Wall-mounted Letter Holder In Carved Linden And Gilded Wood - Attributed To Grossmann Brienz - Late 19th Century

A magnificent and rare wall-mounted trinket tray/letter holder with a fixed beveled shape, a testament to the virtuosity of the master sculptors of the Brienz School (Switzerland), from the late Victorian era (circa 1880–1890).

The main facade and its perpendicular side panels feature exquisitely delicate fretwork carved with a scroll saw, creating a true lace-like pattern of foliage, volutes, and acanthus leaves.

The exquisitely delicate ornamentation is highlighted by three relief mascarons depicting woodland deities or forest spirits (the “Green Man” motif), entirely carved from wood and gilded with period-style gold leaf.

The lower section features an architectural cartouche adorned with a central “G” monogram, also in relief and gilded, which was custom-commissioned during the piece’s creation.

The exclusive use of linden wood stained with a warm patina, the very specific style of the bearded faces, and the technical excellence of the openwork carving allow for a direct attribution to the body of work by the renowned Johann Grossmann workshop in Brienz, a renowned workshop that exhibited at the major World’s Fairs of the late 19th century.

Superb original condition. The wood-carved lacework—though extremely fragile—shows no major missing pieces or fractures. The linden wood has a very beautiful patina from use, and the period gold leaf gilding retains a magnificent freshness. The solid wood backing panel features an original hanging eye let at the top for mounting.

• Origin: Switzerland, Brienz (so-called “Black Forest” style)
• Materials: Stained linden wood, carved wood, and gold leaf
• Condition: Very good original condition
• Dimensions: Height 30 cm | Width 16.5 cm | Depth 12 cm

Carefully and securely packaged; fast shipping with insurance and tracking.