Cuckoo Clocks
The quirky and irreplaceable cuckoo clock is a design that seems pulled right out of childhood imagination. Its whimsical carvings, flapping wings, and almost comical chirpings delight many of us even today. It seems a design that has not been lost to the modern era of sleek fashions and “less is more” styles.
The cuckoo clock as it is generally thought of is a descendant of Black Forest designs. The Black Forest is a region in Germany that is rich in culture and skills of days gone by. Thats right the cuckoo clock was popularized in Germany not Switzerland as many Americans falsely believe. But even the Black Forest designs were descendants of earlier versions of this charming clock. It seems that people have always had a desire for humor and whimsy!
Singing clocks like the cuckoo clock have been dated to as far back as the sixteen hundreds. Some versions are even believed to have been built prior to these! Sadly over time they have been lost or destroyed leaving only some drawings behind. The earliest versions of the cuckoo clock were a simple design to help keep costs low. They were flat paneled with painted dials and two small doors for the bird to crow from. As time went on and cost came down they were detailed more and more to resemble Victorian period furnishings. This is the most commonly thought of style today.
The Swiss also developed their own twists to the clock. When we think of the cartoon clocks of modern generations this seems to be there styling. It is a shame that the glory of a finely detailed wall clock such as this was diminished through the years but many still see the value in them. These versions were made in stunning detail and were meant to replicate the cottages of Switzerland. The Germans actually enjoyed this idea so much that they started designing their clocks this way also. One last feature that the Swiss can take credit for is the addition of the music box into the clock. This surely has brought joy into many homes!
Modern cuckoo clocks are of course a far less hand built and quality product for the most part. Alas they have almost been exclusively delegated to the ranks of tourist traps. They are still as quirky as ever though and can now be bought at cheap prices and with a much greater variety then times of past. Indeed if you are looking for an individual statement nothing will bring greater character and individuality then a Cuckoo Clock!
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