Black Forest Furniture
BLACK FOREST STYLE
Although its name evokes a mountainous region in Germany, antique Black Forest–style furniture originated in Switzerland. In Brienz, during the early 19th century, wood-carver Christian Fischer recognized the market for tourist souvenirs and helped make the village into a wood-carving destination. The Brienz Woodcarving School was founded in 1884 and had its own small zoo for studying the anatomy of animals, depictions of which are a defining aspect of the style, also known as Brienzerware.
Whimsical sculptures, often depicting bears and other Alpine animals like stags, owls, deer and boars, characterize the work produced in the area. Along with folk art and decorative objects, Black Forest furniture included benches held aloft by bears, umbrella stands carved with acorns and clock cases adorned with scrolling oak leaves. While most wood-carvers adhered to a similar realism in their designs and woods like linden, maple and walnut, their aesthetics varied.
The F. Peter Trauffer family was known for their hand-carved bear sculptures that saw the furry mammals playing instruments, smoking pipes and engaging in all sorts of human activities. They were sometimes detailed with glass eyes and integrated into functional pieces of furniture, including chair backs and bench legs, which generations of cabinetmakers created from the 1880s to the 1950s. Walter Mader and his son Heinrich frequently carved Saint Bernard sculptures that they incorporated into furniture.
As the Black Forest furniture style spread around the world through exhibitions at world’s fairs in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the rusticity of these pieces resonated at a time of increasing urbanization, inspiring other artisans.
Find a collection of antique Black Forest cabinets, bedroom furniture, seating and other items on 1stDibs.
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Style: Black Forest
Antique Carved Wooden Black Forest Standing Bear Sculpture Table / Desk Lamp
Located in Lisse, NL
Beautiful quality and perfect condition bear desk lamp.
If you are a collector of rare, very good quality and highly decorative Black Forest bear sculptures then this fine specimen...
Category
Early 20th Century European Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Glass, Hide, Wood, Paint
19th Century Set of 2 Bavarian Black Forest Ebonised Picture Frames Folk Art
Located in Sherborne, Dorset
A beautifully carved set of two Bavarian ebonised picture frames elaborately carved in a charming traditional tree trunk design, held together with a cross-lap joint. Dating from the...
Category
19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Glass, Fruitwood
19th Century Swiss 'Black Forest' Hand-Carved Walnut Wall Mirror
Located in London, GB
A Black Forest Carved Mirror
Carved from walnut, the bevelled oval mirror plate set within an architectural frame and flanking rustic branches typical of Black Forest carvings, int...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Porcelain Bowl with Fox Figure Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Completely handmade porcelain bowl with a hands-free naturalistic painted fox in brown colors. The fox is sitting in the middle of the bowl for decorating nuts or sweets around the fox figure...
Category
2010s German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Large German Hand Carved Wooden Sculpture Lamp Night Watchman with Lantern
Located in Barntrup, DE
Large German hand-carved wooden sculpture lamp night watchman with lantern from the 1950s.
This masterfully hand-carved wooden lamp features a large scu...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Metal
Black Forest Austrian Pair of Red Deer Fur Cushions Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Pair of soft red deer fur cushions with white spots. Backside grey and camel cashmere wool.
The fur comes from the Kitzbuehel alps.
Category
2010s Austrian Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Fur
Antique Pair of Black Forest Jardinière’s Hand Carved Switzerland circaLate1800s
Located in Chicago, IL
Black Forest Pair of Jardinière’s hand carved in Switzerland during the late 1800s. The Jardinière’s are complete with their original metal liners and are ready to be planted. Black Forest Furniture first began to appear in the mid-1800s in Brienz, Switzerland and originally only included small Black Forest animal objects made for the tourist trade. In the late 1800s, as tourism traffic increased, so did the number and Size of Black Forest Carvings and soon thereafter was followed by Black Forest Furniture. As luck would have it, Old Plank has recently discovered a treasure Trove of Black Forest Carved...
Category
1880s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Tin
Masterly Carved Black Forest Wall Barometer with Fern Plants and Eagle Sculpture
Located in Lisse, NL
Hand carved, solid walnut antique barometer with maker's mark.
This rare Black Forest barometer depicting an incredibly detailed and finest quality also has the most beautiful patin...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Brass, Zinc
Hanging Brass Light Fixture with a Wooden Figure of a Mountain Climber
Located in Barntrup, DE
This wonderful German figural pendant lamp features a hand-carved figure of a mountain climber in natural brown wood tones. The detailed carved wooden...
