Wooden Black Forest bookends with hand-carved bears, signed Geschwister Sarbach, Switzerland, 1930-1940

Description

A pair of antique, very charming bookends with hand carved bears from the Black Forest.

Beautifully detailed hand-carved bears of traditional Black Forest or Schwarzwalder woodcarving art from Switzerland, 1930s-1940s.

The two characteristic finely carved bears stand upright, each leaning against a wooden panel. Beautiful fur, magnificent expressive faces with beautiful glass eyes and open mouths, red interiors and teeth. Hand-applied patina. True craftsmanship.

Both the base and the back panel are made of solid wood and offer sturdy support for books. Stamped on the bottom is the name "Geschwister Sarbach - Papeterie - Adelboden, Tel 94369", referring to a renowned woodcarving workshop and artisan family from the Brienz/Hofstetten region in the Bernese Oberland. This region is known worldwide for its high-quality woodcarving, particularly of bears. 

Condition: Very good. Beautiful patina from years of use. No damage or missing pieces of wood.

Dimensions: 16.5cm H, 11cm D, 9cm W.
Weight: 543 grams