For many years these carvings were thought to have been made in the Bavarian Black Forest of Germany, but since the 1970s there has been a turnaround in thinking and these carvings have been recognised as purely Swiss.

 

The wood carving industry of Switzerland began in Brienz in the early 1800s and grew exponentially until the turn of the 20^th century to become the industrial driving force of the community. The variety of carvings these artisans produced was vast; from musical boxes to naturalistically carved animal and human figures. The bear carvings were particularly popular, being the symbol of Berne and some of grander examples were exhibited on many of the great expositions around the world, one being the Great Exhibition of London in 1851, where ‘Black Forest’ carvings stood alongside names such as Tiffany and Galle.

 

The collection that Stephan Welz & Company Pty Limited have on offer include a rather grand hallstand, a bench, a decanter stand and a centre piece, (lots 368, 369, 370 and 371) each with their own personality and charm.

 

 

For further information on these fascinating lots, contact Tamsin Mackay 011 880 3125 or e-mail:  tamsin.mackay@stephanwelzandco.co.za .