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.
Antique Calligrapher's Quill Box, Austrian, Hand Painted, Pen Case, Edwardian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique calligrapher's quill box. An Austrian, painted pearwood pen case, dating to the Edwardian period, circa 1910. Eye-catching painted appearance accentuates this cha...
Pearwood
19th Century Swiss Black Forest Carved Thatched Roof Cottage Box
Located in Stamford, CT
Fantastic and rare example of Black Forest folk art, a tour de force of carving by a master woodworker. This lift top box in the form of a thatched cottage has many wonderful details...
Walnut
Large Size & Great Quality Carved Jewelry, Treasure or Collecting Box / Casket
Located in Lisse, NL
A beautiful and top condition antique black forest jewelry box, carved on all sides. This rare and large jewelry box makes a beautiful accessory for a lady with an eye for fine arts. It is a very well fine carved gem and highly practical with a good working lock and key. The detailed leafs, branches and flowers on top and the marvelous blue...
Brass
GERMAN 1890 Treasure Chest Decorative Box In Cedar Wood & Silver Hardware
Located in Miami, FL
A German treasure chest desk box. This is a beautiful rectangular desk box created in Germany during the Imperial period, back in 1890-1900. The box is crafted in the shape of a treasure chest and fully carved in cedar wood and decorated with forged silver hardware’s. It is fitted with two sets of hinges and a security lock. The box is extremely well made and fitted in the interior with the original red velvet lining. Stamped with an oval bronze plaque, that read E S Schutz Marke...
Silver, Bronze
Antique Black Forest Hand-Carved Brown Wooden Trinket Jewellery Box, circa 1900
Located in Greven, DE
Antique Black Forest Hand-Carved Brown Wooden Trinket Jewellery Box Continental Wood, Textile, Metal c. 1900 Dimensions: H x W x D: 9cm x 15cm x 9.5cm This hand-carved trinket bo...
Walnut
Large French Black Forest Wood Music instruments Box, Circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Large French Black Forest wood box, circa 1900. 11.8 by 7.3 inches , H / 5.3 inches. Music instruments Jewel box.
Wood
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 gra...
Fruitwood
$4,875Sale Price / set|25% Off
Black Forest Decanter Set in Carved Box with St Louis Crystal Decanters/Stems
Located in Houston, TX
This cave a liqueur set is truly special because the box is exquisitely Carved and has the original beveled glass. The decanters and stem Ware are by St. Louis and the original la...
Crystal
Antique Black Forest Style Wooden Carved Trinket Box or Bucket Owl, circa 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
Antique Black Forest style oak wood carved trinket box or bucket in a shape of an owl, from circa 1920. An impressive, large, and beautiful German Black Forest style hand-carved wooden trinket box...
Metal
$550Sale Price|44% Off
19th Century Black Forest Carved Box
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
19th century Black Forest carved box.
Wood
Rustic Black Forest Walnut Display Box with Etched Glass and A Carved Fox
Located in Queens, NY
Rustic Black Forest (4th Quarter 19th Century) walnut carved table top display cabinet box with etched glass inset panels and floral carving ...
Walnut, Glass
Rare 2 tier Swiss 19th century Black Forest Jewelry box hand carved Fox & bird.
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
This incredibly rare two-tier Swiss Black Forest jewelry box is fully hand-carved from a single block of wood, making it a true masterpiece. What sets this box apart is its unique de...
Velvet, Wood
Rare Black Forest Alpine Ibex Wood Box, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Rare and unusual Black Forest box in the shape of wood log with a large wood carved Alpine ibex or bouquetin, circa 1890. The carved bouquetin is 5" height and the box is 8".
Wood
Mid-19th Century Carved Walnut Jewelry or Trinket Box, Likely Black Forest
Located in Atlanta, GA
A finely carved walnut jewelry or trinket box, mid-19th century, likely of Black Forest or Swiss origin. The serpentine rectangular form exhibits a curvilinear Rococo outline with sc...
Walnut
Antique Powder Flask Made of Horn with Decorations, Germany 19th Century
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Powder Flask Made of Horn with Decorations, Germany 19th Century This beautiful powder flask, crafted from natural horn, features numero...
Antler
Victorian Miniature Black forest Antler Casket 1860
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Victorian Miniature Black forest Antler Casket 1860 A marvelous antique rustic casket. It is made of wood, veneered with antler pieces. On top an antler plaque...
