Name/Title
Carved Pipe Stand with Three BearsEntry/Object ID
1996.F.110Description
Carved pipe stand with three bears 1996.F.110A. Excellent example of tramp art. Collectors item. Intricately carved surface with a leaf design in the four corners of the circular top. There are three bears on the top, all sitting that are intricately carved, including teeth. One has arms curled that could be designed to hold a pipe. The one in the back is directly on the table top. The top in the middle have wooden boxes below them and open. The front area has a brass cup that is removable, presumed for ashes 1996.F.110B. The pedestal is a branch that another bear is climbing and looking to the side. Bottom three branch base has ornate carving.
This smoking pedestal fits the Black Forest style of carved woodwork which usually features whimiscal subjects that are found in nature. Some were made in Germany but most were carved in Switzerland. This one looks like others found online which are listed as being made in the late 19th century but these carvings have been made at least since the early 1800s. Bears themes are very common. See: https://www.liveauctioneers.com/news/be-smart/black-forest-carvings-200-years-of-tradition/ -Michele Yamamoto, 10/7/2022
Tramp art, a type of woodworking that became popular in the late 1800s, has ebbed and flowed in usage throughout America's design history. It is thought that it was initially introduced in the 1860s by German and Northern European immigrants traveling the U.S. countryside, although the true origins are unclear.Dimensions
Height
35-1/2 inWidth
17 inDepth
14-1/2 inDimension Notes
H to top of table 30" Bears vary in size: 5", 4.25" and 4"
Opening for bowl is 3"
1996.F.101B bowl: W 3" x D 1.25"
