Important Carved Wooden Umbrella Stand From The Black Forest Depicting A Bear - Late 19th Century

Important carved wooden umbrella stand from the Black Forest depicting a bear, late 19th century. This imposing carved wooden umbrella stand from the Black Forest depicts a standing bear holding an umbrella. This piece is distinguished by the quality of its carving, the vigor of its modeling, and its beautiful traces of original polychromy, which accentuate the animal's realism. The rendering of the fur, the animated expression of the head with its slightly open mouth revealing the fangs, as well as the treatment of the paws and claws, testify to particularly meticulous carving, characteristic of productions from the Brienz region at the end of the 19th century. The bear holds an umbrella under its arm, which serves as a support for walking sticks and umbrellas. The base is fitted with its original brass tray for collecting water. Due to its substantial size—103 cm in height—this model has a particularly decorative and spectacular character, uncommon on the market. Condition: good overall condition. Note an accident at the tip of the umbrella (see photographs). An emblematic decorative piece of late 19th century Alpine sculpture, both utilitarian and sculptural.