Absolutely fabulous mid to late 19th century Victorian era Black Forest hand-carved 17" hiking Brienz bear tantalus, liqueur or liquor caddy with hand painted accenting, black glass eyes and unique complete seven piece green glass service with gorgeous, deep hand painted floral enamel decoration! Delightfully carved with a walking stick in hand, a hollowed log style basket held over his shoulders supporting the beautiful enamel accented blown glass decanter and six small stems or cordials around the outside!! What a beauty and a truly impressive display piece, all of you collectors & decorators will know just how rare these are becoming and this is one of the most impressive bears that we've had, both in visual appeal and detailed carving (not to mention that fabulous glassware)! The entire piece is carved from a huge block of wood (save for the little wood hooks that hold the cups and his walking stick). Amazing, fabulous facial features, truly a charming old Brienz bear. Who said that St. Bernards had all the fun!
Very good condition. The carved base, bear and basket have been carved from a large block of wood, in two roughly 2" thick panels that have been fused at the center. An old age or drying crack visible in the base and also along the side of the 'barrel'. All glassware in in great shape with just a few tiny rim nips to the cups but you can see the old air bubbles in the blown glass in the decanter. The decanter's stopper does have a crack in the bulb but it's stable. See pictures for measurements.
