Black Forest Sculptures
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
Early 20th Century 'Black Forest' Stick & Umbrella Stand Bear
Located in North Miami, FL
Early 20th century Swiss 'Black Forest' stick & umbrella stand in the form of a charming bear with inset glass eyes. Arms outstretched in a hug-like form the piece will fit perfectly in a front foyer or boot room...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Black Forest Male Figure with Flowers and Horns
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This stylish and dramatic German, black-forest tavern piece dates to 1930s-1940s and it represents the "May Pole" celebration. The figure is hand-carved wood, natural horns and brass...
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Hand Carved Wooden Sculpture Bookends Two Reading Men
Located in Barntrup, DE
These beautifully hand carved wooden bookends feature sculptures of two sitting and reading man, an older and younger man that could be a teacher a...
Category
1950s German Vintage Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Hand Carved Black Forest Style Wooden Nutcracker, Germany, 1930s
Located in Barntrup, DE
This beautiful nutcracker in the German Black Forest style is decorated with a hand carved sculpture of a man's head with a hat. His mouth opens and closes to crack the nut.
Dimensi...
Category
1930s German Vintage Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Wood
19th Century Black Forest Carved Wood Fish Trophy Wall Plaque
Located in Austin, TX
Oversize and spectacular 19th century Black Forest carved wood trophy wall plaque with a large fish.
Beautiful carved border with acanthus leaves.
Measur...
Category
1880s French Antique Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Hand-Carved Wooden Inkwell Desk Set with Owl Figures, 1930s
Located in Barntrup, DE
Beautiful Black Forest style hand-carved wooden double inkwell with a majestic owl figure sitting on two books. The owl has glass eyes, and the Stand has a tray for pen and accessori...
Category
1930s German Vintage Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Metal
19th Century German Black Forest’ Jardinière
By Black Forest
Located in North Miami, FL
19th century German Black Forest’ Jardinière of substantial size constructed in a profoundly dimensional carved wood, rising from round base, with ...
Category
19th Century German Antique Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Antique Hand Carved Oak & Walnut Swiss Barometer w. Hunting Gear & Hound Carving
Located in Lisse, NL
Fabulous antique Black Forest wall barometer and thermometer.
This good size and finest quality carved barometer could be the perfect Black Forest antique to grace your home or lodge. The details in all of the hunting related sculptures reveal the workmanship of the artisan who created this one of a kind 'wall plaque barometer'. The oval wall plaque itself is made of solid oak and all of the finely carved hunting gear and dog are all hand carved out of solid nutwood. Have you also noticed the hanging bird prey underneath the perfectly carved hunter's hat and next to the rifle and hunting bag? For an artist to be able to hand-carve all these hunting elements in such details and with such perfection is something that never ceases to amaze us. What makes this particular antique even more special is the fact that, after one hundred years, it still is in mint condition.
With a perfect working barometer...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Black Forest 1900s Carved Wooden Wall Hanging Ornament with Bear and Oval Mirror
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Black Forest carved wooden wall hanging ornament from the early 20th century, with bear motif and central mirror. Created during the early years of the 20th century, this Black Forest piece captures our attention with its charming depiction of a bear sitting on the branch of a tree shaped as deer antlers while the lower section showcases a petite oval mirror. With its rustic presence and skillful depiction, this Black Forest wall hanging...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Mirror, Wood
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...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Glass, Wood
19th century Pair Black Forest Chicken Vase Epergne Candleholder Carved Wood Set
Located in Shreveport, LA
~ Direct from Europe
This listing is for a stunning pair of carved Black Forest “chicken” candleholders/epergnes. In the summer, the glass inserts were used and fresh cut flowers wer...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Glass
Monumental and Striking ‘Black Forest’ Walnut Carving of an Eagle
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A monumental and striking ‘Black Forest’ walnut carving of an eagle perched on a toppled shield, E Binder, Shown with outstretched wings and the head turned to the right , the talons...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Walnut
Black Forest Wooden Carved Begging Dog, Brienz, ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A whimsical Swiss wood carving. A long hair terrier is begging with his masters hat beside a basket. Handcarved ca. 1900 in Switzerland in the area...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Wood
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...
