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.
Magnificent Carved Black Forest Monkey Gong, circa 1890
Located in Bath, GB
A fabulous and scarce find, this wonderful large Black Forest Monkey was hand carved circa 1890 with superb quality detail and retaining two glass ...
Wood
Antique Swiss Casted Bronze Cattle Bell ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Swiss Casted Bronze Cattle Bell ca. 1900s Item e7315 An antique cast bronze cattle bell, made in Switzerland around 1900. The bell comes with its ...
Bronze
19th century carved black forest ibex sculpture linden wood
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Fantastic black forest carving on impressive proportions circa 1890. Features 4 european ibex of varying age and scale standing on carved rocks and foliage. We have owned many blac...
Oak
$11,840Sale Price|20% Off
Large Black Forest Carved Poacher Sculpture with Chamois, Circa 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Black Forest Poacher with Chamois A very large wooden handcarved poacher statue. The poacher is on his way back from the hunt with a hunted chamois on his back. The hand-made ...
Wood
19th Century Brienz Black Forest Carved Bear with Thermometer, ca. 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic late 1900s Black Forest Brienz work of art. This hand carved bear sculpture is a great example of the Black Forest craftsmanship in ...
Glass, Wood
Swallow Nest Black Forest Key Rack Holder Wall Mount Vintage Folk Art
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A lovely key board made of hand carved wood, made in the black forest area in Germany. Found at an estate sale in Nuremberg, Germany. It is not marked. A nic...
Brass
Jeff Fleming for Big Sky Carvers “Emily the Raccoon” Hand-Carved Wood Sculpture
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Charming “Emily the Raccoon” hand-carved wood sculpture designed by Jeff Fleming for Big Sky Carvers of Montana. Emily is depicted seated upright with her paws gathered at her belly,...
Wood
Classic Antique Black Forest Carved Bracket with Stag’s Head
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Antique black forest hand-carved stag’s mounted on the support with an oak leaf surround. With a shaped top shelf with canted corners. Excellent detailing ...
Wood
Hand Carved Black Forest Brienz Wooden Bear with an Engraved Glass Vase or Flute
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic late 1900s Black Forest Brienz work of art. This small and hand carved bear sculpture is a great example of the Black Forest craftsm...
Cut Glass, Wood
Collection of 12 Early Black Forest Roe Mounts, Priced Per Mount.
Located in Buchanan, MI
Collection of 12 early Black Forest roe mounts very nicely carved and great color and patination. Priced per mount. Check with us as our antler mount inven...
Wood, Antler
Circa 1900 Swiss Small-Medium Size Strolling Black Forest Bear
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1900 small-medium size strolling Black Forest Bear, Swiss. Rich brown color. Very good face - small, bead eyes. Carved lindenwood - good depth to the carving of the fur. One fo...
Wood, Paint
$5,156Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Mantel Clock with Eagle and Chamois Family, ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Mantel Clock with Eagle and Chamois Family, ca. 1900 A large Black Forest wooden carved mantel clock with an eagle on top and a chamois defending her child. The clock is embedded in a handcarved wood pile. A masterpiece of Brienz woodcarvings which brightens up any chimney piece. The clockwork is cleaned and overworked by a clockmaker - working order. Soberly considered mantel clocks are small pendulum...
Wood
Hand Carved Black Forest St. Wooden Floor Lamp of Lantern Holding & Tipsy Guard
Located in Lisse, NL
Large and beautifully sculptured, floor lamp. If you are looking for unique and decorative antiques to bring joy and class to your interior then this marvelous, sculptural floor lam...
Copper
A Wooden Japanese Hokkaido Kibori Kuma Bear, Early 20th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Wooden Japanese Hokkaido Kibori Kuma Bear, Early 20th Century Description: A traditional hand-carved wooden bear from Hokkaido, Japan. While it bears a resemblance to Swiss Black ...
Wood
A Rare Swiss ‘black Forest’ Polychrome Carved Wood Dog’s Head Trophy, Brienz
By Black Forest
Located in London, GB
A rare and particularly decorative Swiss Black Forest carved and polychrome wood wall trophy, finely modelled as the head of a sporting dog, probably a spaniel, with inset glass eyes...
Glass, Wood
Black Forest 1900s Hand Carved Wooden Buck Head Mounted on Shield Plate
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swiss Black Forest hand carved wooden buck head wall sculpture from the turn of the century, with shield plate. Born in the early years of the 20th century...
