Black Forest Carvings
Many assert that Black Forest wood carvings are a distinctive style of decor that originated not in the Black Forest of Germany, but in the Swiss Alps. The Black Forest style or "Brienzerware" we are familiar with today was in fact inspired by authentic Black Forest carved cuckoo clocks. Originally a form of folk art that took on a life of their own, Black Forest carvings vary widely in quality and intricacy. The earliest and most recognized variety of Black Forest carving is the cuckoo clock, but they have been used to decorate everything from sofas and chairs to picture frames and beer steins.
Authentic cuckoo clocks were carved by highly trained artisans from linden tree lumber from the Black Forest in Germany, thus creating the distinct style. Throughout the centuries, the cuckoo clock has changed little, even and especially down to the cuckoo chime. Cuckoo birds signified that spring had arrived and the call was always a welcome sound, perhaps making the passage of time a little more pleasant.
Brienzerware was inspired by Black Forest decor and is believed to have originated with Christian Fischer around 1816 in Brienz, Switzerland. At this time, many farmers needed to supplement their income and found a ready audience with Victorian tourists. Typically carved into oak or walnut, Black Forest decor is known for its whimsical woodland subject matter, such as bears playing instruments, or dogs serving drinks. These carvings are sometimes more primitive, though there are exceptional pieces, sometimes even carved from one solid piece of wood.
In 1884, the School of Wood Carving opened in Brienz and held a zoo full of animals for students to study and carve from. Black Forest carvings evolved over time, depending on where visitors, and demand, came from. During the World Wars, American soldiers often took down time in neutral Switzerland and carvers learned to make North American animals like elk and eagles. There are also examples of large elephant carved pieces inspired by British Indian tourists. Whether it's considered Brienzerware or Black Forest, collectors of these items will most certainly have an interesting and whimsical hand carved piece of history to appreciate for many years.
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