This charming hand-carved bear is a genuine piece of Black Forest folk art, made in the early 1900s in the German-Swiss woodcarving tradition that region is famous for. He stands upright on a round base, holding a tall carved staff that doubles as a pencil or paintbrush holder - a functional antique as much as a decorative one.

The wood has a deep, lustrous finish, and the carver's fine "fur" texture is still crisp after well over a century. He's a wonderful size for a desk, shelf, or bookcase, and a real conversation starter for anyone who loves European antiques or folk art.

Measurements: Bear stands approx. 13 cm (5.1 in) tall; pencil holder approx. 22 cm (8.7 in) long.

Condition: Honest antique wear consistent with age and a well-loved past - a small chip to one ear and one foot (reflected in the price). No structural damage; sturdy and fully usable as a desk piece.

Origin: Black Forest region, Germany/Switzerland, early 1900s.