Wood
Antique Leather Strap with Six Brass Bells, Switzerland ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Leather Strap with Six Brass Bells, Switzerland ca. 1900s Item e6991 An antique leather strap with six brass bells from the swiss Alps manufactured ca. 1900. These bells are ...
Metal, Brass
$1,180Sale Price|20% Off
Swiss Brienz Black Forest Hand-Carved Wood Grizzly Bear
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Black Forest hand-carved linden-wood hand-carved grizzly bear with glass eyes and enamel painted mouth with fangs/teeth showing on a thick base, circa 1900. See our other items for m...
Wood
Pair of Black Forest 1880s Carved Wooden Chamois Coat or Hat Racks with Foliage
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of Black Forest carved wooden chamois heads hat or coat racks from the late 19th century, with foliage accents. Created during the last quarter of the 19th century, each of this pair of racks features a chamois head with glass eyes, emerging from an oval backplate connected to three hoof leg hangers. Boasting a dark brown patina, this pair of Black Forest carved chamois...
Wood
19th Carved Wood Black Forest Chamois & Eagle
Located in Austin, TX
Antique fine 19th Black Forest carved wood chamois and eagle, circa 1880.
Wood
Black Forest Carved Wooden Standing Bear with an Engraved Glass Vase or Flute
Located in Lisse, NL
Early 20th century Swiss work of art. This small and hand-carved bear sculpture is a great example of the Black Forest craftsmanship in early 20th century, Switzerland. Anyone who i...
Glass, Wood
Hand Carved Wood Bear Head Nutcracker Brienz Switzerland
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Hand Carved Wood Bear Head Nutcracker Brienz, Switzerland A wooden carved nutcracker with a bear head. It is a fine antique Black Forest woodcarving ...
Wood
Finely Carved Wood Chamois Brienz, Switzerland, circa 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Finely carved wood chamois Brienz, Switzerland circa 1900. A delicately handcarved wood sculpture of a chamois standing on a rocky base. A very detailed and natural carving excecuted by one of the Swiss woodcarvers from the area of Brienz, ca. 1900. The tradition of wood carving, using manual skills to make everyday objects and fine art sculptures, is found throughout Europe. The incentive to create not only useful but also aesthetically beautiful things, distinguishes the craftsman from the artist. In addition to the well-known Swiss wood carving...
Wood
Pair of 19th Century Swiss Carved Black Forest Trophy Plaques Hunting Deer Stag
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Stunning craftsmanship! This pair of 19th century Black Forest hunting Trophy plaques from Brienz Switzerland. Fully carved from solid ...
Walnut
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
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
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 ...
Blown Glass, Wood
Carved Wood Chamois Family by Ernst Heissl, Ebensee Austria, circa 1900
By Ernst Heissl
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Carved Wood Chamois Family by Ernst Heissl, Ebensee Austria, circa 1900 A handcarved wooden sculpture of a chamois group with buck, chamois and fawn. A v...
Wood
Vintage Anri The Wine Taster (Bacchus), ca. 1950
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Anri The Wine Taster (Bacchus), ca. 1950 This is a finely detailed figurine by Anri, believed to be titled The Wine Taster from the Little Folks of Salvan series. The charac...
Wood
Rustic Black Forest Bear Humidor, Carved Walnut, 19th Century, Europe
Located in Queens, NY
Rustic Black Forest (19th Cent) carved walnut humidor in the shape of a bear figure standing near tree stump (with ashtray and covered container)
Walnut
Swiss Black Forest Carved & Lacquered Bear Statue
Located in Forney, TX
A fine quality antique Swiss Black Forest ware, born in the early 20th century, exquisitely hand carved, lacquered wooden bear figure. The exception...
Glass, Wood
Fine Carved Statue of a Staghound, circa 1920
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Fine Carved Statue of a Staghound, circa 1920 A wooden carved statue of a staghound. It is carved as half relief out of one piece of nutwood. Made in Brienz, Switzerland circa 1920....
Wood
Antique Mantel Clock with Herdsman Family, Goats and Cattle
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Mantel Clock with Herdsman Family, Goats and Cattle A Black Forest wooden carved mantel clock with a lovely herdsman family with their goats and cattles. A masterpiece of woodcarving which brightens up any chimney piece. The clockwork is replaced by battery driven one - working order. Soberly considered mantel clocks are small pendulum clocks with feet...