Category
Early 20th Century Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Glass, Wood
‘Black Forest’ Carved Linden Wood Model of a Mount Rescue Dog
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A ‘Black Forest’ carved linden wood model of a mount rescue dog, naturalistically modelled standing four-square with a barrel at his collar and a blanket wrapped around his middle, o...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Outstanding Wooden Carved Fighting Stags by K. Bach, 1946
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A grandiose handcarved wood sculpture of fighting stags. Very detailed natural carving. Carved signature of K. Bach 1946.
Measures: Width: 23.62" (60cm)
Height: 7.48" (19cm)
Depth:...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Hand Carved Black Forest Style Wooden Gnome Nutcracker, Germany, 1930s
Located in Barntrup, DE
This beautiful nutcracker in the German Black Forest style is decorated with a hand carved sculpture of a gnome. His mouth opens and closes to crack the nut.
Dimensions: height 22 c...
Category
1930s German Vintage Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Large Pair of Carved Black Forest Trophy Plaques depicting Deer, a Hare, and Fox
Located in London, GB
A pair of large black forest game plaques
Expertly carved in lindenwood, the shaped plaques, carved with oak leaves, depict a buck and a r...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Early to Mid-20th Century Hand Carved Black Forest Sitting Eagle Sculpture
Located in Lisse, NL
Quality carved, mint condition and majestic bird of prey.
This stunning bald eagle sculpture stands out, because the artist has managed to create a perfectly realistic eagle without...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Black Forest Swiss 1900s Carved Wooden Fragment with Bear Motif and Gilt Accents
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Black Forest period carved wooden fragment from the early 20th century, with bear motif. hand carved in Switzerland during the turn of the century, this wooden fragment features a ...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
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 ...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Black Forest Modeled Bear Piano Stool, Late 20th Century
Located in North Miami, FL
A fantastic hand carved bear piano stool with extendable seat. It was hand carved in Switzerland, Brienz, circa 1890’s. Original glass eyes.
Category
Early 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Early 1900 Large Black Forest Fine Carved Burling Stag / Deer Sculpture Statue
Located in Lisse, NL
Good size and beautifully carved, wooden Black Forest stag sculpture.
From the posture it is obvious that this impressive stag, with his head turned up, is attempting to attract and...
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Wood
19th Century Pair of Carved Relief Limewood Shadow Boxes
Located in London, GB
A pair of carved limewood shadow boxes
Finely carved in high relief, and depicting two famous scenes of an eagle attacking a man, and a poacher being shot, housed within rectangul...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Monumental Antique German Black Forest Eagle Chamois Mantel Hunt Clock
Located in Dayton, OH
"Monumental 19th century antique German Black Forest mantel clock featuring carved high relief details with a winged bald eagle mounted ato...
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Hardwood
Pair of Swiss 19th Century Carved Wooden Cattle Attributed to Johann Huggler
By Johann Huggler
Located in London, GB
A pair of Black Forest cattle
attributed to Johann Huggler
Carved in lindenwood, the naturalistically carved Swiss cow, calf and bull stand on elliptical bases of grass and rocky...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Pair of Swiss 19th Century Carved Wooden Cattle
By Johann Huggler
Located in London, GB
A pair of Black Forest cattle, probably by Johann Huggler
Carved in lindenwood, the naturalistically carved swiss cow and bull stand on elliptical bases.
...
Category
19th Century German Antique Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Wood
19th Century Swiss Carved 'Black Forest' Cattle Group
Located in London, GB
A black forest cattle group
Carved in lindenwood, the naturalistically carved swiss cow, calf and bull stand on an elliptical base of grass and rocky outc...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Antique Hand Carved Black Forest Barometer, Flowers ans Nesting Birds Sculptures
Located in Lisse, NL
Large and wonderful, Swiss Black Forest barometer with thermometer.
