Description
Onyx Polar Bear on a Rock Crystal Iceberg
From our Sculpture collection, we are thrilled to present this exquisite White Onyx Polar Bear by Alfred Lyndhurst Pocock, the English sculptor celebrated for his connection with the House of Fabergé. Beautifully carved in white onyx, the polar bear is rendered with a naturalistic sense of strength and movement, capturing the animal’s distinctive stance as it prowls across the ice. The figure is finished with finely detailed chiselling to simulate fur and features striking cabochon ruby eyes that give the piece a lifelike presence.
The bear stands proudly upon a natural rock crystal base, carved to simulate an iceberg, enhancing the sense of Arctic realism and echoing Pocock’s mastery of both form and material. Dating to the first half of the 20th century, circa 1920, this work exemplifies Pocock’s artistry following his early success in producing wax animal models for Queen Alexandra, which were later carved by Fabergé in precious and semi-precious stones.
Pocock (1882–1962) is widely regarded as the only Englishman to have carved for Fabergé, making his independent works both rare and highly desirable. The White Onyx Polar Bear stands as an exceptional example of his oeuvre, combining mineralogical beauty with sculptural finesse. Its provenance and craftsmanship firmly establish it as a collector’s piece of museum quality and historical importance.
Provenance
this sculpture was owned by the family of Percy and Winifred Bottley. The Bottleys ran the gem dealership Gregory & Bottley from the 1930s (later Gregory, Bottley & Lloyd), and worked with Pocock supplying him with gemstones for his carvings. When Pocock died he left this collection to the couple.
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
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