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.
Black Forest German Porcelain Bowl with Deer Figure Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Completely handmade porcelain bowl with a hands-free painted bambi in the center of the bowl. The charming bambi figure is hand painted in black and sits in the middle of the dish. T...
Porcelain
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...
Softwood
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...
Wood
Black Forest Carved Candle Holder
By Black Forest
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...
Wood
Black Forest Oval Porcelain Plate with Wild Boars Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Completely handmade and hands-free painted large oval porcelain plate for decoration. Two natural moulded porcelain figures wild boars are sittin...
Porcelain
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 Wood Carving of a Mountain Goat
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A charming small ‘Black Forest’ wood carving of a mountain goat and her kids.
Wood
A charming Swiss Black Forest Carved St. Bernard dog relaxed lying down
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A charming Swiss Black Forest Carved St. Bernard dog relaxed lying down with its head resting and taking a long snooze. The figure carved from a single piece of Linden wood beautifu...
Wood
19th Century Carved Wood 3rd Station of the Cross, 'Jesus Falls’, Switzerland
Located in Buffalo, NY
19th century carved wood 3rd station of the cross, 'JESUS FALLS’ carved in Switzerland, recently acquired from Holy Angels Church located in Buffalo New Yo...
Wood
$1,595Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century Black Forest Carved Monkey Sculpture
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
19th century Black Forest carved monkey sculpture.
Early 20th Century French Hand-Carved Walnut Bear Group Sculpture
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a ranch house, mountain lodge, or hunt cabin with this beautifully executed early 20th-century animal sculpture. Hand-carved in France circa 1920 from a single block of frui...
Walnut
Black Forest Crystal Laterne Green Hunting Scene Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Handblown crystal vase/latern in green with hand-etched Black Forest decor with deers and trees all around. Completely handmade in Bavaria/Germany....
Crystal
Large Black Forest Model of the Lion of Lucerne Dated 1867
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A large Black Forest model of the Lion of Lucerne dated 1867, after Bertel Thorvaldsen, carved from stained linden wood, the dying lion depicted beside two c...
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
$11,736 / set
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. ...
Wood
$7,600Sale Price|20% Off
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 ...
Wood
Black Forest Carved Scottie Dog Sculpture, Wood, Vintage Charm, 1900
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Black Forest Carved Scottie Dog A Charming piece, our little dog has a lovely face with whiskers and amber brown glass eyes, he is in good Vintage condition, slight shrinkage to the...
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...
Wood
$1,925Sale Price|30% Off
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...
Walnut
Original Antique Grape Vine Carved Black Forest Wood Music Box Needs Service
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this antique original circa 1880 Black Forest Wood music box with grape vine carving to the top A very good lookin...
Wood
Big sculpture of a deer, black Forest, 19th century
Located in PAU, FR
Large Black Forest stag sculpture, late 19th century. Very striking due to its raw quality; all tool marks are visible, and the face is highly abstract. Removable antlers. Features a...
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...
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...
Wood
Marvelous and Antique Pair of 19th Century Black Forest Hand-Carved Wood Frames
Located in Lisse, NL
*Note l: Our pricing reflects the free shipping, rarity, craftsmanship, and pristine condition of this piece. Automated estimates on the platform may not accurately reflect these fa...
Nutwood, Walnut
Vintage Roe Deer Antlers on Carved Wood Mount
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Antique roe deer antler natural specimen mounted on handcarved wood plaque.
Antler
Midcentury Black Forest Style Carved Linden Wood Owl Box, Germany, 1950s
Located in Barntrup, DE
A charming midcentury carved owl-shaped box, crafted in Germany in the 1950s from linden wood in the traditional Black Forest style. Featuring expressive glass eyes and warm brown to...
Glass, Wood
Late 19th Century German Carved Black Forest Wood Trophy Plaque
Located in Middleburg, VA
Late 19th century German carved black Forest wood trophy plaque. This intricately carved piece depicts horns, spear, and hunter's pouch hung on plaque en...
