A very rare hand-carved coat hook or whip holder depicting a bear as a poacher with rifle, hat and rucksack. The hooks are made from real chamois horn. Hand-carved by Pierre Michel in Interlaken, Switzerland, around 1900.

The tradition of wood carving in Brienz dates back to mid of the 19th century. People in the region were looking for new employment opportunities. They used their skills from traditional crafts, carving everyday objects and sculptures, and created a new business. Many woodcarvers where trained in the 'School of Wood Carving, Brienz' which was established in 1884. Around 1900 the woodcarving industry counted ca. 2000 woodcarvers. Brienz woodcarvings were presented on several worlds fairs with great success. With the Gran Tour Tourism wealthy people from all over the word visited the area and took their woodcarving souvenirs home. Today some companies, like 'Huggler Holzbildhauerei' still exist and build traditional sculptures.

artfour is an owner-operated trading company dealing in Black Forest woodcarvings, antler furniture and an impressive variety of unique decorative items. Our antiques are displayed in a 100 years old barn in southern Germany, which we have remodeled ourselves. Antique pieces have been our passion since the 1980s. We ship worldwide, perfectly packed and with a money back guarantee. This qualifies us as your preferred partner for Black Forest and antique art.