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 Black forest Cigar box / Humidor 19th Century carved deer Walnut Swiss
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Rare and impressive, this 19th-century hand-carved Swiss Black Forest cigar box is crafted from rich walnut, offering a stunning patina that has developed over nearly 150 years. The ...
Wood
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
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
$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
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...
Wood
$846Sale 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
Pair of 19th Century Rustic Black Forest Photo Frames, Handcarved, AT ca. 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Fantastic set of two rustic, late 19th century Black Forest photo frames out of Austria. Artfully hand carved out of basswood, around 1880, these frames show a beautiful design combi...
Glass, Softwood
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
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
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
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
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
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
An Unusual Swiss Carved Black Forest Near Life-Size Figure of a Strolling Bear
Located in London, GB
An Unusual Swiss Carved Black Forest Near Life-Size Figure of a Strolling Bear, Circa 1910 For comparison see page 75 The Art of the Black Forest by Jay Arenski and Simon Daniels 8...
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
$900Sale Price|25% Off
Antique Black Forest Candle Holder, Antler & Boar Tusks, Germany, 1920
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Antler and boar tusks candle holder centerpiece This antique centerpiece candle holder is made of genuine deer antlers and Boar Tusks. It holds 5 candle...
Antler
Fine Carved Wood Chamois Family by Ernst Heissl, circa 1900
By Ernst Heissl
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Fine Carved Wood Chamois Family by Ernst Heissl, circa 1900 A delicately hand-carved wood sculpture of a chamois family. The item is very detailed and a ...
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
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
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 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
$1,036Sale 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 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...
Wood
A charming late 19th century Black Forest carved limewood (linden wood) group
By Black Forest
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A charming late 19th century Black Forest carved limewood (linden wood) group depicting a mother dog with her puppies, sensitively observed and richly detailed. The figures are carve...
Wood
Swiss Black Forest Carved Rabbit Inkwell and Pen Tray
By Black Forest
Located in Newark, England
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING WHIMSICAL BLACK FOREST DESK ACCESSORY WITH HAND-CARVED RABBIT, TREE PEN REST, AND HAT-LIDDED GLASS INKWELLS. From our Black Forest collection, we are delig...
Glass, Wood
Vintage Pair of Candle Sticks With Real Chamois Horn, circa 1950s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Pair of Candle Sticks With Real Chamois Horn, circa 1950s A vintage pair of candle holders, made of genuine chamois horns. The spout supports turned wooden tulip-shaped cand...
Antler
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
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
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
Pair of Solid Wood Bear Sculptures Black Forest Style
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This pair of bear sculptures in solid wood is directly inspired by the famous nineteenth-century Black Forest style. Each piece depicts a bear on all four paws, captured in a natural...
Wood
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
Antique Swiss Black Forest Carved Wood Bear Head Lidded Tobacco Box
Located in San Francisco, CA
Of large scale, the well-delineated and intricately carved head of a dog with hat motif lid; the expressive face with glass eyes and large snout; most likely from the Black forest ar...
Walnut
Black Forest Carved Humidor in the Form of a Monkey Head Wearing a Cap & Collar
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Black Forest figural carved wood humidor in the form of a monkey's head with a hinged lid carved as a hat, around the neck is a ruffled collar above a circular base with carved detail.
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
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
19th Century Swiss Black Forest Carved Walnut and Etched Crystal Centerpiece
Located in Dallas, TX
A finely carved walnut base depicting an alpine woodland scene gives this antique Black Forest centerpiece its distinctive character. Crafted in Switzerland circa 1870, the decorativ...
Cut Glass, Walnut
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
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
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
$1,520Sale Price / set|41% Off
19th Century Black Forest Carved Walnut Dog and Cat Head Inkwells with Pen Rest
Located in Haarlem, NL
Very cute set of two 19th century Black Forest, Schwarzwald, Forêt Noir carved walnut dog and cat heads with glass eyes and ink well with log pen rest. Intricate carved detail to hair, teeth, eyes and paws. The cat has green glass eyes, has painted stripes and the log is painted darker. The inkwell insert...
Glass, Bone, Walnut
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
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
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
A Swiss Carved Linden Wood Black Forest Bear Liqueur set with gilded decanter an
Located in London, GB
A Swiss Carved Linden Wood Black Forest Bear Liqueur set with gilded decanter and glasses circa 1900.
Glass, Wood
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
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
A finely carved Swiss Black Forest anthropomorphic fox toothpick and match
Located in London, GB
A finely carved Swiss Black Forest anthropomorphic fox toothpick and match holder, modelled as a standing fox dressed in rustic attire and carrying a bundle of firewood upon its back...
Wood
19th Century Italian Carved Monkey Butler
Located in Bradenton, FL
A finely carved wooden monkey butler figure on stand, glass eyes, open mouth with teeth, made to hold a tray in its outstretched arms / hands, Italian ea...
Wood
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
An Unusual Swiss Carved Black Forest Near Life-Size Figure of a Strolling Bear
Located in London, GB
An Unusual Swiss Carved Black Forest Near Life-Size Figure of a Strolling Bear, Circa 1910 For comparison see page 75 The Art of the Black Forest by Jay Arenski and Simon Daniels ...
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
$1,356Sale 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
$1,578Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century black forest carving
Located in Martlesham, GB
A wonderful and unique 19th Century black forest carving of an elderly man sitting on a tree trunk holding a newspaper, the front of the tree trunk encased behind a circular glass wi...
Walnut
Black Forest German Porcelain Vase with Hunting Scene Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Hand-painted porcelain vase is completely handmade and handpainted in Bavaria Germany. Rimmed with a 24-carat gold line. The decor is hands-free painted all round with a hunting scene. The black forest decor...
Porcelain
$922Sale 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
Black Forest Porcelain Figure Fox Handpainted Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Completely handmade porcelain figure with a hands-free naturalistic hand-painted fox in brown colors in the style of Black Forest. Handmade in Bavaria/Germany by Sofina Boutique Kitz...
Porcelain
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 Walnut Bird Mantel Clock
Located in Queens, NY
Rustic Black Forest (19th Century) walnut carved mantel clock with 1 large bird and several small chicks within a floral environment. (Not working)
Glass, Walnut
$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
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