Accession Number

2008.005.003

Description

A small, carved wooden bear, seated with paws outstretched to cradle a thimble. It has inset glass eyes and a painted red mouth.

Narrative

This Black Forest carving of a bear is designed to hold a thimble in it's arms. Black Forest carvings were purchased by vast numbers tourists on the Grand Tour during the late 19^th Century. They came in a myriad of forms: boxes; mirrors; hallstands; chairs and benches, animal figures; smoking sets; easels; panels; clocks, etc. Bears appear to have been one of the most common motifs. 

History of Use

The donor was a collector of needlework items and bequeathed this to Craigdarroch as part of a large gift of sewing tools. 

Date

circa 1880

Dimensions

6.5 x 4.2 cm

Material

Wood

Technique

Carved

Country of Origin

Switzerland