Featured Interesting Heavily carved mirror frame for members.

Hi Members
I have posted this mirror frame made in European walnut that I am now using for a painting that I have had for about 40years.
I am not sure where it was made. When I purchased it I felt Black Forest in Germany or maybe Brienz, Switzerland. After visiting Brienz and Germany(did not get to the Black Forest area) I am still not sure where exactly it was carved. Did not see anything similar.

There are some similarities on some furniture carved in Brienz in a book I have .
Swiss Carvings ,The Art of the "Black Forest" 1820-1940.

It is as bought condition ,I have not yet decided if I am going to strip it back to original color or leave as it is (probably will leave)

Regards Giotto

 

Wow! So intricate carving!

 

All I would do is a wash with soapy water and a soft paint brush followed by a rinse and dry.

 

Lovely - have sold a couple similar at auction and I cataloged them both as Black Forest style from the area of Brienz in Swizerland. Yours is likely from there as well.

 

Described as antique Black Forest...but it ain't got nothin on yours!

 

Gorgeous piece. You really have some fine stuff!

 

I would not strip. You have no idea what glue may be hidden and stripper can destroy glue. I have a Black Forest clock and the color is very similar. Get out a good soap, toothbrush, q-tips and have at it. You will be amazed at how much brighter it will be. I would use TSP cleaner ( powder) mix and spray on small areas and let sit briefly(follow instructions on box) I would spray to rinse also and drip off some of the dirt then wipe with cotton cloth and get crevices. Not a small job. But don’t rush it’s too beautiful to strip.

 

@giotto, WHEN cleaning, be mindful of the fact that there is writing on the wood leaves from the 4th image down!! You may have already seen it and are aware of it....and you may come across more writing elsewhere! Not sure what it says though......I couldn't make the image any less blurry on closeup......it is stunning carving!!

 

Hello I replied to a few posts this morning,is there are reason that they are not there?

Regards Giotto.

 

you either did not hit POST REPLY . ( it happens) ........or they were taken down....for some reason..

 

Hello
Size comparison of the two carved frames I have.
Regards Giotto