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Black Forest Decorative Objects

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
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 ...
Category

Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

19th Century Rustic Black Forest Grandfather Clock
Located in Queens, 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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Swiss Black Forest Carved Wooden Planter Box/Jardinière, circa 1880
Located in Evergreen, CO
Graceful and elegant, this beautiful wooden planter box features a pierced front carving of a floral basket flanked by scrolled grape vines. The bac...
Category

Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

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...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Mirror, 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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Black Forest Carved Walnut Jewellery Box
Located in Chillerton, 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...
Category

1880s Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Walnut

Antique Hand-Carved Black Forest Tobacco Jar or Humidor & Ashtray with Bears
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique tobacco jar or humidor is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from Austria and date to approximately 1900 and done in the perio...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Walnut

19th Century French Black Forest Carved Hunt Trophies Sculptures, Set of 4
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a ranch or hunting lodge with this suite of elegant antique Black Forest wall plaques. Carved in France circa 1870, and built of walnut wood, each plaque is octagonal in sha...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Walnut

Antique Black Forest Hand-Carved Deer or Elk Head Wall Plaque or Sculpture
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This well executed antique wall sculpture is unsigned, but presumed to have been done in Switzerland in approximately 1890 in the period Black F...
Category

Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Softwood

GERMANY 1870 Black Forest Oversized Cigar Humidor Box In Solid Carved Oak Wood
Located in Miami, FL
A German cigar humidor box carved in oak wood. This is a fabulous oversized black forest humidor box created in northern Europe, most probably in Germany or Switzerland, back in the...
Category

1870s German Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

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...
Category

Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Large Exceptional Swiss Black Forest double inkwell desk decoration 19th Century
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Gorgeous most rare Swiss Black Forest 19th century double Inkwell / desk accessory fully hand carved displaying a bird eating nuts & floral leaves / walnuts. Carved by a master carve...
Category

Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Wood

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Softwood

19th century Carved Walnut Black Forest Bear / Cigar Holder
Located in San Francisco, CA
Late 19th century Continental carved walnut bear / cigar holder. In the style of Black Forest, German, Possibly Russian. The complex form of a classic dancing bear on hind legs. Stan...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Walnut

Swiss Black Forest Carved Wooden Planter Box / Jardinière, circa 1895
Located in Evergreen, CO
Elegant from every angle, this beautiful wooden planter box (or jardinière in French) features elaborate carvings over a lattice background. The fro...
Category

Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Black Forest Carved Bear with Pen Inkwell
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Swiss bear with log pen rest and inkwell. Published in "Black Forest Bears and Swiss Woodcarvings," plate 93a. Book included. In the 1800’s the wood carving...
Category

19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

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...
Category

Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Set of Three Natural Antler Tips & Brass Desk Accessories
Located in North Miami, FL
This set of three (3) natural antler tips desk accessories are backed with brass base. Perfect for an executive desk, two paperweights and a letter opener. Rich natural coloring an...
Category

Late 20th Century American Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

CARVED BLACK FOREST WOOD SMOKiNG PIPE CABINET BOX LATIN INSCRIBED NIL NISI CRUCE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning, hand carved Black Forest wood, smoking pipe cabinet or rack with inscribed top reading "Nil N...
Category

1870s German Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

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...
Category

Mid-19th Century German Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

19th Century Black Forest Clock
Located in London, GB
A late 19th century walnut clock, very finely carved with four deer flanking the carved clock with roman numerals.
Category

Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Walnut

Black Forest 1890s Carved Wooden Umbrella Stand Depicting a Bear Climbing a Tree
Located in Atlanta, GA
A large Black Forest carved wooden umbrella stand from the late 19th century, depicting a bear climbing a tree branch. Created during the last de...
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Hand Carved Wooden Sculpture Lamp Night Watchman with Lantern, Germany
Located in Barntrup, DE
A masterfully hand-carved wooden lamp features a beautiful sculpture of a night watchman with a lantern and halberd. The lantern is made of glass and co...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

19th Century 'Black Forest' Carved Clock with Hunter and Hound
Located in London, GB
A black forest carved hunt clock Constructed from native Swiss Lindenwood, the clock movement denoting the hours in enamelled Roman numerals and housed w...
Category

