Etichetta Originale di Prestigio "J. Aeschimann, Zürich" - Cigar holder - Rare Humidor "Bear of the Black Forest" – Masterpiece of Art, 1890 - Wood - Tobacco Holder
02
days
21
hours
53
minutes
37
seconds
Current bid
€ 410
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Dési van Rhee
Over 20 years' experience in antiques with a background in art history.
Estimate € 800 - € 1,200
 | €410 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €390 | |
| €370 | |
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Late 19th century Swiss carved wooden humanoid humidor for tobacco and cigars, with antique style, originating from Brienz and Zurich, bearing the original J. Aeschimann label and in good used condition.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
We are proud to present at auction an authentic gem of Swiss artisanal craftsmanship: a superb and extraordinary anthropomorphic tobacco/cigar humidor, an absolute masterpiece of Brienz's renowned woodworking (Switzerland), dating from the late 19th century.
This sculpture is not merely a decorative object, but a tangible testimony to the golden era of the European Grand Tour. It depicts a expressive alpine brown bear, carved by hand in a single block of noble wood with technical mastery that comes close to anatomical perfection. The animal is captured in a proud and dynamic pose: while gripping with the right paw an ice-axe/stick for walking, it gazes upward with its jaws realistically open.
The real dramatic twist lies in the structural conception of the piece:
- The head opens thanks to a solid antique metal hinge that allows the head to lift, revealing a spacious internal cavity carved precisely into the bear's body, historically intended to preserve the fragrance of fine tobacco or cigars.
- The bear rests on a masterfully carved rocky base, which houses a magnificent circular brass tray in original patinated brass, designed as an ashtray or elegant receptacle for smoking accessories.
What elevates this lot to a museum piece is the extraordinary condition of its original paper label under the base: "J. Aeschimann – Sculptures Suisses – Zürich – 19 Bahnhofstrasse" (with the very old telephone number "S II. 64"). This golden detail confirms that the work was purchased on legendary Bahnhofstrasse in Zurich from Jacob Aeschimann, the most exclusive gallery and supplier to nobility and international upper middle class of the era. The inscription "Sculptures Suisses" guarantees the highest quality of Brienz carving, clearly differentiating it from more common German productions.
Epoch: Late 19th century / Early 20th century (circa 1890–1900).
Origin: Brienz / Zurich, Switzerland.
Material: Fine hard wood (boxwood/walnut) with a splendid warm, deep, natural patina. Pure antique brass tray.
Workmanship: Entirely executed by hand. Note the extraordinary virtuosity in carving the fur, strand by strand, and the vibrant expressiveness of the muzzle.
Rarity: Museum-grade, especially for the combination of the "Humidor" type (much rarer than classic umbrella stands or simple ashtrays) and the presence of the luxury retailer label.
Lot Conditions: Vintage, shows signs of age - SEE PHOTOS.
Seller's Story
Welcome to our Catawiki store. Our journey in online sales began back in 2004, driven by a clear vision: creating online auctions dedicated to high-value objects.
Today, more than twenty years later, we carry forward that exact same vision. We are proud to have remained a small, family-run business, yet operating with the solidity and scale of major industry professionals: each year, we welcome more than 100 new clients, purchase over 150 lots, and select between 3,000 and 5,000 unique items to offer you.
Our commitment is reflected in everything we do, from the initial find to the final delivery to your doorstep:
• A Purchase with Social Value: Buying from us means securing a great deal while actively supporting the future of young Italian students. We collaborate closely with 3 graphic design and advertising schools in Milan, Bergamo, and Lecco.
We invest our time and expertise to teach these students the secrets of online sales, professional photography, and marketing. By choosing us, you are tangibly contributing to their education and career paths.
• Field Research and Discovery: For years, we have been personally scouting the most remote locations across Lombardy to find unique pieces, rarities, oddities, and mid-century modern design.
• We Invest Our Own Capital: We do not sell on consignment. We invest our own capital upfront to purchase and restore every single item, taking on all the risks ourselves.
• Direct Dealings with No Intermediaries: We manage every single price personally.
This allows us to eliminate third-party costs and ensure you get the best possible profit margin as a buyer or collector.
• Meticulous Restoration and Quality Control: We get our hands dirty. Every item is carefully restored and verified with an obsessive eye for detail before going up for auction.
• Secure and Eco-Friendly Shipping: To prevent inflated shipping costs and ensure indestructible packaging, my wife and I head out almost every evening, often at unusual hours, to collect heavy-duty industrial cardboard from businesses in our neighborhood.
We hand-select only pre-evaluated, ultra-resistant materials to offer you maximum protection at the lowest possible cost.
Choosing our lots means relying on the historic expertise of a family that has lived this passion since 2004, while investing in the next generation. Our schools and students thank you deeply for your trust.
