Antiques M.S. Rau | Swiss Black Forest Bear Table

This Expertly Carved Wooden Pedestal Table Is A Premier Example Of The Impeccable Craftsmanship Of Swiss Black Forest Artisans. The Pedestal Table Features Two Whimsical Bears Complete With Glass Eyes. The Table Is Complete With Two Storage Compartments And A Small Gold Dish, Originally Intended As Tobacco Storage And An Ashtray But Also Functioning As A Catch-All For Keys And Knick-Knacks.

The Black Forest Carving Industry Catered To Victorian Tourists Traveling On The Grand Tour Who Stopped In Switzerland’S Mountainous Lake Region. Wealthy Europeans Eagerly Purchased These Works As Souvenirs Of Their Journey And Symbols Of Status.

While Exhibiting Playful Themes, These Works Of Art Were Shown At Prestigious Exhibitions On The World’S Stage, Including The 1851 London Great Exhibition, The 1893 Chicago World’S Fair And The Exposition Universelle In Paris In 1900. These Impressive Carvings Remain In High Demand Today.

Circa 1910

40″ High By 21 1/4″ Wide By 16 3/8″ Deep