Antler, Wood
Antique Swiss Black Forest Dark Brown Carved Wood Glove Box, ca. 1900
Located in Barntrup, DE
Antique Black Forest dark brown carved wood glove box, ca. 1900 This elegant and beautiful Black Forest style finely hand-carved linden wood glove box from ca. 1900 features a rectangular shape, carved with a wood grain pattern and with flowers and leaves in high relief on the lid, and two straps at the ends of the lid. The glove box retains its original purple velvet interior. Label "F. Bruel, Rue des Allemands 10, Geneve" on the bottom of the box. In good condition, with some signs of aging and use. The key is not working...
Metal
Black Forest Hand-Carved Dog Head Tobacco Jar in the manner of Walter Mader
By Walter Mäder
Located in San Francisco, CA
How can this not make you smile? This well-carved antique Black Forest box of an expressive shaggy dog with glass eyes, forward gaze, open m...
Walnut
19th Century, Black Forest Carved Softwood "Book Form" Presentation Box
Located in Atlanta, GA
An unusual and visually striking carved wooden presentation box, Black Forest region, circa 1880. The box is carved in the form of a stacked book bundle tied with strapwork, its surf...
Walnut
Stunning Original Antique Hand Carved Black Forest Wood Jewellery Box
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are is delighted to offer for sale this rather lovely antique original circa 1880 black forest wood jewellery box A very good looking and well made piece, it is hand carved all...
Wood
Antique 19th Century Swiss Black Forest Jewelry Box Fruitwood Birds Band Carved
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Gorgeous & breathtaking! This 19th century black forest jewelry box carved out of fruitwood. Carved by a master carver with at...
Fabric, Fruitwood
Black Forrest Carved Walnut Box With Dog
Located in Essex, MA
Oval form with basket weave pattern carved wood and hinged lid with dog .
Walnut
Stunning Original Antique Hand Carved Black Forest Wood Cigar Box Humidor House
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this rather lovely antique original circa 1880 Black Forest Wood musical Cigar box Humidor with built in music box A very good looking and well ...
Wood
Midcentury Black Forest Style Carved Linden Wood Owl Box, Germany, 1950s
Located in Barntrup, DE
A charming midcentury carved owl-shaped box, crafted in Germany in the 1950s from linden wood in the traditional Black Forest style. Featuring expressive glass eyes and warm brown to...
Glass, Wood
Original Antique Grape Vine Carved Black Forest Wood Music Box Needs Service
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this antique original circa 1880 Black Forest Wood music box with grape vine carving to the top A very good lookin...
Wood
$2,295 / set
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...
Fruitwood
Rustic Black Forest Humidor Box
Located in Queens, NY
Rustic Black Forest (19thcentury) walnut carved humidor box with faux wood design and smoking motif on top (interior of top has smoking accessories...
Wood, Walnut
Large Square Natural Malachite Jewelry or Vanity Box
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large Malachite Jewelry or Vanity Box. Malachite is a green copper carbonate mineral. It is part of the monolithic crystal system and has a silky luster. The malachite for this box w...
Machiche
$800
H 11 in W 17 in D 14 in
Qing Dynasty 19th Century Red Lacquered Treasure Chest Box with Brass Hardware
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Qing Dynasty period red lacquered treasure chest box from the 19th century, with brass hardware. Born during the 19th century, this exquisite Qing Dynasty red lacquered treasure ch...
Brass
$475Sale Price / set|56% Off
H 5 in Dm 16 in
Antique Cedar Hat Storage Boxes, Handcrafted Pair, 1920s, Decorative
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
1740 Pair antique hand made cedar hat/storage boxes large 16x6" Small 9.5x5"
Cedar
Tessellated Horn and Cedar Wood Box
Located in San Diego, CA
A very well crafted tessellated Horn cedar wood box, circa 1980s. The piece is very heavy and solid and measures 6.375"W x 4.5"D x 3.5"H. #3772
Horn, Cedar
Ceylonese Quill Box
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Intriguing antique Ceylonese rectangular box handcrafted in ebony and decorated with porcupine quills and bone dot inlay.
Bone, Organic Material, Ebony
Vintage Wooden Trinket Box
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Small Walnut trinket box lined with felt. Original felt on the bottom. Shown with life size hand model for scale. CREATOR Unknown. DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1940-1970. ...
Felt, Wood
Antique Anglo Indian Quill and Bone Box
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Exceptional antique Anglo Indian sewing box handcrafted with quills and decorated bone with a brass handle, lion heads and paw feet. The interior has pin cushions and compartments wi...
