1880s Animal Sculptures

A whimsical Hand painted English terra-cotta pug dog sculpture, circa 1880. The pieces where the rage in the 19th century in the United States and England and graced the homes of th...

19thC Chinese Root Wood Carving of a sacred water buffalo with children climbing on it's back - 23"w x 11"d x 10"h

A rare, large and very dramatic porcelain sculpture of a monkey made by Ernst Bohne & Sohne in Rudolstadt in Volkstedt, Thuringia, Germany, c. 1880. The monkey is smiling with great...

19th century carved wooden deer’s head We are proud to offer a delightful example of a 19th century hand carved German deer’s head. This ite...

This charming antique Black Forest inkstand dates from circa 1880. Beautifully modelled, hand carved from linden wood, with mother and baby bear on a naturalistically carved rocky outcrop. The inkwells are in the form of a pair of tree trunks with fluted glass wells with carved lids and a useful pen tray in front. Condition: In excellent condition. As an antique item, it shows signs of use commensurate with age, these minor condition issues are mentioned for accuracy and, as seen in the accompanying photographs, the inkstand displays beautifully. Dimensions in cm: Height 15 cm x Width 23 cm x Depth 14 cm Dimensions in inches: Height 6 inches x Width 9 inches x Depth 5 inches History of Black Forest Carving The idea behind the success of Brienz wood carving was quite simple. After a disastrous famine in 1816 in the Brienz area people were forced to find new areas of revenues. Driven by the need to create jobs in the Bernese Oberland, an economically underdeveloped region, the Swiss government encouraged the existing resource of timber industry to liaise with the traditional wooden craftsmanship. It took some time to improve from home requirements to sophisticated designed arts but the process was supported by the rising amount of tourists visiting the region. Christian Fischer and other founders Christian Fischer (1790-1848) started self-taught from simple turneries (carved bowls and other articles of daily use) to unsophisticated regional animals and people. Due to his success and the interest of the tourists, other carvers started also following his idea of carving the pristine naturalism. The Swiss government supported these start-ups with additional training of apprentices at special trade school. Brienz School of Wood Carving In 1884 the "School of Wood Carving, Brienz" was founded. It became an important educational institution to strengthen and develop the artistic backgrounds and exhibit an area of creativity. During the years of war in the 20th century, the demand for wooden sculptures came to rest and led to the re-orientation in areas such as toys and carvings for constructions. Beyond that the Brienz wood carving articles had to face an enormous competition from abroad. The School of Wood Carving had to get through difficult economic times but in the late 1970s wood carving enjoyed a renaissance. A lot of young people searched for elemental jobs and added a new value to school education. Today Brienz School of Wood Carving is combined with the education of turner, basket makers and coopers. The school still claims high-quality standards and follows old principles with regard to future perspectives. Wild animals At all times wild animals fascinate people. The highland around Brienz has large variety of different wild animals. Bears are among the most popular models for carvers. On the one hand bears are easy to cut and on the other hand they have a strong symbolized image. The enthusiasm for bears in art...

A large Majolica triple bamboo vase decorated with four birds attributed to Delphin Massier, circa 1880.

France bronze of a Dog antique figure. Offered is a bronze figure of a Dog dating circza 1880. He shows an antique patina.In the Style of Jules Moigniez.

Luxury at its finest, high-end glass sculpture by St. Louis, France. The sculptures are two heads of horses. The horses, made from clear crystal, have clean lines and show the real ...

Arts and Crafts Leather Model of a Horse This is a rare and beautiful find, it was probably made for Liberty but the label is no longer attached This handsome beast is free standin...

A rare pair of 19th Century Staffordshire cows with their feeding calves, nicely coloured ceramic enamels, made circa 1880. 24 cm (9 inches) long, ...

This is a charming pair of antique Victorian silver plated salts each in the form of an eagle and in Baroque taste, circa 1880 in date. The beautifully cast salts each feature a de...

