Ask About | Book Appointment - Antique Black Forest Hand Carved Dancing Bear, circa 1880-1900

Antique Black Forest hand carved dancing bear, circa 1880-1900.  When the cord is pulled the bear’s arms and legs lift up and out.

This whimsical bear is intricately carved in walnut, showing great detail in hair, claws and teeth.  The bear has minor chips to his tongue and one claw.

Black Forest carvings were thought to originate in Bavaria, and are referred to as German.  Research in recent decades shows that the style originated in Brienz, Switzerland in the mid 19th century.  This example has remnants of a Dutch customs sticker, Vereeniging Handelaren, meaning Traders’ Association, stating that it was over 100 years old when it was exported from the Netherlands.

16” (40.7cm) long, 15 1/2” (39.4cm) wide with arms extended, 2 1/4” (5.7cm)