This mother nature inspired, charming and beautifully hand-carved barometer...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Glass, Opaline Glass, Wood
19th Century Hand-Carved Fox 'Black Forest' Coat Hook
Located in London, GB
A Black Forest coat hook
Carved from solid Lindenwood, the cross-legged fox with glass-inset eyes brushing a horn, the second horn extending out f...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Hardwood
19th Century 'Black Forest' Carved Dog Group
By Walter Mäder
Located in London, GB
A 'Black Forest' Carved Dog Group
Constructed in naturalistically carved and stained limewood, on a rectangular base with radiused angles, the bitch couchant, and attending to her two pups, all fitted with realistic glass eyes, in the manner of Walter Mäder...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Antique & Beveled Wall Mirror in a Top Quality Hand Carved Eagle Sculpture 1800s
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare and beautifully hand carved eagle sculpture on a crescent moon design mirror.
If you are appreciative of rare and sculptural antiques then this Swiss Black Forest wall mirror could be exactly what you are looking for. The quality in both the details and the patination (or coloring) of this wooden eagle...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Mirror, Wood
Black Forrest Carved Oak Hinged Boar Head Cellarette with Bone Tusk, C. 1870
Located in Hollywood, SC
Black Forrest hand carved oak hinged boar head cellarette with bone tusk, carved intertwined branches with oak leaves, and resting on decorative foliate scr...
Category
1870s German Antique Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Black Forest Carved Walnut & Polychromed 'Three Bears' Bench
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Black Forest carved walnut & polychromed 'Three Bears' bench
Inspired by "The Story of the Three Bears" by Robert Southey.
An exceptional example, realistically carved and modeled, with sparse polychrome decoration.
Consisting of three parts, Poppa Bear...
Category
20th Century Swiss Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Walnut
Large Hand Carved Black Forest Military Soldier & His Horse Under a Shade Tree
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This well executed carving is unsigned by the artist, but presumed to have been done in Eastern Europe in circa 1940 in the Black Forest style. The carving depicts a military soldier holding a 'Tommy...
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Softwood
German Santa Claus Figure Papier Mâché Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Large Santa Claus figure made in papier mâché with a hand painted detailed face. Holding a tree and decorated with glitter details and a real fur rim.
The Santa Claus is handmade in the original antique mold...
Category
2010s German Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Other
Nice Wooden Carved Boxer Tobacco Box, Switzerland Ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Wooden Carved Tobacco Box with Boxer, Switzerland ca. 1900
An early 20th century wooden carved humidor from Switzerland featuring a boxer dog beside a three trunk on witch the top can be flipped back to open the tobacco storage. In front of the trunk is a carved hat which features as matches holder. Handcarved with detailed naturalistic details in the area of Brienz ca. 1900. This Swiss Black Forest carved humidor...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Rare Hand Carved Antique Black Forest Lion Sculpture Nutcracker with Glass Eyes
Located in Lisse, NL
Top quality carved, early 20th century, wooden Black Forest nut cracker.
If you are a collector of rare and good quality Black Forest antiqu...
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Glass, Wood
Antique Hand Carved and Mint Condition Black Forest Gnome Sculpture Nutcracker
Located in Lisse, NL
Top quality carved, early 20th century, wooden Black Forest nut cracker.
If you are a collector of only the best quality and condition Black...
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
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...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
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...
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Abalone, Gesso, Pine, Paint
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...
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Early 20th Century French Black Forest Carved Bear Sculpture with Gun Holder
Located in Dallas, TX
This interesting antique gun rack was carved in France, circa 1920. The oak sculpture features a young bear standing up with open arms. The wooden ani...
Category
Early 20th Century French Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Oak
Group of Three Hand Carved Swiss Black Forest Wild Boar Sculptures by N. Deneffe
By N. Deneffe
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare group of three Black Forest sculptures.
We have been in the business of buying and selling rare antiques for quite some time now, but never before had we seen more than one Black Forest boar...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Nutwood
19th Century Swiss Black Forest Carved Walnut Mantel Clock with Cherubs and Bird
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate your buffet or mantel with this monumental antique fruitwood clock. Crafted in Switzerland, circa 1860, the masterpiece time keeper features two hand carved seated cherubs holding a grape basket with a duck, frog and reed decor underneath. The center face has blue enamel roman numbers, and the clock mechanism has been cleaned and checked by our clock expert, and is in very good working order. This important clock...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Enamel
Large Black Forest Woodcarving Ibex Sculpture, Austria, circa 1920
Located in Berghuelen, DE
An antique early 20th century wooden carved sculpture of an ibex. Handcarved in lindenwood with naturalistic details - most probably in Austria around 1900. On the rocky base with a ...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
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...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Cut Glass
Hand Carved Wood Black Forest Bear Hard Liqueur Stand, Czechoslovakia, 1985
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A 20th century Black Forest wood carved bear. Nice addition to your room or just for use it on your desk. Made of hand carved wood and has original Becherovka Schnaps Glasses. Signed...