Category
1950s German Vintage Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Brass
Black Forrest Oak Carved Panel Hunting Game Birds Bas-Relief Plaque circa 1890
Located in Cheltenham, GB
Black Forrest Oak Carved Panel Hunting Game Birds Bas-Relief Carving Plaque
An oak carved panel of hanging game birds.
In reeded gilt frame with small losses to one beak and foot.
...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Oak
Black Forest Set of Six Schnapps Glasses Green Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Set of six hand blown schnapps glasses in green crystal with a hand-edged hunting decor. The decor is an antique Black Forest style scene, showing a dee...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Crystal
19th Century Brass and Iron Monastery Door Bell This is a very unusual item
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
19th Century Brass and Iron Monastery Door Bell
This is a very unusual item, the large brass bell is housed in an attractive wrought Brass frame, it is suspended on a rocking brack...
Category
19th Century Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Salt and Pepper Bowl with Wooden Carved Bear
Located in Berghuelen, DE
AAntique Salt and Pepper Bowl with Wooden Carved Bear
Item e7277
A small salt and pepper bowl made of pressed glass with tiny carved Black Forest bear on top. Manufactured in Brienz,...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Blown Glass, Wood
19th C Black Forest Dressing Table w/ Drawer and Mirror
Located in Houston, TX
Elevate your decor with a touch of 19th-century beauty! This Carved French Oak Black Forest Tilting Tabletop Dresser is functional as well as elegant. Adorned with exquisite leaf, fl...
Category
19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Oak
Fine Art Antique Hand Carved Wooden Black Forest Trophy-Like Deer Wall Sculpture
Located in Lisse, NL
Finer quality carved, Victorian era, Black Forest deer wall sculpture.
One of the main reasons for people wanting to own and enjoy antiques is for their decorative appeal and this h...
Category
19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Metal
A Wooden Carved Black Forest Bear Desk Set ca. 1920s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A Wooden Carved Black Forest Bear Desk Set ca. 1920s
Item e7286
A nicely carved Black Forest bear desk set for small utensils. Executed in Brienz, Switzerland around 1920. Very good ...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
A Wooden Carved Black Forest Bear with Brass Bowl ca. 1920s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A Wooden Carved Black Forest Bear with Brass Bowl ca. 1920s
Item e7284
A nicely carved Black Forest bear with brass bowl for small utensils on his back. Executed in Brienz, Switzerla...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Black Forest Carved Coat Hook with Bear Poacher ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Black Forest Carved Coat Hook with Bear Poacher ca. 1900s
Item e7289
A very rare hand-carved coat hook or whip holder depicting a bear as a poacher with rifle, hat and rucksack. The ...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Black Forest Bear Bench w. Five Bear Sculptures & Carved Oak Leaf Seat
Located in Lisse, NL
Large and impressive, hand carved and demountable bench with five bear sculptures.
This superbly hand carved bench is entirely made of solid wood and therefor too this stunning and ...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood
A Wooden Carved Black Forest Bear Desk Set ca. 1920s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A Wooden Carved Black Forest Bear Desk Set ca. 1920s
Item e7287
A nicely carved Black Forest bear desk set for writing utensils. Executed in Brienz, Switzerland around 1920. Very goo...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
A Lovely Carved Black Forest Bear for Sewing Utensils, Pierre Michel, Brienz
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A Lovely Carved Black Forest Bear for Sewing Utensils, Pierre Michel, Brienz
Item e7285
A nicely carved Black Forest bear for sewing utensils. It features a pincushion, needle deposi...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
"Forêt Noire bear in solid wood carved in polychrome Switzerland Late 19th
Located in Saint Rémy de Provence, FR
Guéridon ou table d'appoint Ours Forêt Noire en bois massif sculpté polychrome Allemagne Fin XIXème surmonté d'un plateau en bois peint reposant sur un socle en bois massif peint éga...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Late 19th Century Black Forest Carved Inkwell and Pen Rest with Bear
Located in Barntrup, DE
Black Forest carved inkwell and pen rest with a bear, late 19th century.
This antique, dark brown, linden wood inkwell is masterfully carved and features a detailed figure of a bear ...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood
Antique 19th Century French Hunt Night Stand / Cabinet Barley Twist Black Forest
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Marvelous 19th century French renaissance Revival Night stand / side table in Hunt / Black Forest style with barley twisted columns.
Finished on all sides so you are able to place th...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Oak
Black Forest Walnut Jewellery Box
By Black Forest
Located in Newark, GB
This exquisite early 20th Century Black Forest walnut jewellery box is a true testament to the craftsmanship of its time. Its exterior features intricate carvings of a graceful Chamo...