Happy bidding!
Translated by Google TranslateWe are proud to present at auction an authentic gem of Swiss artisanal craftsmanship: a superb and extraordinary anthropomorphic tobacco/cigar humidor, an absolute masterpiece of Brienz's renowned woodworking (Switzerland), dating from the late 19th century.
This sculpture is not merely a decorative object, but a tangible testimony to the golden era of the European Grand Tour. It depicts a expressive alpine brown bear, carved by hand in a single block of noble wood with technical mastery that comes close to anatomical perfection. The animal is captured in a proud and dynamic pose: while gripping with the right paw an ice-axe/stick for walking, it gazes upward with its jaws realistically open.
The real dramatic twist lies in the structural conception of the piece:
- The head opens thanks to a solid antique metal hinge that allows the head to lift, revealing a spacious internal cavity carved precisely into the bear's body, historically intended to preserve the fragrance of fine tobacco or cigars.
- The bear rests on a masterfully carved rocky base, which houses a magnificent circular brass tray in original patinated brass, designed as an ashtray or elegant receptacle for smoking accessories.
What elevates this lot to a museum piece is the extraordinary condition of its original paper label under the base: "J. Aeschimann – Sculptures Suisses – Zürich – 19 Bahnhofstrasse" (with the very old telephone number "S II. 64"). This golden detail confirms that the work was purchased on legendary Bahnhofstrasse in Zurich from Jacob Aeschimann, the most exclusive gallery and supplier to nobility and international upper middle class of the era. The inscription "Sculptures Suisses" guarantees the highest quality of Brienz carving, clearly differentiating it from more common German productions.
Epoch: Late 19th century / Early 20th century (circa 1890–1900).
Origin: Brienz / Zurich, Switzerland.
Material: Fine hard wood (boxwood/walnut) with a splendid warm, deep, natural patina. Pure antique brass tray.
Workmanship: Entirely executed by hand. Note the extraordinary virtuosity in carving the fur, strand by strand, and the vibrant expressiveness of the muzzle.
Rarity: Museum-grade, especially for the combination of the "Humidor" type (much rarer than classic umbrella stands or simple ashtrays) and the presence of the luxury retailer label.
Lot Conditions: Vintage, shows signs of age - SEE PHOTOS.
Seller's Story
Welcome to our Catawiki store. Our journey in online sales began back in 2004, driven by a clear vision: creating online auctions dedicated to high-value objects.
Today, more than twenty years later, we carry forward that exact same vision. We are proud to have remained a small, family-run business, yet operating with the solidity and scale of major industry professionals: each year, we welcome more than 100 new clients, purchase over 150 lots, and select between 3,000 and 5,000 unique items to offer you.
Our commitment is reflected in everything we do, from the initial find to the final delivery to your doorstep:
• A Purchase with Social Value: Buying from us means securing a great deal while actively supporting the future of young Italian students. We collaborate closely with 3 graphic design and advertising schools in Milan, Bergamo, and Lecco.
We invest our time and expertise to teach these students the secrets of online sales, professional photography, and marketing. By choosing us, you are tangibly contributing to their education and career paths.
• Field Research and Discovery: For years, we have been personally scouting the most remote locations across Lombardy to find unique pieces, rarities, oddities, and mid-century modern design.
• We Invest Our Own Capital: We do not sell on consignment. We invest our own capital upfront to purchase and restore every single item, taking on all the risks ourselves.
• Direct Dealings with No Intermediaries: We manage every single price personally.
This allows us to eliminate third-party costs and ensure you get the best possible profit margin as a buyer or collector.
• Meticulous Restoration and Quality Control: We get our hands dirty. Every item is carefully restored and verified with an obsessive eye for detail before going up for auction.
• Secure and Eco-Friendly Shipping: To prevent inflated shipping costs and ensure indestructible packaging, my wife and I head out almost every evening, often at unusual hours, to collect heavy-duty industrial cardboard from businesses in our neighborhood.
We hand-select only pre-evaluated, ultra-resistant materials to offer you maximum protection at the lowest possible cost.
Choosing our lots means relying on the historic expertise of a family that has lived this passion since 2004, while investing in the next generation. Our schools and students thank you deeply for your trust.
Happy bidding!
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Era
1400-1900
Over 200 years old
No
Title additional information
Tobacco Holder
Country of origin
Switzerland
Material
Wood
Designer/artist/maker
Etichetta Originale di Prestigio "J. Aeschimann, Zürich"
Model
Rare Humidor "Bear of the Black Forest" – Masterpiece of Art, 1890
Style
Antique
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of ageing
Height
36 cm
Width
20 cm
Depth
20 cm
Estimated period
late 19th century
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