This Victorian Majolica stork vase is signed Joseph Holdcroft, inspired by Minton Joseph Holdcroft offer here a different version more rustic. It's...

An Asian fine carved wood wall plaque possibly Japonese with a crab, a lobster on bamboo.

Exceptional and large patinated bronze casting of two stags in battle after the original model by the French animalier, Pierre Jules Mene (1810-1879). 22 1/2 by 10 1/2 by 9 inches. ...

A fine ‘Black Forest’ walnut eagle, shown perched on a rocky outcrop with the wings raised and the head turned to the right, Swiss, circa 1880.   

Late 19th century automaton of a monkey in 18th century style dress. Likely to be French, this piece shows all the hallmarks of J. Phalibois, one of the foremost makers of clockwork toys...

Two 1880s bronze eagles signed A. Marionnet. They have brass plaques that were originally fastened to the sculptures, but are now not attached. One says A. Marionnet, Paris.

This remarkable life-size pair of bronze sculptures showcases a stunning Lion and Tiger fiercely protecting children. Each piece exhibits exceptional detail and artistry, highlightin...

Large Meiji period bronze tiger by Genryusai Seiya, striding forward with teeth bared, the bronze patinated to imitate tiger stripes, with in...

Workshop plaster representing a lying cow. France, circa 1880

Sculpture of an English mastiff or bulldog in polychrome terra cotta with eyes made of sulphide. This is a beautiful work in the spirit of the famous Goldsheider Factory from the end...

Plaster statuette representing a lying dog. France, circa 1880.

« Faust, chien terre-neuve », plaster statuette by François-Charles Millet. Circa 1880. Signed and named on the terrace. Biography François Charles Millet was born in Paris in 185...

Dimension: Height: 14 inches Width: 13 inches Depth: 12 inches. About the object: This elaborately carved wood lion's head was an integral decorative piece of a bar counter or shelf unit in a Manhattan bar...

French Terracotta roaring lion mounted on rocky rectangular plinth. Plaque reads Lion Guettant Sa Proie, Par Foucher. Late 19th Century

American gilt copper and cast iron full bodied rooster weathervane mounted on stand, Late 19th Century

Rare and important Japanese sculpture / statue / okimono in blackened and carved wood, depicting 1 lion, 2 birds (crows or other birds of prey) and 1 snake held in the claws of one o...

Pair of American cast iron hand painted preening ducks resting on squared bases. Late 19th Century.

A lovely ornate 19th Century black forest carving of a fox, sitting cross legged reading a book, the fox wearing a jacket and seems to be sitting on a rock with various foliage and a...

Bronze sculpture, late 19th century, Asia Measures: H 19cm, W 15cm, W 8cm.

Group of American cast iron doorstops / bookends. Set consist of Scottie, Rabbit, Ram, Swan, Flower basket, Pirate on chest, Frigate Ship, Floral column, ...

19th century black forest bear stick/umbrella stand constructed in linden wood, the stand consisting of a bear standing on his back legs with a front paw extended, with a naturalisti...

Bronze group of a Whippet and Pekingese dogs, inscribed P.J. Mene.

A set of three 19th century black forest carvings of bears in different poses, all three bears are in very good condition and having lovely crisp carving. Circa 1880.  

Pair of Chinese hardstone birds on wood stands, circa 1880.

A German bronze model of the medieval Brunswick lion, mounted on a black marble plinth, late-19th century, The German prince, Henry, Duke of Saxony an...

19th century bronze poodle, circa 1880.

Antique 19th Century exquisite pair of Italian marble lions, each bearing a heraldic shield. Carved meticulously from Carrara marble, renowned for...

A rare and charming life-size model of a seated dog in buff terracotta, with head turned and an inquisitive expression on his face. He has clearly spent all his life indoors as the c...

A beautiful pair of 19th century antique grand tour patinated bronze dogs seated on siena marble plinths. Each dog is beautifully cast and hand-chiseled with meticulous craftsmanship...