Swiss Black Forest Bookends, circa 1920

These whimsical Swiss Black Forest bookends take the shape of two smoking bears. A marvelous example of the celebrated wood carvings originating in Brienz, Switzerland, Swiss Black Forest carvings were collected by wealthy Victorian age Europeans.

The wood carving industry of Switzerland emerged in the early 19th century, and Swiss Black Forest carvings quickly became world-renowned for their quality and craftsmanship. Black Forest carvings were spotlighted at several international exhibitions, including the Great Exhibition in London in 1851, the Chicago World's Fair in 1893 and the Exposition Universelle in Paris in 1900, and these delightful carvings remain in high demand.
Circa 1920

7 3/4" high x 18 1/8" wide x 5 7/8" deep