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.
Exquisite openly carved 19th century Swiss Black Forest jewelry box walnut bird
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
A true work of art, this stunning 19th-century Black Forest jewelry box from Switzerland is fully hand-carved and a remarkable example of craftsmanship. Nearly 150 years old, the woo...
Walnut
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
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
19th Century, Black Forest Carved Walnut Jewelry Casket Brienz Region
Located in Atlanta, GA
A finely carved 19th-century Black Forest walnut jewelry casket, attributed to the Brienz region of Switzerland, distinguished by its lavishly naturalistic ornamentation and sculptural detailing. The exterior is deeply carved with flowing rocaille motifs and a profusion of flowers and foliage in high relief, including a central rose in full bloom beneath the keyhole escutcheon. The lid is crowned with an exceptionally crisp and dimensional bouquet featuring a central rose surrounded by rosebuds and smaller blossoms arranged upon a scalloped bed...
Walnut
Antique 19th century Swiss Black Forest jelwery box with 3 birds hand carved
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
This stunning 19th-century Black Forest jewelry box from Switzerland is a true masterpiece. Nearly 150 years old, the wood has developed a rich patina that enhances its beauty and ch...
Wood
Exquisite 19th Century antique Swiss fully hand carved Black forest Jewelry box
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
A true masterpiece, this fully hand-carved 19th-century Black Forest jewelry box from Switzerland is a remarkable work of art. Nearly 150 years old, the wood has developed an extraor...
Velvet, Wood
Rare Antique 4 Tier Black Forest Jewelry Box Fruitwood 19th Century Hand Carved
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
A beautiful, very finely carved antique black forest jewelry box from the late 19th/ early 20th century made in Switzerland. A large and impressive four-tiered piece with 6 swing o...
Fruitwood
$847Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century black forest walnut casket
Located in Martlesham, GB
A good quality 19th Century black forest walnut casket, having wonderful crisp carving throughout, the hinged top lifting up to reveal a velvet lined interior, the top having a finel...
Walnut
Antique Black Forest 19th Century Jewelry Box Carved Fruitwood Red Velvet Chest
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Gorgeous & Breathtaking! This small 19th century Black Forest Jewellery Box carved out of fruit wood. Carved by a master carver with attention to detail decorated on the top, front ...
Velvet, Wood
Swiss Black Forest Hand-Carved Jewelry Box
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Swiss Black Forest jewelry box with key. Floral motif and finials with oak leaf carvings on front, back and sides accented with geometrics. Opens with two swing out drawers and lower...
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
large oval Antique swiss 19th century Black Forest jewelry box walnut 3 birds
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
This stunning 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 remarka...
Velvet, Wood
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
Black Forest Carved Walnut Jewellery Box, Antique, Handcrafted, 1880
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Black Forest Carved Walnut Jewellery Box A beautiful looking, well made piece, it is hand carved all over with woodcock and fauna decorations. B...
Walnut
$2,989Sale Price|20% Off
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
$3,631
H 11.82 in W 10.63 in D 5.91 in
Rare Antique 4 Tier Black Forest Jewelry Box Fruitwood 19th Century Hand Carved
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
A beautiful, very finely carved antique black forest jewelry box from the late 19th/ early 20th century made in Switzerland. A large and impressive four-tiered piece with 6 swing o...
Fruitwood
$613Sale Price|20% Off
H 60.5 in W 9.75 in D 6.75 in
Antique Vintage Ladys Black Forest German Jewelry Box Casket Carve Pheasant Bird
Located in Dublin, Ireland
Absolutely stunning hand carved Swiss Black Forest possibly Walnut wood (sometimes confused with Irish Bog Oak from Ireland) Ladys or Gentlemans Jewelry Casket of oval outline. Mid t...
Brass, Bronze, Ormolu
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
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
$1,970
H 5.12 in W 4.34 in D 3.15 in
Antique French Ormolu-Mounted Clear Cut Crystal Casket Box / Jewelry Casket
Located in London, GB
An exceptionally elegant late 19th-century antique French clear cut crystal jewelry box or dresser casket, measuring 13 cm in height, 11 cm in length, and 8 cm in width. Sculpted fro...
Ormolu
$1,438
H 10.24 in W 9.85 in D 7.88 in
Rare Swiss Black Forest 19th century cigar box / humidor with dog hand-carved
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
A distinguished 19th-century Swiss cigar box, exquisitely hand-carved and finished on all sides with dense, interlacing floral and foliate motifs characteristic of the finest Black F...
Wood
$1,500
H 4.13 in W 9.13 in D 5.75 in
Large Ornate Antique French Ormolu Beveled Glass Jewelry Casket Dresser Box
Located in Wayne, NJ
A stunning antique French brass ormolu beveled glass footed jewelry casket or dresser box with hinged lid with a large rectangular design with beveled glass, ornate feet, intricate...
Ormolu
19th Century Black Forest Carved Humidor
Located in High Point, NC
19th century hand-carved black forest humidor with a figure of a dog and cat. The cat is atop a barrel, which has a lid which lifts to reveal a compartment for tobacco. The barrel is sitting on a base with hand-carved sticks and logs and an upside down hunting hat...
Fruitwood
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
$850
H 3 in W 8 in D 5.75 in
Antique Anglo-Indian Mughal Carved Sandalwood Taj Mahal Jewelry Box, circa 1870
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Antique Anglo-Indian Mughal Carved Sandalwood Taj Mahal Jewelry Box, circa 1870 An exquisite late 19th-century Anglo-Indian carved sandalwood jewelry box, dating to circa 1870, feat...
