Very Rare Pair of Original Early 20th Century Black Forest Wood Bear Armchairs

  
Delighted to offer for sale this stunning and exceptionally rare pair of original hand carved in Black Forest wood very large Bear armchairs. A collectable and signature pair of art furniture armchairs. This pair are exceptional, they date to the early 20th century circa 1920, they are hand carved from solid slabs of black forest wood timber. Black forest wood gets its name from the darkness of the timber, this is due to the trees being naturally grown very closely, they are very tall meaning no light reaches the timber giving it this wonderful colour. This pair came to me in need of some sympathetic conservation, they had been coated is some kind of thick sticky dark wax which hid the natural colour and timber patina, we have painstakingly removed this substance to reveal the natural colour of the wood and grain.

We have then very lightly wax sealed and hand polished them from top to bottom, the finished result is pretty much the best looking pair of these chairs you will ever find. They have old repairs here and there, nothing you wouldn't expect from 100+ year old chairs that are this large and heavy. There are no losses or structural issues whatsoever they are a very fine example. Please note all measurements are taken at the widest point.

In the 1800s the wood carving industry of Switzerland started in the town of Brienz. By the end of the 1800s it had become the driving force for this industry. Swiss wood carvers became world renown and featured at many international exhibitions. Here is a shortlist of the major exhibitions Black Forest Carvings were spotlighted. Chicago Worlds Fair, Chicago (1893).

In Europe Black Forest carvings (wares) became a symbol of luxury and wealth. The finest pieces of Black Forest carving was often found in Royal collection and elite collector's homes (usually Victorian world travellers). During the 1800s-1900s popularity was also growing in many overseas markets.

There was a high demand for these carving especially depicting American Wildlife. Here are some of the American animals that were highly sought after: Bears, Stags, Eagles, Boars and Dogs. In the last 15 years this genre has seen some major changes.

Specialty auctions and dealers have been popping up worldwide. Along with various books on the subject being published. The biggest misconception about Black Forest carvings is that they originated in Germany. However they are actually the creation of Swiss carvers.

Please note all measurements are taken at the widest point, if you would like any additional or specific measurements please ask. Royal House Antiques is a privately owned family ran business founded in Wimbledon SW19 and now based in Pulborough RH20. We specialise in finding, restoring very fine luxury antique leather seating, along with every single other type of antique ranging from the 16. We also stock a number of designer brands such as Fritz Hansen, Ralph Lauren, Cavalli, Charles & Ray Eames, Vitra, David Linley, Rolex, Tiffany, Jager Le Coulter and so on.

Please view the very detailed pictures as they form part of the description pertaining to the condition. Royal House Antiques cannot be held liable for any independent assumptions made regarding the items we sell, if you are unsure on any point, please feel free to ask for clarity.

Please note vintage period and original items such as leather seating will always have natural patina in the form of creasing and wear, we recommend annual waxing to ensure no moisture is lost, also hand dyed leather is not recommended to sit in direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time as it will dry out and fade. COURIER, LARGE ITEMS ONLY THAT CAN'T BE POSTED. Whomever delivers will always require help on the larger items to unload, the price you will be quoted will always be based on this assumption, if this is not possible, please let us know as it will affect the price to send a two-person team.