White Onyx Polar Bear by Alfred Lyndhurst Pocock Fabergé Sculptor

Description From our Sculpture Collection, an exceptional early 20th-century white onyx carving of a polar bear by Alfred Lyndhurst Pocock (1882–1962), the only English sculptor known to have worked with the House of Fabergé. The bear is masterfully rendered in motion, its stance caught mid-prowl with a naturalistic sense of power and weight. The finely carved surface is hand-chiselled to simulate fur, while cabochon ruby eyes bring sharp life to the piece. It stands upon a rock crystal base, carved to resemble Arctic ice, echoing Pocock’s focus on geological realism and material harmony. Dated circa 1920, this work reflects Pocock’s independent output following his earlier collaboration with Fabergé, where his animal wax models were translated into hardstone by the firm’s Russian lapidaries. Pieces by Pocock remain extremely scarce and are held in major collections. A museum-quality example of English hard stone sculpture with a direct link to the golden age of Fabergé. Provenance This sculpture was owned by the family of Percy and Winifred Bottley. The Bottleys operated the renowned gem dealership Gregory & Bottley from the 1930s (later known as Gregory, Bottley & Lloyd), and supplied Alfred Lyndhurst Pocock with gemstones for his carvings. Upon Pocock’s death, he bequeathed this piece to the couple as part of his personal collection. Literature The Royal Collection Trust reference RCIN 40268 – Queen Alexandra’s Pekingese by Pocock and Fabergé’s Animals: A Royal Farm in Miniature for reference to Alfred Lyndhurst Pocock. MORE ABOUT THE MAKER Alfred Lyndhurst Pocock (1881-1962) Worked for the London branch of Fabergé as well as working independently. He won a scholarship to the Royal Academy Schools in 1903 where he studied from 27 January 1903 to January 1906 and began working for Fabergé in 1905. The RA had recommended Pocock when the company’s European manager, Henry Charles Bainbridge needed some wax models of animals for Queen Alexandra, these were sent to Russia for carving in semi-precious stone. The models by Pocock pleased Queen Alexandra and later her royal highness acquired gem carvings from Pocock. According to Bainbridge’s book ‘Peter Carl Fabergé: Goldsmith and Jeweller to the Russian Imperial Court – His Life and Work (first published in 1949), Pocock was one of the sculptors who worked at Sandringham in 1907 alongside Boris Frodman-Cluzel and Frank Lutiger on Fabergé items for King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra. Pocock with one of his Polar Bear carvings nicknamed ‘Jazz’ Pocock with clients discussing his carvings Shop display of Pococks collection Portrait of Carl Fabergé by Alfred Lyndhurst Pocock. A La Vieille Russie, New York Measurements Bear 6cm High x 10.5cm Long x 4cm Wide Rock Crystal 3.5cm High x 13cm wide x 9cm deep Overall 9.5cm High x 13cm Wide x 9cm Deep Condition Excellent WHY BUY FROM JACKSONS ANTIQUE? At Jacksons Antique, we are a small family-run business with over 10 years of experience in the fine antiques trade. We are proud members of LAPADA (The Association of Art & Antiques Dealers) and CADA (The Cotswold Art & Antique Dealers’ Association), trusted by collectors, interior designers, and private clients worldwide. Every piece we offer is individually sourced, carefully researched, and fully authenticated, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. We provide insured worldwide shipping and secure checkout via Stripe, a global payments provider trusted by companies including Amazon and Booking.com. With every order, you will receive our latest printed product guide, a certificate of authenticity, and full tracking details so you can follow your item from dispatch to delivery. For complete peace of mind, we also offer a no-hassle money-back guarantee. We provide flexible layaway options and a level of personal service that larger retailers simply cannot match. When you buy from Jacksons Antique, you are supporting sustainable, environmentally conscious collecting and helping to preserve historic objects rather than contribute to mass production. Sign up to our free monthly newsletter to enjoy ten percent off your first online purchase.