Sandalwood
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
H 4.5 in W 12.25 in D 9.65 in
Renaissance Style Gilt Rectangular Casket , Jewelry, Desk and /or Decorative Box
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Renaissance style gilt bronze rectangular casket lidded box. It depicts embossed decoration of scrolls of acanthus leaves, birds flowers and hearts around the whole box. In the center of the lid, there is a “cameo” or relief of the profile of a gentleman with a beard. Inside, the box is covered with purple velvet fabric in the lid. It is divided in different sizes and shapes of compartments with glass tray and two inkwell bottles...
Bronze
19th Century Black Forest Carved Humidor
Located in High Point, NC
19th century hand-carved humidor in the form of a dog's head. The dog is very whimsical with a hat, which lifts to reveal a compartment for storage and finished with a cigar and a bo...
Fruitwood
19th Century Black Forest Carved Humidor
Located in High Point, NC
19th century black forest humidor hand-carved in the shape of a dog's head. His hat lifts to reveal storage for tobacco or cigars. The carving on this piece is wonderfully detailed a...
Fruitwood
Circa 1990's Oklahoma Casting Black Forest Jewelry Box
Located in High Point, NC
Circa 1990's cast resin and hand finished jewelry box by Oklahoma Casting Company. This is a wonderful jewelry or trinket box in the form of a basket in the Black Forest style. The...
Resin
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
Black Forest Jewelry Box
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Black Forest Jewelry Box Origin: Germany, Circa 1900 Hand-carved wooden box Excellent condition and recently polished It has two doors and two drawers on the front Its original lock ...
Wood
Sold
H 9.45 in W 12.6 in D 7.09 in
Antique swiss 19th century Black Forest jewelry box Hounds & Wolf hand carved
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
This extraordinary 19th-century Black Forest jewelry box from Switzerland is a true work of art. Nearly 150 years old, the wood boasts an incredible patina that only enhances its bea...
Wood
Sold
H 8.67 in W 14.57 in D 9.06 in
Antique Black forest jewelry carved walnut swiss 19th century Flowers and bird
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
A true work of art, this stunning 19th-century Black Forest jewelry box from Switzerland is fully hand-carved and a remarkable example of craftsmanship. Nearly 150 years old, the woo...
Wood
Sold
H 11.82 in W 11.82 in D 7.49 in
Rare Antique 4 Tier Black Forest Jewelry Box Fruitwood 19th Century Hand Carved
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
A beautiful, very finely carved antique black forest jewellery box from the late 19th/ early 20th century made in Switzerland. A large and impressive four-tiered piece with 6 swing o...
Velvet, Wood
Sold
H 19 in W 13 in D 7 in
Antique Swiss German Black Forest Brienz Carved Jewelry Box Deer Edelweiss 1890
By Black Forest
Located in Portland, OR
A fine antique carved walnut Black Forest jewelry casket, Brienz Switzerland, circa 1890. The casket having a hinged lid carved with a pair of deer on a grassy outcrop and in front o...
Walnut
19th Century Black Forest Carved Jewelry Box
Located in High Point, NC
19th century Black Forest hand-carved jewelry box with a lovely bird and leaves on top. The box is oval in shape and has wonderful hand carved decorations on all sides for a lovely ...
Fruitwood
Sold
H 9.06 in W 7.09 in D 4.34 in
Antique Wooden Carved Edelweis Jewelry Box with Bird, Brienz ca 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Wooden Carved Edelweis Jewelry Box with Bird, Brienz ca 1900 A very nice antique handcarved Black Forest sewing box or jewelry box with edelweis carvings and bird on the lid...
Wood
Sold
H 11.5 in W 14.5 in D 11 in
Antique French Jewelry Accessory Box Black Forest Walnut 8 Interior Drawers 19C
Located in Tyler, TX
Exquisite 19th century Antique French Walnut Black forest Jewelry Accessory Box ~~circa 1880s Black Forest decorative pieces were very popular in late 19th century France~~often...
Walnut
Sold
H 7.29 in W 7.49 in D 4.34 in
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
Sold
H 16 in W 34 in D 5 in
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Walnut Wall Decor with Eagle & Rabbit
Located in Dallas, TX
Place this elegant wall hanging decor in a bar area, wine cellar, or above a door in your home or cabin. Created in France, circa 1880, the fruitwood hunting scene features high quality carving, including an eagle with wings extended over a running rabbit...
Walnut
Lovely Quality and Intricate 19th Century Black Forest Jewellery Box
Located in Martlesham, GB
A lovely quality and intricate 19th Century black forest jewellery box, the top of the box having two birds beside a nest, the s...
Walnut
Sold
H 10.75 in W 13 in D 6.25 in
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Walnut Jewelry Box with Deer Motifs
Located in Dallas, TX
Place your jewelry and small valuable treasures in this beautifully carved decorative box. Carved of walnut wood in France circa 1880, the black forest box sits on small bracket feet and features high quality carving decor...
Velvet, Walnut
Sold
H 9 in W 12.5 in D 5 in
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Walnut Jewelry Box with Bird Motifs
Located in Dallas, TX
Place your jewelry and small valuable treasures in this beautifully carved decorative box. Carved of walnut wood in France circa 1880, the black forest box sits on small bracket feet and features high quality carving decor...
Velvet, Walnut