A Black Forest Bear Carving of a Bear as the Town Crier
Hand carved in walnut, our anthromorphic bear ( with glass eyes), is dressed in local attire, and stands on a rockwork base, clutching a goblet and is seemingly giving a speech, whilst holding a toast.
Circa 1890
'Swiss Carvings: The Art of the 'Black Forest', by Michael & Simon Daniels, published by the Antique Collectors Club, Suffolk, England, published 2005
See chapter 4, 'Curiousities' pp 61-74', for a selection of amusing subjects of a similar nature.