Carved Limewood Oval Table Frame With Naturalistic Floral Decoration, Brienz, Switzerland, 1870

A superb oval table centrepiece crafted from lime wood and finely carved in high relief. The oval-shaped centrepiece is entirely encircled by an asymmetrical naturalistic design featuring leafy scrolls, flowers and wild rosebuds. The top is crowned with a delicate ribbon bow carved in a semicircular arch. The whole piece rests on a rocaille base with an undulating design simulating intertwined bark and branches.
Switzerland (Brienz). Late 19th century, circa 1870.
H_30 cm, W_17 cm.
Very good condition.

This type of masterful carving in lime or walnut wood is the speciality of the master carvers from the Black Forest region (centred mainly around Brienz in Switzerland). Highly prized by the European aristocracy in the late 19th century, these display pieces demonstrate a unique skill in imitating nature and the plant world.