Stunning Victorian Black Forest Bear Inkwell with the most beautiful glass eyes

THE STORY - This is my first piece of Black Forest ware that I have had in my shop and in my ignorance I did think Black Forest pieces were German I have now discovered they are indeed Swiss and can be identified to a particular town called Brienz who started carving these pieces after a famine in 1816 caused an economic slowdown. These items became very popular and were shown at large exhibitions in London, America and Paris between 1851 and 1900. Many of the carvings were of the wild animals from the mountains surrounding the town and there are many, many examples of bears. This bear which is an inkwell is so finely carved, the form of his body is splendid as he sits on what looks like a tree stump and in his hand he is holding the chain of what looks like a leg iron, maybe this was inspired by the opening of the famous Swiss Bear Pit which was opened in Bern 1857, as it does seem to articulate how the industry of man can harm the natural beauty it tries to control. You access the inkwell upon opening his head again beautifully carved within which sits two beautiful glass eyes. The inkwell is difficult to photograph it is narrow and made from metal sitting in his body, I would imagine there would of been a bottle which would of say inside this .

DATE - Circa 1900

CONDITION - This inkwell is in very good condition considering it's age with no chips or scratches that I can see. The hinge at the back of his neck is still strong and is I believe the original one. There is rust like wear to the internal metal inkwell and as I have said I would imagine there would once of been a bottle which would sit within it.

MATERIAL - Likely to be either Linden of Walnut Wood which were commonly used for this items

DIMENSIONS (Approx) - Height 5&1/2" / 14 cm, Width2&3/4" / 7cm, Depth 3" / 7.5cm

I love this guy as I look down on him now as I write this little piece I cannot help but cup my hand around his shoulders he is so wonderfully tactile and marvel as the sun highlights his wonderful patina and those eyes which I think you can tell have completely captivated me. He is an amazing bear.