of the lobed glass ink pot. See pictures for measurements.
