Large Black Forest Cuckoo Clock “the Raven And The Fox” – Circa 1900

An exceptional and imposing Black Forest cuckoo clock, made circa 1900 and featuring an exceptionally rich, entirely hand-carved wooden decoration.

The façade is covered with an abundant composition of vine leaves, branches and bunches of grapes carved in high relief. At the top, a large crow with outstretched wings holds the famous piece of cheese in its beak, while a finely carved fox sits beneath the dial: together, they form a particularly charming representation of Aesop’s famous fable The Fox and the Crow.

The quality and richness of the carving are remarkable, from the detailed plumage of the birds and the fox’s fur to the numerous elements of the surrounding foliage. The considerable depth of the carving, with numerous pierced and deeply undercut areas, gives the clock an especially sculptural and imposing presence.

The wooden dial retains its complete set of original Roman numerals in bone, all present, together with its elegant pierced hands. Above the dial, the traditional small door opens to reveal the cuckoo.

The movement is driven by chains and its two traditional cast-iron pine-cone weights.

The mechanism has been fully serviced by a professional clockmaker and is in perfect working order.

A video showing the clock in operation is available on our Instagram account @galeriedmdb.

Very good overall condition, with a beautiful period patina and minor traces of age and use consistent with its age.

Height: 63 cm
Width: 43 cm
Depth: 24 cm

What particularly attracted us to this cuckoo clock is its theatrical character. Far removed from the more conventional Black Forest models, its decoration does not simply consist of an abundance of foliage and ornamental motifs: it tells a story.

The choice of The Fox and the Crow transforms the clock into a genuine carved scene. The crow, perched at the very top with the cheese in its beak, and the fox watching from beneath the dial literally frame the passage of time. Between them, the profusion of grapes and vine leaves gives the composition remarkable depth.

We were equally taken by the sheer generosity of the carving. Standing 63 cm high, with numerous elements carved in high relief and animal figures treated almost entirely in the round, this cuckoo clock has an exceptional decorative presence.

A wonderfully whimsical and characterful piece, as well as a fine example of the craftsmanship of Black Forest woodcarvers around 1900.