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Barnebys HQ
Brahegatan 10
BOX 5038
114 37 Stockholm
All auctions / Furniture, Design & Mirrors / Etichetta Originale di Prestigio "J
We are proud to present at auction an authentic gem of Swiss artisanal craftsmanship: a superb and extraordinary anthropomorphic tobacco/cigar humidor, an absolute masterpiece of Brienz's renowned woodworking (Switzerland), dating from the late 19th century. This sculpture is not merely a decorative object, but a tangible testimony to the golden era of the European Grand Tour. It depicts a expressive alpine brown bear, carved by hand in a single block of noble wood with technical mastery that comes close to anatomical perfection. The animal is captured in a proud and dynamic pose: while gripping with the right paw an ice-axe/stick for walking, it gazes upward with its jaws realistically open. The real dramatic twist lies in the structural conception of the piece: - The head opens thanks to a solid antique metal hinge that allows the head to lift, revealing a spacious internal cavity carved precisely into the bear's body, historically intended to preserve the fragrance of fine tobacco or cigars. - The bear rests on a masterfully carved rocky base, which houses a magnificent circular brass tray in original patinated brass, designed as an ashtray or elegant receptacle for smoking accessories. What elevates this lot to a museum piece is the extraordinary condition of its original paper label under the base: "J. Aeschimann – Sculptures Suisses – Zürich – 19 Bahnhofstrasse" (with the very old telephone number "S II. 64"). This golden detail confirms that the work was purchased on legendary Bahnhofstrasse in Zurich from Jacob Aeschimann, the most exclusive gallery and supplier to nobility and international upper middle class of the era. The inscription "Sculptures Suisses" guarantees the highest quality of Brienz carving, clearly differentiating it from more common German productions. Epoch: Late 19th century / Early 20th century (circa 1890–1900). Origin: Brienz / Zurich, Switzerland. Material: Fine hard wood (boxwood/walnut) with a splendid warm, deep, natural patina. Pure antique brass tray. Workmanship: Entirely executed by hand. Note the extraordinary virtuosity in carving the fur, strand by strand, and the vibrant expressiveness of the muzzle. Rarity: Museum-grade, especially for the combination of the "Humidor" type (much rarer than classic umbrella stands or simple ashtrays) and the presence of the luxury retailer label. Lot Conditions: Vintage, shows signs of age - SEE PHOTOS.
Estimate:£678.59
To the auctionView all items fromCatawikiorFurniture, Design & Mirrors
Estimate:
£678.59
DIEGO GIACOMETTI. "Berceau", table, modèle aux chats, France 1970's.
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£399,551.81
Est: £239,868
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Signed Hand-Carved Shell Seat W/ Dolphin Base Wooden Chair
03/28/2023
£1,329.6
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[STEREOVIEWS]. PAIR OF STEREOVIEWERS WITH A LARGE GROUP OF ...
11/20/2021
£146
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