Is This a 19th Century Swiss Black Forest Bear

Hi everyone! I recently found this carved wooden bear at a flea market in Barcelona and I would really appreciate your help. Do you think this is an original 19th century Swiss Black Forest carving, or just a later cheaper reproduction?

I have seen similar bears online priced close to 1,000 euros, so I am very curious about this one.

(I also picked up this small bronze pig figure at the same market)

I paid 150 euros for both items together.
Any opinions or information about the age, origin, or value would be very welcome. Thanks in advance!

 

I know nothing about this--but I love the soulful facial expression.

 

A Google Images search will bring up other examples of your pig. At 12", it's described as a doorstop or paperweight.

Debora

 

It sure wants to be carved wood, but I'll leave him to the experts. He's awfully cute.

 

yeah, you don't have to be an expert to tell he's made of wood......he just is

maybe not 19th century, but has age......quite a nice one as well

 

A very beautiful bear from Brienz, Switzerland.
Expertly carved wood, my age guesstimate is first quarter of the 20th century. Not 19th imo, but still antique.

 

He's lovely. So expressive.

Debora

 

Thanx. May I ask how you identified this bear as being from Brienz? I am curious to understand what details indicate that origin.

 

The village of Brienz is famous for these carvings.
It was originally a very poor mountainous region. Hardship reached a low point during a devastating famine in the early 19th century. As a result the Swiss government encouraged woodcarving as a way to supplement poor people's income. An excellent idea, because tourism to the Alps was just beginning. Tourists came for their health, to take in the clear mountain air, and as part of the Grand Tour.
Switzerland also promoted Brienz carvings during the international fairs of the 19th century. And in the late 19th century a special woodcarving school was founded in Brienz.

 

There is even a woodcarving museum in Brienz:

https://museum-holzbildhauerei.ch/en/

Something on the history of carving in Brienz:

https://museum-holzbildhauerei.ch/en/brienz-village-of-carvers/

 

wow! Amazing. Thank you!

 

Is this a repair, I think I see a line, I’m not sure.

 

I think the bear is delightful. But what's going on with the bottom? If that was the only photo I had to go by to make a determination of material, I would have to guess resin. If I had it in hand, I might know it was wood. Why does it looked like a hole has been filled in?

 

The damage to the toes shows the original wood. I wondered about the hole as well. Maybe it was originally part of a group of animals on a plinth.

 

Well spotted, yes there is a break line.

 

Yes!! There is a small metallic hole on his toe. So I think it was used in composition with other animals.