Category
20th Century European Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood, Walnut
A Wooden Carved Black Forest Bear with Glass Vase
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A Wooden Carved Black Forest Bear with Glass Vase
Item e7275
A nicely carved Black Forest bear holding a glass vase in its hands. Executed in Brienz, Switzerland around 1920. Very go...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
A Wooden Carved Black Forest Bear with Bowl ca. 1920s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A Wooden Carved Black Forest Bear with Bowl ca. 1920s
Item e7283
A nicely carved Black Forest bear desk set with bowl for small utensils. Executed in Brienz, Switzerland around 1920....
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of Vintage German Carved Black Forest Mounted Deer Wall Sculptures
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Set of two similar Black Forest carved and hand-painted 'stag' sculptures with real antlers mounted to decorative 'wreath' plaques for wall hanging (ca. 1930s/40s, Germany).
One deer...
Category
1940s German Vintage Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Antler, Wood, Paint
A Wooden Carved Black Forest Weather Station with Eagle
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A Wooden Carved Black Forest Weather Station with Eagle
Item e7258
A large Black Forest meteorological station with thermometer. Handcarved with an impressive carved eagle on top and...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Set of Two German Antique Black Forest Carved and Painted Birds
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Set of two antique bird sculptures from Germany's Black Forest, ca. early 20th Century.
Composed of delicately hand-carved avian forms each hand-painted with attractive colors and un...
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Metal
Large Siberian Deer Trophy Mount on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Siberian Deer Trophy Mount on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s
Item e6940
A large antique Siberian deer (Capreolus pygargus) trophy on a wooden turned plaque with black finish. The trop...
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Antler, Wood
Black Forest Sika Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque - Germany ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Black Forest Sika Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque - Germany ca. 1900s
Item e6944
An antique uneven 8 pointer sika deer (Cervus nippon) trophy from the Black Forest. The trophy was shot ...
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Antler, Wood
Antique Monumental Black Forest Bear Statue as Mountain Walker or Naturalist
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A great looking hand carved original wooden Folk Art Bear Statue. A great piece for a suitable ambiance in a Cabin room or the office of a Hunter or Woodsman. More than likely one of...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Armchair, Hunting Trophy, Antler, Red Deer, Fallow, Wild Boar, Hide
Located in Zevenaar, NL
Hunting trophy armchair of antlers, wild boar and red deer. Very expressive and impressive looking throne
The fluid form of the antlers creates a sculptural, organic aesthetic.
Nex...
Category
20th Century European Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Antler, Animal Skin
Carved Ram Shoulder Mount Faux Taxidermy
Located in Forney, TX
A large wooden carving modeled after a long horn sheep head shoulder mount. Exceptionally executed naturalistic form, stripped / bleached light wood, intricately detailed to imitate ...
Category
Late 20th Century Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
White Tailed Deer Trophy Mount on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
White Tailed Deer Trophy Mount on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s
Item e6943
A lovely antique white tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) trophy on a wooden plaque with dark finish. The troph...
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood, Antler
Antique Wild Boar Teeth Trophy on Wooden Plaque, Black Forest ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Wild Boar Teeth Trophy on Wooden Plaque, Black Forest ca. 1900s
Item e6927
A large antique Black Forest wild boar (Sus scrofa) trophy on a handcarved wooden plaque. The teeth...
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Metal
Black Forest Music Box Chair
Located in New Orleans, LA
A music box hidden inside this beautifully carved Swiss chair will activate when the chair is sat upon. A remarkable example of the intricate craftsmanship and artistic innovation ch...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Antique & Large Black Forest Gun / Rifle Rack w. Hand Carved Deer Head Sculpture
Located in Lisse, NL
Large and impressive Black Forest rack for hunting guns, circa 1870-1890.
If you are looking for the perfect antique to decorate one of the walls in your hunting room, home office o...
Category
19th Century European Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Antique Swiss Black Forest Dog Inkwell Pen Store
By Black Forest
Located in Newark, England
Unusual Pen Tidy Slot
From our Black Forest collection, we are delighted to offer a rare example Antique Swiss Black Forest Dog Inkwell with ...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Exquisite 19th Century Black Forest Humidor Hand Carved Cabinet Eagle Mounted
Located in High Wycombe, GB
Exquisite 19th Century Hand Carved Black Forest Humidor Cigar Cabinet3
Featuring Ornate Carved Floral Panel Frontage Finished With An Eagle Finial On The Top.
The Two Doors Reveal ...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Abnorm Siberian Deer Trophy Mount on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Abnorm Siberian Deer Trophy Mount on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s
Item e6941
A large abnorm Siberian deer (Capreolus pygargus) trophy on a wooden turned plaque with black finish. The trop...
