Bear with Tree Trunk Bowl
Probably Black Forest, Germany
Late 19th century
Carved wood
14¾ × 8 × 6½ in.
This finely carved sculpture depicts a standing bear gripping a heavily textured tree trunk, a dynamic composition characteristic of the Black Forest carving tradition. The carver exploits the natural expressiveness of wood grain to heighten the bear’s shaggy coat, alert eyes, and slightly protruding tongue, lending the animal a vivid, almost playful presence. The gnarled trunk, worked with deep, faceted cuts, provides both narrative context and structural balance to the figure.
Animal subjects—particularly bears—were central to Black Forest woodcarving in the late 19th century, reflecting regional folklore, Alpine identity, and a romantic fascination with untamed nature. Intended as a decorative sculpture rather than functional furniture, this piece exemplifies the genre’s blend of technical virtuosity, humor, and reverence for the natural world, transforming a simple block of wood into a lively sculptural vignette.
