Carved Walnuts on a Branch

A hand carved inkstand featuring walnuts on a leafy branch. One walnut is the inkwell (missing insert) and the other was for storage.

A second example with one walnut with the glass insert.

In the 1800’s, the wood carving industry of Switzerland started in the town of Brienz. By the end of the 1800’s it became the driving force for this industry. Swiss wood carvers became world renown and featured at international exhibitions. In Europe, Black Forest carvings became a symbol of luxury and wealth. The finest pieces of Black Forest carving were often found in a Royal collection and in elite collectors’ homes (usually Victorian world travelers). During the 1800-1900’s popularity grew in overseas markets. There was a high demand for these carving depicting American wildlife.