Wood
$4,086Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Humidor 19th Century Eagle Mounted Black Forest Hand Carved Cabinet
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Exquisite & Rare 19th Century Hand Carved Black Forest Humidor Cigar Cabinet Featuring Ornate Carved Floral Panel Frontage Finished With An Eagle Finial On The Top. The Two Doo...
Wood
A Swiss Carved Black Forest Linden Wood Tobacco Box
Located in London, GB
A Swiss Carved Black Forest Linden Wood Tobacco Box Modelled as an owl probably by one of the Ruef brothers who specialised in carving owls. For a similar example see Jay Arenski an...
Wood
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 can...
Crystal
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.
Antler, Wood
19th century Swiss limewood carving of a man playing an instrument circa 1880
Located in Central England, GB
A Black Forest hand-carved limewood figure portrays a young man from the medieval period dressed in a cloaked tunic and open-toed boots playing a set of traditional Swiss bagpipes ca...
Fruitwood
$2,295 / set
19th Century Black Forest Carved Liquor Box
Located in High Point, NC
19th Century Black Forest carved liquor set. The exterior of the box is hand-carved in design as a wood log cabinet, the rectangular Black Forest tantalus is decorated on the top wi...
Fruitwood
19th Century Black Forest Carved Mantle Clock Spill Vase Garniture Set
Located in Forney, TX
A magnificent antique Black Forest carved three piece mantel clock and garniture set. circa 1880 Swiss or German, late 19th century, a truly extraordinary work of art, exceptionally executed, intricately sculpted and finely detailed throughout, hand carved from a single block of wood, featuring a leaping stag deer over elaborate naturalistic foliage, a pair of pheasants with inset glass eyes, wooden dial with gilt incised Roman numeral hour markers and eight day time-and-strike movement, sculptural interwoven root carvings on a conforming molded edge base, flanked by a hunting dog and mountain rescue dog, both with inset glass eyes, retaining the original pressed glass spill vases. A spill vase was typically kept on the mantelpiece and filled with spills, splints, or tapers used to transfer fire from the fireplace to candles, lamps, a pipe or a cigar. Dimensions: Complete: (approx/depending on setup) 20.25" Tall, 30" Wide, 7.5" Deep Mantle / shelf clock: 20.25" High, 14" Wide, 7.5" Deep Dog sculpture garniture: 13" High, 4.75" Wide, 4.25" Deep (each) Great antique condition with beautifully aged warm rich dark patina. Minor wear consistent with age. Currently working and keeping good time, key and pendulum included. As with all antique clocks...
Glass, Wood
Antique Wooden Sitting Bear Handcarved ca. 1920s, Brienz
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Wooden Sitting Bear Handcarved ca. 1920s, Brienz A large statue of a sitting bear. Made of lindenwood, finely handcarved with naturalistic details and glass eyes in Brienz, ...
Wood
Vintage German Folk Art Hand Carved Wood Musician Sculptures - Set of 6
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Bring warmth and character to any interior with this charming set of six vintage German folk art musician sculptures. Each figure is individually hand carved from wood and hand color...
Wood
Black Forest Carved Wooden Horse Standing Before a Trough, 19th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Finely carved wooden sculpture depicting a horse standing before a trough, executed with remarkable delicacy and attention to detail. A beautiful example of 19th-century Black Forest...
Wood
Antique Black Forest Inkwell, Hand-Carved Puppy, Switzerland, 1890
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hand carved Black Forest inkwell featuring a puppy's head. Head tilts back to reveal glass inkwell.
Wood
$11,646
'Black Forest' Walnut Clock
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A very attractive walnut 'Black Forest' clock with mountain rescue dogs, The clock set into a rocky outcrop surmounted by a pair of dogs, one wearin...
Wood
Rare Antler Desk Standish with Elaborate Carvings, Germany ca. 1840
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Rare Antler Desk Standish with Elaborate Carvings, Germany ca. 1840 A rare antique writing desk set made of wood and original antlers decorated with fine carved hunting scenes depic...