19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Early Deer Antler Mount on Black Forest Carved Wood Plaque
Located in Buchanan, MI
Early Deer Antler Mount On Black Forest Carved Wood Plaque.
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Antler, Wood

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 ...
Category

1880s Swiss Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Black Forest Porcelain Bowl with Squirrel Figure Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Completely handmade porcelain bowl with a hands-free painted squirrel in brown in the center of the bowl. 24-carat gold rimmed. Comes also in black with platinum frame. Available in ...
Category

2010s German Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Rare Cigar Holder Bavarian 19th Century Terracotta
Located in Hudson, NY
Rare victorian terracotta and pipe clay cigar holder, late nineteenth century. Produced by the J&C China company of Bavaria. Made for holding cig...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

Wooden Statue of a Walking Bear Hand Carved in Switzerland, circa 1930s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Wooden Statue of a Walking Bear Handcarved in Switzerland circa 1930s. A vintage statue of a strolling bear. Made of lindenwood, finely handcarved and handpainted with naturalistic details in Brienz, Switzerland ca. 1930s. A nice example of the famous Black Forest Woodcarvings made in Switzerland. The tradition of wood carving in Brienz dates back to mid of the 19th century. People in the region were looking for new employment opportunities. They used their skills from traditional crafts, carving everyday objects and sculptures, and created a new business. Many woodcarvers where trained in the 'School of Wood Carving, Brienz' which was established in 1884. Around 1900 the woodcarving industry counted ca. 2000 woodcarvers. Brienz woodcarvings were presented on several worlds fairs with great success. With the Gran Tour Tourism wealthy people from all over the word visited the area and took their woodcarving souvenirs home. Today some companies, like 'Huggler Holzbildhauerei' still exist and build traditional sculptures. Measures: Length: 11.02" (28 cm) Width: 3.94" (10 cm) Height: 6.69" (17 cm) Literature Reference: Peter F. Blackman, Black Forest Woodcarvings, Atglen 2009. Jay Arenski, Simon and Michael Daniels, Swiss Carvings...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

19th Century French Black Forest Carved Walnut and Porcelain Jardinière
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant antique planter was crafted in France, circa 1870. Rectangular in shape with scrolled decor and scalloped edge, the detailed planter stands on small curved feet, and is ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain, Walnut

Black Forest Carved Dog Inkwell
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Swiss carved black Forest shaggy dog inkwell with pen holder. In the 1800’s the wood carving industry of Switzerland started in the town of Brienz. By the ...
Category

19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Black Forest Linden Wood Carved Swiss Bear Glass Eyes
Located in Cheltenham, GB
Black Forest Linden wood naturalistically carved strolling bear with original glass eyes, crafted in Brienz. This exquisitely carved lindenwood piece features realistic details. A...
Category

19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Softwood

19th Century Swiss 'Black Forest' Carving a Dog Family
By Walter Mäder
Located in London, GB
A 'Black Forest' Dog Group The naturalistically carved limewood group shows the bitch couchant and her three playful pups; glass eyes are used in all the figures, in the manner of Walter Mäder...
Category

Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Porcelain Bowl with Fox Figure Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Completely handmade porcelain bowl with a hands-free naturalistic painted fox in brown colors. The fox is sitting in the middle of the bowl for decorating nuts or sweets around the fox figure...
Category

2010s German Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Black Forest Crystal Laterne Green Hunting Scene Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Hand blown crystal vase/lantern in green with hand engraved deers and trees all around in the style of black forest. Completely handmade in Bavaria/Germany. Can be used also with ca...
Category

2010s German Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

19th Century French Black Forest Carved Walnut Jardinière with Zinc Liner
Located in Dallas, TX
This beautiful, walnut, Black Forest jardinière carved as a wooden log was crafted in France, circa 1870. The rectangular fruitwood planter features hand carved floral, tree branches with leaf decor. The antique planter is in excellent condition, and has its original removable zinc liner...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Walnut

Black Forest Porcelain Vase Hunting Decor Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Hands-free painted porcelain vase with a hunting design with deers and trees all around. Lined with a green line and rimmed with a 24 carat gold line. Completely hand painted in Bava...
Category

