Bearskin rugs have been created from the pelts of polar, black and grizzly bears for centuries. They were popular in cabins or rural homes in mountainous areas. Over the course of human history, bearskin rugs have made their mark in homes, literature and even the fine arts.
The tanning and taxidermy methods used to create a bearskin rug have existed for millennia. The practice of creating a quality bearskin rug was perfected in the 18th century when people mastered the art of tanning the hide and cleaning and stuffing the skull of the bear.
U.S. President Teddy Roosevelt was famous for his love of the outdoors and hunting, and one of the centerpieces in his personal study was a large bearskin rug. One of the most famous photographs of a bearskin rug involves the famous Hollywood actress Jean Harlow. Taken in 1934, a young Harlow lounges in a white dress on a polar bear skin rug. In March 2010, it was announced that the original print and negatives of this iconic photo would be auctioned off, with the hammer expected to fall at $30,000.
Below is a collection of 28 amazing vintage photographs of Hollywood actresses posing on bearskin rugs from between the 1930s and 1960s:
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