Wood, Antler
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...
Glass, Walnut
C19th Carved Wood and Velvet Black Forest Inkwell with Dog
Located in London, GB
Wonderful German late 19th century carved wood black Forest inkwell. Beautifully carved with a seated dog on a naturalistic base of ferns and foliage, the cut glass inkwells retaining their original leaf carved stoppers...
Velvet, Cut Glass, 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...
Glass, Wood
Antique Swiss Casted Bronze Cattle Bell ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Swiss Casted Bronze Cattle Bell ca. 1900s Item e7315 An antique cast bronze cattle bell, made in Switzerland around 1900. The bell comes with its ...
Bronze
Wooden Sculpture Cat with Rabbit Handcarved ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Wooden Sculpture Cat with Rabbit Handcarved ca. 1900s A hand-carved wooden sculpture depicting a cat in a flowing robe gently holding a rabbit in her arms. She carries a large, drap...
Wood
Handcarved Wooden Nutcracker, Tyrol ca. 1950
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Handcarved Wooden Nutcracker, Tyrol ca. 1950 This finely carved wooden nutcracker features a detailed, expressive face and traditional attire, likely crafted in East Tyrol. The styl...
Wood
Black Forest Porcelain Bowl with Fox Handpainted Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Completely handmade porcelain bowl with a hands-free natrualistic painted fox figure in brown colors. The fox is sitting in the middle of the bowl for decorating nuts or sweets aroun...
Porcelain
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
Early Deer Antler Mount on Black Forest Carved Wood Plaque
Located in Buchanan, MI
Early Deer Antler Mount On Black Forest Carved Wood Plaque.
Antler, Wood
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.
Antler, Wood
A Charming Swiss carved black Forest toothpick or match holder in the form of an
Located in London, GB
A Charming Swiss carved black Forest toothpick or match holder in the form of an anthropomorphic hound Circa 1890 Height 16cm, Width 9cm, Depth 6cm
Wood
Early 1900s Hand Carved and Colored Wooden Mountaineer Sculpture / Statue
Located in Lisse, NL
Unique and finely carved sculpture for the black forest and mountaineer enthousiasts. If you are or if you have a friend who is a mountaineering enthousiast then this hand carved mo...
Wood
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...
Glass, Wood
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
Large Vintage Wooden Strolling Bear Handcarved ca. 1930s, Brienz
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Vintage Wooden Strolling Bear Handcarved ca. 1930s, Brienz A large statue of a walking bear. Made of lindenwood, finely handcarved with naturalistic details in Brienz, Switzer...
Wood
Large Vintage Wooden Strolling Bear Handcarved in Brienz Ca. 1930s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Vintage Wooden Strolling Bear Handcarved in Brienz ca. 1930s A large vintage statue of a walking bear. Made of lindenwood, finely handcarve...
Wood
Wooden Carved Ibex and Chamois Sculptures attr. to Rudolf Heissl jr. ca. 1960s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Wooden Carved Ibex and Chamois Sculptures attr. to Rudolf Heissl jr. ca. 1960s A pair of finely carved wooden sculptures of a chamois and an ibex. Carved in naturalistic style by th...
Wood
Vintage Wooden Walking Bear Handcarved in Brienz ca. 1930s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Wooden Walking Bear Handcarved in Brienz ca. 1930s A vintage statue of a Black Forest walking bear. Made of lindenwood, finely handcarved with na...
Wood
Black Forest Porcelain Bowl with Fox Figure Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Completely handmade porcelain bowl with a hands-free natrualistic painted fox figure in brown colors. The fox is sitting in the middle of the bowl for decor...
Porcelain
Finely Carved Wood Thermometer Stand Hunter and Staghound, 1910
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Finely Carved Wood Thermometer Stand Hunter and Staghound, 1910 A Black Forest thermometer with impressive carved hunter and staghound standi...
Wood