Black Forest Double Inkstand with Nesting Bird

This piece dates to the Grand Tour era, hand-carved in the Brienz region of the Bernese Oberland in Switzerland, the historic center of the traditional Swiss “Black Forest” carving trade.

Overview A classic Swiss Brienz carved wood double inkstand crafted in stained linden wood (basswood) or walnut. The base is relief-carved in the form of broad, overlapping foliage whose natural contours create an expansive, scalloped pen tray across the front. Dates to circa 1885–1910.

Key Features & Configuration

• Central Motif & Well: Centered above the pen trough sits a nesting alpine bird (resembling a quail, partridge, or thrush) with detailed feathers, perched on a woven nest. The bird forms a hinged cover revealing a hollowed central compartment—traditionally used as a stamp box, wafer well, or small accessory basin. It retains an original brass leaf hinge secured with flathead screws and an internal alignment pin.
• Double Inkwells: Flanking the center bird are two original, removable molded clear glass wells with scalloped, fluted sides.
• Lids: Each glass well is fitted with a hand-carved wooden cover echoing the conical, radial pleating of folded leaves or umbrella-style parasols.
• Underside: The reverse displays characteristic hand-chiseled tool marks, planar leveling along the bottom surface.