Category
1980s Czech Vintage Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Glass
Collection of Four Black Forest Chamois Mounts of Carved Wood Plaques Priced per
Located in Buchanan, MI
Collection of four Black forest chamois mounts of carved wood plaques. Priced per mount.
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Antler, Wood
19th Century Rustic Black Forest Grandfather Clock
Located in New York, NY
19th century rustic Black Forest grandfather clock composed of walnut elaborately carved with oak leaves and bears in high relief (Non-o...
Category
19th Century German Antique Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Collection of Five Black Forest Roe Mounts on Carved Wood Plaques Priced per mou
Located in Buchanan, MI
Collection of five Black Forest roe mounts on carved wood plaques. Priced per mount.
Category
19th Century German Antique Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Antler, Wood
Hand Carved Arts & Crafts Baby or Doll Bed / Crib with Squirrel Rabbit & Sparrow
Located in Lisse, NL
Antique and unique Black Forest style crib with animal sculptures.
With 1stdibs being 'home to the most beautiful things on earth', for us, there is only one place to offer this uni...
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Oak
Large Carved Wood Chamois Sculpture, Black Forest, circa 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
An expressive naturalistic carved large chamois sculpture standing on a rocky base. It is handcarved and stainied lindenwood. Executed in Austria around 1900.
Measures: Length 17.72...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Rare & Practical Size Antique Black Forest Bear Table or Desk Piece / Sculpture
Located in Lisse, NL
Beautiful quality and perfect condition, antique bear desk piece.
This Black Forest bear is carved in a beautiful pose. This rare, early 1900s desk piece is the perfect pen or pencil holder and it is handcrafted antiques like this that keep our work interesting and rewarding. Also, because we know that this rare and good quality Swiss bear...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Glass, Wood
Pair of Carved Lime Wood Pictures
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A pair of Swiss carved lime-wood pictures one showing a hunter being attacked by an eagle as he attempts to raid its nest, the other a climber rescuing a g...
Category
1880s Swiss Antique Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Hand Carved Antique 'Black Forest' Fox Stool
Located in London, GB
A 'Black Forest' fox stool
Constructed in a very well patinated and carved lindenwood, the kneeling fox having glass eyes, with monochrome naturalistic highlights; the seat carved to resemble a mushroom.
Brienz Area, circa 1900
Brienz, in the Bernese Oberland, Switzerland was remarked upon in Baedeker's Travel Guide, as having a population of 2400, of whom 600 persons were employed as woodcarvers, to supply the tourist trade to Switzerland with mementos of the tour. A museum devoted entirely to the art of wood carving may be visited today.
Arenski, Jay, Simon Daniels, and Michael Daniels. Swiss Carvings: The Art of the 'Black Forrest', 1820-1940. Woodbridge: Antique Collectors' Club, 2005, p. 140 (fig. 224). Illustrating a kneeling bear stool...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Glass, Wood
Large Black Forest Walnut Plaque
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
Showing a hunter being attached by an eagle as he attempts to raid its nest, attributed to Johann Fluck.
Category
1850s Antique Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Walnut
Wooden Carved Sculpture of a Saint, circa 1850
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Wooden Carved Sculpture of a Saint, circa 1850
A beautifully hand carved and hand painted sculpture of a saint with a palm-branch. It is made most probably in Armenian or Georgian a...
Category
Mid-19th Century Unknown Antique Black Forest Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Black Forest sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Black Forest sculptures 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 sculptures created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, folk art, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, glass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Black Forest sculptures made in a specific country, there are Europe, Switzerland, and Germany pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original sculptures, popular names associated with this style include Black Forest, Black Forrest, A.W. Goebel, and Barney Bellinger. 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 sculptures differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $240 and tops out at $99,104 while the average work can sell for $2,342.