Antique Black Forest Wood Carved Nutcracker Welsh Terrier Dog.

Antique Black Forest Wood Carved Nutcracker Welsh Terrier Dog. Hand carved with teeth and Glass eyes.

Switzerland early 1900.

Size 23 cm

Black Forest Carving History

In the 1800’s the wood carving industry of Switzerland started in the town of Brienz. By the end of the 1800’s it had become the driving force for this industry.

Swiss wood carvers became world renown and featured at many international exhibitions.
Here is a shortlist of the major exhibitions Black Forest Carvings were spotlighted.

• Great Exhibition, London (1851)
• Centennial Exhibition, Philadelphia (1876)
• Chicago Worlds Fair, Chicago (1893)
• Exposition Universelle, Paris (1900)

In Europe Black Forest carvings (wares) became a symbol of luxury and wealth. The finest pieces of Black Forest carving was often found in Royal collection and elite collector’s homes (usually Victorian world travelers).
During the 1800-1900’s popularity was also growing in many overseas markets. There was a high demand for these carving especially depicting American Wildlife.

Here are some of the American animals that were highly sought after:

• Bears (most commonly depicted animal)
• Stags
• Eagles
• Boars
• Dogs