Schwarzwald umbrella stand. Black Forest, 19th century

Schwarzwald umbrella stand. Black Forest, South Germany, late 19th century.
In carved walnut wood. Glass eyes.
Measurements: 95 x 57 x 57 cm.

Walnut wood umbrella stand in round bulge, made in the German Black Forest in the nineteenth century, an area where there was an important tradition of this type of sculptural cabinetmaking. The piece represents a roaring bear standing on its hind legs. The base, also in wood, has a hole for the placement of umbrellas. The vigor and quality of the sculpture is characteristic of Schwarzwald's carvings, as is the subject matter, with bears and other wild animals being the most represented. Their open jaws, the robust anatomy and the brightness of the eyes endow the carving with expressiveness. The quality of the finishes and textures is outstanding, especially in the animal's fur.