Brass
$2,175Sale Price|41% Off
H 3.5 in W 5.75 in D 5.25 in
Antique Japanese Satsuma Lidded Box, Hand-Painted Porcelain
Located in Miami, FL
Meticulously enamelled and gilt satsuma box, Meiji Period (1867-1912). Overall very good antique condition, base that the box sits on is a bit slanted. L...
Porcelain
Oval jewelry box carved walnut swiss 19th century Black forest
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
This exceptional 19th-century Black Forest jewelry box from Switzerland is a true work of art, featuring a rare oval shape. Nearly 150 years old, the walnut wood has developed a beau...
Velvet, Wood
$3,747
H 7.29 in W 8.67 in D 5.32 in
Stunning Original Antique Hand Carved Black Forest Wood Cigar Box Humidor House
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this rather lovely antique original circa 1880 Black Forest Wood musical Cigar box Humidor with built in music box A very good looking and well ...
Wood
Outstanding Large 19th Century Bronze & Porcelain Jewelry Casket Box
By Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur (KPM)
Located in Long Branch, NJ
Outstanding Large 19th Century Bronze & Porcelain Jewelry Casket Box Dimensions : 14" Tall X 16" Wide X 11" Deep This gorgeous Antique jewelry ...
Ormolu
Aesthetic Movement Trinket Box, circa 1900
Located in Spencertown, NY
The box with scenes of lilliputian figures
Wood
French Black Forest Carved Wood Box Circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
French Black Forest Carved Wood Box Circa 1900. Flowers & leaves. H / 4.5 inches. 7 by 4.8 inches.
Wood
Sold
H 5.52 in W 8.67 in D 7.88 in
Late 19th Century Wooden Box - Black Forest - Carved Walnut - Dragon Motif
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful and unusual Black Forest walnut box, late 19th century, finely carved with a grotesque dragon-like creature on the lid. The carving is highly detailed, with pronounced mu...
Walnut
Sold
H 9.85 in W 4.73 in D 6.7 in
Carved Wooden Box in Black Forest Style – Beaver Shape - Europe - Mid XXth
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
Charming antique wooden box carved in the shape of a standing beaver, with simple yet expressive lines. Crafted in the Black Forest style, this unique piece is composed of two interl...
Wood
19th Century black forest carved wood casket
Located in Martlesham, GB
A superb quality 19th Century black forest caved wood casket, having wonderful crisp carving throughout, the hinged top lifting up to reveal a large compartment space, has the origin...
Walnut
19th Century Black Forest Carved Fan Case
Located in High Point, NC
Late 19th century hand-carved fruitwood fan case from Switzerland. This is a lovely and interesting little piece which would look great on a dresser, or in a bookcase for display. ...
Fruitwood
Sold
H 8.25 in W 9.75 in D 6 in
Antique Black Forest Wooden Table Box Jewelry Casket with Figural Bird Carving
Located in Forney, TX
A most charming rustic antique Victorian era Swiss (possibly German) Black Forest hunt style hand carved sculptural bird trio topped decorative table box / jewelry casket. circa 1880...
Wood
19th Century Black Forest Carved Dresser Box with Mirror
Located in High Point, NC
19th century hand carved Black Forest dresser box made from Linden wood. The top is wonderfully carved with a central panel which has hand carved...
Mirror, Fruitwood
Highly Carved Antique French Coffret, Circa 1875
Located in Dallas, TX
Known as a coffret, this French table box from circa 1875 is a masterpiece of craftsmanship inspired by the Black Forest style. The rectangular table box boasts intricate carvings, w...
Textile, Felt, Wood
Sold
H 14.8 in W 16.5 in D 12.6 in
19th Century Victorian Era Black Forest Liquor Tantalus with Glasses & Decanters
By Black Forest
Located in Lisse, NL
Large and museum quality hand-carved walnut wood, Victorian Era, Black Forest art, liquor tantalus. This magnificent Black Forest drinks box, dates from circa 1880. The beautiful ...
Brass
Antique Black Forest Tramp Art Casket, circa 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Black Forest Tramp Art Casket, circa 1900s A marvelous rustic Tramp Art casket made of notched wood panels, decorated with gild paint and a pin cushion on the lid. The caske...
Wood
Early 19th Century Austrian Wooden Trunk
Located in High Point, NC
A wooden trunk from early 19th century Austria. The dark solid wood of this trunk has been carved to resemble a natural tree trunk wrapped with spiraling vines and leaves. A mysterio...
Oak
Sold
H 2.96 in W 6.89 in D 4.34 in
Stunning Original Antique Hand Carved Black Forest Wood Music Box Needs Service
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this rather lovely antique original circa 1880 Black Forest Wood music box with original 4airs paper label A very...
Wood