Wood
Antique Handforged Cattle Bell Made in Switzerland ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Handforged Cattle Bell Made in Switzerland ca. 1900s Item e7310 An antique handforged cattle bell, made in Switzerland around 1900. The bell comes with its original brown lea...
Metal
$622Sale Price|20% Off
Black Forrest Carved Black Walnut Toothless Man Motif Hanging Match Holder
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Black Forrest Carved Black Walnut Toothless Man Motif Hanging Match Holder Swiss, Later 19th Century A whimsical and intricately hand-carved piece from the Black Forest region, this hanging match holder features a realistically carved black walnut portrait of a smiling toothless man, or possibly a Satyr. Dating back to the later 19th century, this piece showcases the craftsmanship and charm of the era. The carved wood head portrait measures 3 inches wide, 3 inches high, and 2 inches deep, capturing the expressive details of the toothless man's face. Mounted on a beveled shield backplate, this match holder exudes a sense of whimsy and character. The brass ring holder adds a practical element, allowing for easy access to the matches. This match holder is designed to hold numerous standard 1.5-inch long matches...
Walnut
Finely Carved Wood Chamois with Glass Vase, Brienz, circa 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Finely carved wood chamois with glass vase, Brienz, circa 1900. A delicately hand carved wood sculpture of a chamois standing on a rocky base with three stump which features an antique glass vase inset. A very detailed and natural carving excecuted by one of the Swiss woodcarvers from the area of Brienz, circa 1900. The tradition of wood carving...
Wood, Blown Glass
Large Group of Carved Cattles with Glass Vase Inset, Brienz ca. 1890
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Group of Carved Cattles with Glass Vase Inset, Brienz ca. 1890 A rare group of naturalistically carved cattles - bull, female cattle and young cattle standing around a stump. ...
Cut Glass, Wood
$1,237Sale Price|25% Off
BLACK FOREST 1900 Germany-Swiss Carved Wood Nutcracker Old Gnome Figure
By Black Forest
Located in Miami, FL
A folk-art nutcracker carved in oak wood. This is an elusive antique black forest nutcracker created in northern Europe, most probably in Germ...
Wood
19th Century 'Black Forest' Bear
Located in London, GB
A 'Black Forest' Bear In naturalistically carved lindenwood, having glass eyes, head tilted aloft, prowls on all fours. From the Brienz Area. Brienz, in the Bernese Oberland, Sw...
Wood
Set of 10 Black Forest Walnut Side Chairs, 19th Century Filigree
Located in Queens, NY
Set of 10 Rustic Black Forest (19th Cent) walnut side chairs with shaped seat and back with filigree carving and animals.
Walnut
$1,364Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century black forest centre piece
Located in Martlesham, GB
A lovely quality 19th Century black forest centre piece, having an ornate carved trunk at the centre with a removable glass stem with out swept scalloped edge, a large hunting dog st...
Walnut
Antique Wooden Carved Crib Figurine of a Shepherd
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Wooden Carved Crib Figurine of a Shepherd A large antique wooden carved statue of a shepherd, probably from a Christmas crib. Handcarved in Germany in the second half of the...
Wood
$1,036Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Black Forest Carved Bear Form Table Top "Butler" Display
Located in Atlanta, GA
Exquisite Antique Black Forest Carved Bear Form Table Top "Butler" Display A captivating blend of artistry and functionality, this ...
Glass, Wood
Large Hand Carved Black Forest Standing Stag Deer Sculpture with Huge Antlers
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This quite large and well executed carving is unsigned by the artist, but presumed to have been done in Eastern Europe in circa 1900 in the period Black Forest style. This large carv...
Softwood
A charming Swiss Black Forest Carved St. Bernard dog relaxed lying down
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A charming Swiss Black Forest Carved St. Bernard dog relaxed lying down with its head resting and taking a long snooze. The figure carved from a single piece of Linden wood beautifu...
Wood
Black Forest 1890s Carved Wooden Bear Standing on a Circular Base
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Black Forest carved wooden sculpture from the late 19th century, depicting a bear standing on a circular base. Created during the last decade of the 19th century, this Black Forest sculpture features a bear standing on his rear legs and holding a staff in his left paw. Raised on a circular base with carved rocks and flowers, this Black Forest carved wooden bear...
