Massive antique Victorian era Black Forest style hand carved 20" x 11 5/8" decorative tray or platter, heavy solid wood up to 3.25" thick with a lovely fruit & foliage motif! Not exactly sure of the origins on this one, surely European as it was found in France though it's not an actual Black Forest work. The wood is thick and heavy at just over 4 lbs. Great for wall mounting as the wonderful work of art it is!
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. 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. This one not Black Forest but would go wonderfully in a similar decorative theme.
Very good condition. There are some visible bug/worm holes though nothing major and nothing active of course. Possibly a small nip or two but no larger chips, no cracks or warping. See pictures for all measurements.
