Pair of Black Forest tables

A rare pair of finely carved late 19th century (circa 1880) Black Forest linden wood side tables in the form of seated hounds, possibly whippets. This wonderful pair of tables consist of white marble tops of semi-circular form (not original) leading down to the superb realistically carved hounds, both seated and resting against a carved tree trunk with superb foliate carving, the hounds with carved breast plates. The hounds are supported by carved tri-form bases with eagle heads to the corners and terminating with carved paw feet. The small village of Brienz in The Swiss Alps is renowned for superbly and finely carved linden wood figures of farm and domestic animals that integrated into Swiss life . The carvings from the Brienz region were known for their superbly naturalistic and realistic depiction of fur, feathers etc. and for being carved from one piece of wood, often from lime/linden wood. These figures are finely carved with superb detail of their fur, faces, legs etc. which is typical of Black Forest carved figures. This pair of tables are in very good condition for age, are of stable construction and can go straight into a home. Size: Height: 30.75'' / 78cm Width: 20.75'' / 52.75cm Depth: 17.5'' / 44.5cm Tops only: Width: 20.75'' / 52.75cm Depth: 12.25'' / 31cm