Wood
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century, Black Forest Carved Oak Newel Post Finial Form of a Dog w/ Shield
Located in Atlanta, GA
A highly expressive and deeply carved Black Forest figural newel post finial, dating to the late 19th century, rendered in dense, dark-stained oak. The sculpture takes the form of a seated dog or wolf with alert upright ears, finely incised facial detailing, and an open mouth showing stylized teeth. The animal sits upright on its haunches, holding in its forepaws a heraldic-style shield with a central boss and four bosses at the quadrants, as well as ring-turned accents simulating bolts or fittings. Its claws are sharply delineated and muscular tension is suggested through the modeling of the forelimbs and chest. The sculpture rests on a squared plinth base, likely modified for later display, though originally designed as a finial for a stair newel post...
Oak
19th Century German Black Forest Walnut Bear and Fish Carved Wall Sculpture
Located in Dallas, TX
This striking antique Black Forest carved wall sculpture depicts a powerful bear clutching a freshly caught fish, rendered with remarkable realism and expressive detail. Carved from ...
Walnut
Black Forest 1900s Carved Wooden Plaque with Chamois Motif, Foliage and Mirror
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Black Forest period carved wooden plaque from the early 20th century, with chamois motif, foliage and petite mirror. Hand-Carved in Switzerland during the early years of the 20th century, this wooden Black Forest plaque draws our attention with its chamois head emerging from an oval medallion, surrounded by scrolling leaves wrapped around a branch. The lower section showcases a petite oval mirror...
Mirror, Wood
Large Black Forest Carved Wood Eagle
Located in Cheshire, GB
A striking large-scale Black Forest carved wood eagle, depicted in flight with its wings fully outstretched. The eagle is exceptionally well carved throughout, with individually deta...
Oak
19th Century Carved 'Black Forest' Drinks Cabinet on Stand
Located in London, GB
A magnificent 'Black Forest' carved Drinks cabinet on stand Hand-carved from Lindenwood, the drinks box of D-end shape carved in exquisite high relief...
Glass, Wood
Swiss Brienz Black Forest Hand-Carved Wood Candle Holder
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Black Forest hand-carved linden-wood hand carved candle holder/candlestick, circa 1900. Black Forest sculptural art originates from the small mountain town Brienz, Switzerland co...
Wood
19th Century Highly Carved French Oak Sculpture of a Man Harvesting Wine Grapes
Located in Dallas, TX
This beautiful sculpture has been carved from solid French oak during the latter half of the 19th century. The style is that of Black Forest, with realistic depictions of branches, leaves, grapes, and more. Originally a French clock, most of the timing mechanisms have long been removed. The elaborate carving depicts a man harvesting wine grapes on rocky terrain dotted with vegetation. Our gatherer, who is clad in an overcoat and large brimmed hat, is carrying a hod (hotte in French) full of freshly picked grapes. A large wooden bucket...
Wood
Antique Carved & Painted Troubadour or Minstrel, Nodder Figure with a Violin
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th Century carved and painted wood figure of a troubadour or minstrel wearing a hat and long coat with his trousers tucked into knee-high boots and having a violin under one arm wi...
Abalone, Gesso, Pine, Paint
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 ...
Wood
An Unusual Swiss Carved Black Forest Smoking Table
Located in London, GB
An Unusual Swiss Carved Black Forest Smoking Table Circa 1900 beautifully executed depicting a bear smoking a pipe supporting a naturalistically carved table 51x25x26cm For compar...
Wood
19th Century Rustic Black Forest Walnut Trunk with Floral Carvings
Located in Queens, NY
Rustic Black Forest walnut floor trunk with a folding rounded top and supported on "X" form side legs with faux wood, straps, and floral carved design.
Walnut
$927Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century black forest carving of a fox
Located in Martlesham, GB
A lovely ornate 19th Century black forest carving of a fox, sitting cross legged reading a book, the fox wearing a jacket and seems to be sitting on a rock with various foliage and a...
Walnut
Antique Musical circa 1880 Black Forest Hand Carved Fox Whip Hook Glass Eyes
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this exceptionally rare, Musical, original circa 1880 Swiss made Black Forest wood, Fox whip hook with glass eyes These...
Wood
Swiss Black Forest Carving of William Tell and Son
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Antique Swiss Black Forest carving of William Tell and son. Portrays man (William Tell) holding cross boy with one arm draped around his young son. His son is looking up at the man a...
Wood