2010s German Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Black Forest Crystal Laterne Green Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Handblown crystal vase/latern in green with hand-etched deers and trees decor in the style of Black Forest Completely handmade in Bavaria/Germany. Can be used also with candles as l...
Category

2010s German Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Black Forest Canterbury
Located in New York, NY
Intricately carved Black Forest Canterbury or magazine rack. Designed in a swirled leaf pattern with horned grotesque figures on each corner.
Category

19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Hardwood

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Country Style Porcelain Dish with Skier Decor Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Charming hands-free painted porcelain dish with platinum rim. Hands-free painted in a classic winter decor with a skier, mountains and trees. Completely h...
Category

2010s German Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Late 18th Century Liege Burled Walnut Tall Case Clock
Located in New Orleans, LA
A stately late 18th century Belgian, Liege, tall case clock case having a period Black Forest clock workings with wooden enameled dial and hand-painted fruit decoration, the original...
Category

Late 18th Century Belgian Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze, Enamel, Iron

Black Forest Vase Green Crystal with Hunting Decor Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Handblown crystal vase in green glass with hand-edged hunting scene. The decor is hunting decor with four hand-engraved animals in naturalistic style. Completely handblown and hand-e...
Category

2010s German Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Black Forest Porcelain Dish Christmas Garland Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Hands-free painted porcelain dish with platinum rim. Hands-free painted in a classic black forest christmas decor with green fir and pine cone garland. Completely handmade in Bavaria...
Category

2010s German Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Swiss Black Forest Carved Owl With Glass Eyes, Early 1900s
Located in London, GB
A delightful decorative owl. This finely hand carved Black Forest carved owl sculpture demonstrates incredible workmanship and attention to detail, along with his/her beautiful glas...
Category

Early 1900s Swiss Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Antique Figural Black Forest Nutcracker c.1900
Located in Bath, GB
A fabulous late Victorian Black Forest Nutcracker beautifully carved with a fabulous rich dark colour and good bright patina. The Monkey still...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Wood

Black Forest Porcelain Dish with Deer Figure Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Charming completely handmade and hands-free painted oval porcelain plate. The naturalistic moulded porcelain bambi figure and three porcelain pine cones fixed on the porcelain plate ...
Category

2010s German Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Porcelain Bowl with Fox Figure Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Completely handmade porcelain bowl with a hands-free naturalistic painted fox in brown colors. The fox is sitting in the middle of the bowl for decorating nuts or sweets around the fox figure...
Category

2010s German Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Swiss Casted Bronze Cattle Bell ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Swiss Casted Bronze Cattle Bell ca. 1900s Item e7311 An antique cast bronze cattle bell, made in Switzerland around 1900. The bell comes with its original brown leather strap with bu...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Antique Handforged Goat Bell Made in Switzerland ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Handforged Goat Bell Made in Switzerland ca. 1900s Item e7308 An antique forged iron goat bell, made in Switzerland around 1900. The bell comes with its original brown leathe...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

19th Century Wooden Carved Rabbit Sculpture - Black Forest - Inkwell
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A cute wooden sculpture of a rabbit, Black Forest art. It is an inkwell, but above all it is a beautiful piece of craftsmanship from the end of the 19th century. The rabbit is beauti...
Category

1890s German Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Walnut

Black Forest Carved Candle Holder
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Black Forest candle holder with tree and standing chamois. Part of the Brienz Collection but not published. In the 1800’s the wood carving industry of Swi...
Category

19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

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...
Category

Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Velvet, Wood

pair of German 19th century Black Forest st. etched Glass and Walnut vases
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant pair of German 19th century Black Forest st. etched Glass and Walnut vases. Each beautiful vase is raised on a wonderful array of Walnut water flora below a fluted socle s...
Category

19th Century German Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Walnut

Black Forest decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Black Forest decorative objects 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 decorative objects created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, folk art, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, walnut and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Black Forest decorative objects 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 decorative objects, popular names associated with this style include Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel, Black Forest, Sofina Porzellan, and Black Forrest. 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 decorative objects differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $150 and tops out at $99,104 while the average work can sell for $1,668.

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