Solid carved Black Forest wooden boar.

Hand made.

*Both tusk shows damage as shown in the photos.

Wooden body of boar in good condition, no cracks or chips.

Intricate details and design.

Wood has natural patina, shows the passage of time.

9.5” long (24cm)

6.5” tall (16.5cm)

3.5”wide, roughly. (9cm)

3.5lbs (1.6 kilograms)

Photos taken outside.

Though commonly assumed these works were made in the Black Forest of south west Germany, most pieces were made in Switzerland, more historical information below.

Unsigned, typical of Black Forest works.

Wood appears to be walnut, it’s a darker dense wood.

Smoke and pet free environment.

Ships fast and securely!!! Very Secure!!

Please see photos for condition details.

Black Forest carvings date back to the early 1800s and were originally created as religious artifacts for churches and cathedrals throughout Europe. During the nineteenth century’s industrial revolution, the English started visiting Switzerland in droves; so opportunistic carvers turned their hands to sculpting souvenir items for wealthy tourists. According to Michael Daniels of Daniels Antiques in Aspen, and coauthor of Swiss Carvings 1820 – 1940, the carvings were even sought out by royals. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert became collectors when they discovered the figures on one of their many stays in Interlaken.

The beauty of Black Forest carvings lies not only within the artists’ skill in which they yield their chiseling tools but also within the wood and the tree itself. Carvers have long known certain trees grown in the shade and harvested in winter would provide denser wood that would be better for carving and this knowledge has been passed down from generation to generation.

While the Black Forest is in southwest Germany and its name stems from the proliferation of dark pine trees that grow here, these “Black Forest” carvings were actually not made here. While some may indeed have been made here, research over time has proven that most of these pieces were carved in Brienz, Switzerland. The name is a misnomer but has stuck. No doubt there have been talented German carvers who created similar works, but the bulk of what are called Black Forest carvings are Swiss in origin, usually crafted out of linden, maple or walnut trees. “Each carver had their own favorite patch of forest they would visit time and time again when in need of new carving wood,” according to a blog by Daniels Antiques.

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