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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
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 Decorative Objects

Materials

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Wood

Black Forest Crystal Laterne Green Hunting Scene Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
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 can...
Category

2010s German Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Antler and Boar Tusks Candle Holder Centerpiece
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...
Category

Early 20th Century German Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Antler

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Antler Candelabra, 3-Armed with Wood Carved Enzian Flower Medallion
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Antler candelabra, 3- armed with wood carved enzian flower medallion This antique and one-of-a-kind candelabra candle holder is made of genuine deer antlers. Completely handmade and singularly designed, It holds 3 candles...
Category

19th Century German Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Antler

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 Decorative Objects

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 Decorative Objects

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Country Style Crystal Vase Green Glass Birds Decor Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
About Sofina Crystal: This handblown Crystal vase is one of a selection of Sofina crystal hand-crafted in Bavaria/Germany. Can be used as a vase or with candles. The two birds sittin...
Category

2010s German Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Porcelain Bowl with Bambi Figure Handpainted Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Completely handmade porcelain bowl with a hands-free naturalistic painted bambi figure in brown. The bambi is sitting in the middle of the bowl for decorating nuts or sweets around. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Walnut

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Glass

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Rustic Photo Frame Black Forest Hand Carved, Austria, circa 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Lovely, unusual Black Forest photo frame from Austria, circa 1880. Artfully hand carved out of basswood, this frame shows a gorgeous design combined with ...
Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Softwood

French Black Forest Wood Box, Circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
French Black Forest wood box, circa 1900, Possibly a jewel box.
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Black Forest Carved Bear with Pen Inkwell
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Walking bear pen holder and inkwell. Published in "Black Forest Bears and Swiss Woodcarvings," plate 92a. Book included. In the 1800’s the wood carving industry of Switzerland started in the town of Brienz. By the end of the 1800’s it had become the driving force for this industry. Swiss wood carvers became world renown and featured at many international exhibitions. Period: 1900 Origin: Switzerland Size: 4" H x 7" W Family Owned & Operated Cisco’s Gallery deals in the rare, exceptional, and one-of-a-kind pieces that define the history of America and the Old West. Our pieces range from American Indian to Cowboy Western and include original items of everyday life, commerce, art, and warfare that tamed America’s frontier. Our 14,000 square foot gallery opened in 1996 in beautiful Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Personal Service Cisco’s operates on old fashioned values – honesty and integrity, and all of our items are backed by our money back guarantee. We appreciate the opportunity to earn your business. Whether you desire assistance with a jewelry purchase, choosing a gift, identification, or even selling – we hope to be your trusted source. Black Forest, Brienz Collection, Carvings, Bears, Inkwells, Desk Accessories...
Category

19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Black Forest Picture Frame, Carved Walnut from circa 1900
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Rich and refined wood-carved photo frame. A typical example of the Black Forest style, decorated with leaves, branches and acorns. The frame has a beautiful patina.
Category

1890s German Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Walnut

Black Forest Hand-Crafted Porcelain Dish Bambi Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Completely handmade and hands-free painted large oval porcelain plate in Black Forest style. A natural molded porcelain bambi figure is sitting left hand and three pines are fixed on...
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

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Victorian Miniature Black forest Antler Casket 1860
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A marvelous antique rustic casket. It is made of wood, veneered with antler pieces. On top an antler plaque with staghound carving. The feet are made of ...
Category

Mid-19th Century German Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Antler, Wood

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 Decorative Objects

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Hardwood

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

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

Black Forest Crystal Latern Hand-Crafted Hunting Decor Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Hand blown crystal vase/latern in dark green glass with hunting scene all around in the style of black forest. The glass is in a first step ...
Category

2010s German Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

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

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Black Forest Vase Crystal with Hunting Decor Green Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Handblown crystal vase in green glass with a hunting scene. The decor is a hunting decor with 4 hands-free engraved animals in natrualistic style. Completely handblown and hand-engra...
Category

2010s German Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

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

Three Piece Black Forrest Center Bowl with Garniture Trumpet Vases
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A three piece Black Forest set consisting of and oval pedestal center bow with two flanking wood and etched glass trumpet garniture. The set is a medium hand carved black forest Germany...
Category

1880s German Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Cut Glass, Walnut

Rustic Black Forest Humidor Box
Located in New York, NY
Rustic Black Forest (19thcentury) walnut carved humidor box with faux wood design and smoking motif on top (interior of top has smoking accessories...
Category

19th Century Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Antique Swiss or German Black Forest Styled Hand-Carved & Painted Pedestal
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique hand-carved and polychromed painted pedestal is unsigned, but presumed to be either Swiss or German and date to approximately 1920 and done in the traditional, Black For...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Softwood

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

19th Century German Black Forest Candlestick
Located in Chicago, IL
A charming 19th century German Black Forest wood candlestick hand carved with ivy growing over rocks.
Category

19th Century German Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Large 19th Century Carved Black Forest Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
A Large Black Forest Mantle Clock Constructed in carved linden wood, fitted with a two train eight day striking clock; mounted on a shaped...
Category

19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Country Style Porcelain Dish with Skier Decor Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
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 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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Mirror, 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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Walnut

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

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

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

2010s German Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Hardwood

Wood Black Forest Brienz Carved Walnut Inkwell German Antique, 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1890s Black Forest Brienz wood carved inkwell in form of a walnut on a leaf. Nice addition to your room or just for use it on your desk. Made of hand carved wood and gl...
Category

1890s German Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Black Forest Porcelain Dish with Deer Figure Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
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

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Antique Wooden Carved Casket with Birds, Brienz, circa 1890
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Wooden Carved Casket with Birds, Brienz, circa 1890 A very nice hand carved black forest sewing box or jewel case with two birds on the lid. Ins...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Antique Antler Smoking Desk Set, circa 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
The antique antler smoking desk set is made of original antlers from the deer and the stag. It was in Germany, circa 1900. Measures: Width 16.93" (43cm) Height 11.42" (29cm) Antle...
Category

Early 20th Century German Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Antler

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel

Carved Black Forest Trunk, France, circa 1890
Located in Atlanta, GA
French Black Forest carved wood trunk with hinged lift top and grapevine motif, circa 1890.
Category

1890s French Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Nutwood

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Abalone, Gesso, Pine, Paint

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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