This charming Russian sculpture of a bear with a fish in its mouth was carved from rock crystal during the 19th century. The position and shape of the form is dynamic and powerful, and recalls the pose of polar or grizzly hears, which are particularly known for their salmon fishing in mountain streams. The lowered hindquarters, long neck and strong head with black inlaid eyes are all very accurate, the entire surface being decorated with incised lines to suggest a shaggy pelt.
This is an attractive and striking piece.