Large Wooden Strolling Bear Handcarved, Brienz, 1930s

Large Wooden strolling bear handcarved in Brienz ca. 1930 A large antique statue of a walking bear. Made of lindenwood, finely handcarved with naturalistic details in Brienz, Switzerland ca. 1930. A nice example of the famous Black Forest Woodcarvings made in Switzerland. The tradition of wood carving in Brienz dates back to mid of the 19th century. People in the region were looking for new employment opportunities. They used their skills from traditional crafts, carving everyday objects and sculptures, and created a new business. Many woodcarvers where trained in the "School of Wood Carving, Brienz" which was established in 1884. Around 1900 the woodcarving industry counted ca. 2000 woodcarvers. Brienz woodcarvings were presented on several worlds fairs with great success. With the Gran Tour Tourism wealthy people from all over the word visited the area and took their woodcarving souvenirs home. Today some companies, like "Huggler Holzbildhauerei" still exist and build traditional sculptures. Measures: Length: 13.39" (34 cm) Width: 4.33" (11 cm) Height: 8.66" (22 cm) Literature Reference: Peter F. Blackman, Black Forest Woodcarvings, Atglen 2009 Jay Arenski, Simon and Michael Daniels, Swiss Carvings - The Art of the Black Forest 1820 - 1940, Woodbridge 2005.