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Antler, Wood
Set of Three Natural Antler Tips & Brass Desk Accessories
Located in East Hampton, NY
This set of three (3) natural antler tips desk accessories are backed with brass base. Perfect for an executive desk, two paperweights and a letter opener. Rich natural coloring an...
Category
Late 20th Century American Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Brass
Black Forest Marquetry Table Top
Located in Savannah, GA
A Black Forest marquetry hunt scene table top wall-hanging, 19th century.
36 ¼ by 27 ¼ inches
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Black Forest Pottery Dish Hand-Painted Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel Austria
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Large hands-free painted pottery dish in black forest style. Decorated with handpainted trees in green in the and a hands-free painted garlande .
Produced and handsfree painted in A...
Category
2010s Austrian Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Large Antique Black Forest Brienz Hand Carved Wood Bear Humidor Sculpture
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This large antique humidor is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from Austria and date to approximately 1900 and done in the period Black Forest style. This well executed scul...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Softwood
Finest Quality Antique Hand Carved & Painted Black Forest Boar / Hog Sculpture
Located in Lisse, NL
Amazing workmanship and mint Black Forest boar wall sculpture.
This perfect condition antique wooden sculpture of a wild hog on a wall plaque originates from the German Black Forest...
Category
19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Metal
4 Vintage German Souvenir Hiking Badge Walking Sticks Canes 32" - 37"
Located in Dayton, OH
Lot of four vintage German / Austrian folk art traditional hook style walking sticks / canes, embellished with German and other assorted European hiking souvenir badges. 63 total bad...
Category
Mid-20th Century Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Metal, Enamel
19th Century Black Forrest Antler Gun Cabinet
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
A late 19th century Black Forest, German Austrian, two parts mahogany antler gun cabinet. The top section has a single large glazed door, followed by a base with one drawer over two ...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Oak
19th Century Black Forest Hanging Wall Box
Located in High Point, NC
19th century Black Forest small hanging wall box. The entire piece is hand carved to have the appearance of boards with hand carved appearance of graining. There is a single door o...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Fruitwood
Black Forest inkwell cat in boot Swiss Antique 19th Century hand carved glass
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Gorgeous most rare Swiss Black Forest 19th century Inkwell / desk accessory fully hand carved displaying a cat in a boot.
The cat is very detailed with glass eyes (slight damage to b...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood
pair of German 19th century Black Forest st. etched Glass and Walnut vases
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant pair of German 19th century Black Forest st. etched Glass and Walnut vases. Each beautiful vase is raised on a wonderful array of Walnut water flora below a fluted socle s...
Category
19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Glass, Walnut
Wood Black Forest Brienz Carved Figural Gnome Nutcracker German Antique, 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1930s Black Forest Brienz wood carved Nutcracker in form of a Gnome. Nice addition to your room or just for use it on your desk. Found at an Estate sale in Nuremberg, G...
Category
1930s German Vintage Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Wood Eagle Vase
Located in Austin, TX
French Black Forest carved wood eagle vase , circa 1880.
Height / 10.3 inches.
Category
1880s French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Black Forest Wood Carved Brienz House Inkwell German Vintage, 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic 1890s Black Forest Brienz wood carved inkwell in form of a cabin. Nice addition to your room or just for use it on your desk. Made of hand carved wood and glass eyes. Found a...
Category
1890s German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood
19th Century Black Forest Carved Liquor Box
Located in High Point, NC
19th Century Black Forest carved liquor set. The exterior of the box is hand-carved in design as a wood log cabinet, the rectangular Black Forest tantalus is decorated on the top wi...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Fruitwood
Antique Black Forest Wall Reliefs with Hunting Motifs, a pair
Located in Pearland, TX
A pair of antique 19th century Black Forest hunting trophies, finely carved, featuring partridges, powder horns, rope, acorns and oak leaves. Exquisite details. A marvelous find!
Category
Mid-19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Black Forest Swiss 1880s Carved Wooden Grazing Cow with Bell on Neck
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Black Forest Swiss hand-carved wooden cow from circa 1880. This exquisitely hand-carved wooden cow is a pristine example of Black Forest artistry from circa 1880, originating from ...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Black Forest furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Black Forest furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, more furniture and collectibles, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, glass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Black Forest furniture made in a specific country, there are Europe, Germany, and Switzerland pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original furniture, popular names associated with this style include Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel, Black Forest, Sofina Porzellan, and Horrix. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $30 and tops out at $150,000 while the average work can sell for $1,550.
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