Pair of walnut chairs with Edelweiss marquetry, Brienz Switzerland 1900

A pair of magnificent walnut inlaid chairs, decorated with inlaid and painted scenes depicting a chamois, a goat, a hare, a hunter, a stag, and edelweiss flowers. Surrounded by marquetry in ebony and lime. Made around 1900 in Brienz, Switzerland. Very good original condition. The tradition of edelweiss furniture in Brienz dates back to the mid-19th century. The local inhabitants sought new employment opportunities and used their traditional craftsmanship skills to create a new industry. Many wood sculptors were trained at the Brienz School of Wood Sculpture, founded in 1884. By 1900, the wood sculpture industry had around 2000 sculptors. The wood sculptures from Brienz were showcased at several world exhibitions with great success. Thanks to the Grand Tour tourism, wealthy individuals from around the world visited the region and brought home wooden sculpture souvenirs. Today, some companies, such as 'Huggler Holzbildhauerei', still exist and produce traditional sculptures.