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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
Black Forest Bambi Figure Porcelain Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Black Forest Bambi Figure Porcelain Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel

Black Forest Bambi Figure Porcelain Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel

By Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel

Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol

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

Black Forest Porcelain Bowl with Bambi Figure Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Black Forest Porcelain Bowl with Bambi Figure Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel

Black Forest Porcelain Bowl with Bambi Figure Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel

By Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel

Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol

Completely handmade porcelain bowl with a hands-free natrualistic 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

Antique Carved & Painted Troubadour or Minstrel, Nodder Figure with a Violin
Antique Carved & Painted Troubadour or Minstrel, Nodder Figure with a Violin

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

19th Century Black Forest Carved Humidor
19th Century Black Forest Carved Humidor

19th Century Black Forest Carved Humidor

Located in High Point, NC

19th century hand-carved humidor in the form of a dog's head. The dog is very whimsical with a hat, which lifts to reveal a compartment for storage and finished with a cigar and a bo...

Category

19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Fruitwood

Black Forest  Porcelain Dish with Deer Figure Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Black Forest  Porcelain Dish with Deer Figure Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel

Black Forest Porcelain Dish with Deer Figure Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel

By Sofina Porzellan

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

Antique French Black Forest Carved Inkwell with Oak Leaves and Birds, Circa 1890
Antique French Black Forest Carved Inkwell with Oak Leaves and Birds, Circa 1890

Antique French Black Forest Carved Inkwell with Oak Leaves and Birds, Circa 1890

Located in Dallas, TX

More information coming soon… Hand-carved in France, circa 1890, this Black Forest inkwell is incredibly detailed with motifs of oak leaves and a pair of birds. The two birds (a fl...

Category

1890s French Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Wood

Black Forest 1890s Carved Wooden Bear Standing on a Circular Base
Black Forest 1890s Carved Wooden Bear Standing on a Circular Base

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...

Category

Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Finely Carved 'Black Forest' Pipe Stand
Finely Carved 'Black Forest' Pipe Stand

Finely Carved 'Black Forest' Pipe Stand

By Black Forest

Located in Forest Row, East Sussex

A finely carved "Black Forest' pipe stand. Carved Lindenwood with a single bear standing over a naturalistic base with the pipe holders and astray to fron...

Category

Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Rare 19th century Swiss Black Forest ''Dog"' Ink Jar desk decoration hand carved
Rare 19th century Swiss Black Forest ''Dog"' Ink Jar desk decoration hand carved

Rare 19th century Swiss Black Forest ''Dog"' Ink Jar desk decoration hand carved

Located in Ijzendijke, NL

Masterfully Carved Black Forest Ink Jar, Late 19th Century, Switzerland A gorgeous and finely crafted Black Forest style ink jar dating from the late 19th century, created in Switze...

Category

Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Wood

Early 20th Century French Hand-Carved Walnut Bear Group Sculpture
Early 20th Century French Hand-Carved Walnut Bear Group 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...

Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Walnut

19th C. Black Forest Figural Wood Carved Night Watchman Lidded Tobacco Jar Box
19th C. Black Forest Figural Wood Carved Night Watchman Lidded Tobacco Jar Box

19th C. Black Forest Figural Wood Carved Night Watchman Lidded Tobacco Jar Box

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique 19th C. European Black Forest Figural Wood Carved Night Watchman Lidded Tobacco Jar Box with Removable Tin Metal. Liner. Believed to be 19th Century. Measurements: 14" H x 5....

Category

19th Century Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Antique Swiss or German Black Forest Styled Hand-Carved & Painted Pedestal
Antique Swiss or German Black Forest Styled Hand-Carved & Painted Pedestal

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

Carved Wooden Horse, Black Forest, 19th Century
Carved Wooden Horse, Black Forest, 19th Century

Carved Wooden Horse, Black Forest, 19th Century

Located in MARSEILLE, FR

Horse in front of a trough, carved wood, work of great finesse and delicacy Good condition, restorations (almost invisible!) on the legs Black Forest, similar to the work of Huggle...

Category

19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Pair of Swiss 19th Century Carved Wooden Cattle Attributed to Johann Huggler
Pair of Swiss 19th Century Carved Wooden Cattle Attributed to Johann Huggler

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

Rustic Black Forest Humidor Box
Rustic Black Forest Humidor Box

Rustic Black Forest Humidor Box

Located in Queens, 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

Large Hand Carved Black Forest Military Soldier & His Horse Under a Shade Tree
Large Hand Carved Black Forest Military Soldier & His Horse Under a Shade Tree

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 Pair of Carved Relief Limewood Shadow Boxes
19th Century Pair of Carved Relief Limewood Shadow Boxes

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

Black Forest Swiss 1900s Carved Wooden Fragment with Bear Motif and Gilt Accents
Black Forest Swiss 1900s Carved Wooden Fragment with Bear Motif and Gilt Accents

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

Black Forest Carved Scottie Dog Sculpture, Wood, Vintage Charm, 1900
Black Forest Carved Scottie Dog Sculpture, Wood, Vintage Charm, 1900

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...

Category

Early 1900s Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

19th Century Black Forest Pierced Oak Carved Tray or Bowl
19th Century Black Forest Pierced Oak Carved Tray or Bowl

19th Century Black Forest Pierced Oak Carved Tray or Bowl

Located in Hamilton, Ontario

19th century Black Forest pierced oak tray. Has music box inside but it is not working and would need to be serviced.

Category

19th Century Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Walnut

Black Forest Carved Humidor in the Form of a Monkey Head Wearing a Cap & Collar
Black Forest Carved Humidor in the Form of a Monkey Head Wearing a Cap & Collar

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.

Category

Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Rare Cigar Holder Bavarian 19th Century Terracotta
Rare Cigar Holder Bavarian 19th Century Terracotta

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

Black Forest Canterbury
Black Forest Canterbury

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

19th century Carved Walnut Black Forest Bear / Cigar Holder
19th century Carved Walnut Black Forest Bear / Cigar Holder

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

Set of Three 19th Century Black Forest Carvings
Set of Three 19th Century Black Forest Carvings

Set of Three 19th Century Black Forest Carvings

Located in Martlesham, GB

A set of three 19th century black forest carvings of bears in different poses, all three bears are in very good condition and having lovely crisp carving. Circa 1880.  

Category

1880s Swiss Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Walnut

Extraordinary Hand-Carved from Knot of a Tree, Folk Art Sculpture "Gorilla"
Extraordinary Hand-Carved from Knot of a Tree, Folk Art Sculpture "Gorilla"

Extraordinary Hand-Carved from Knot of a Tree, Folk Art Sculpture "Gorilla"

Located in Buffalo, NY

Unusual hand-carved from knot of a tree, Folk Art sculpture depicting a gorilla face, head, amazing life-like image, extremely well executed.

Category

1940s Unknown Vintage Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Early 20th Century 'Black Forest' Stick & Umbrella Stand Bear
Early 20th Century 'Black Forest' Stick & Umbrella Stand Bear

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

A pair of fine Black Forest hand carved linden wood bears, Swiss circa 1900
A pair of fine Black Forest hand carved linden wood bears, Swiss circa 1900

A pair of fine Black Forest hand carved linden wood bears, Swiss circa 1900

Located in Central England, GB

This delightful pair of Swiss/ German black forest carved linden wood seated bears is rarely available as an original pair. They are beautifully hand carved and are left and right ha...

Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Black Forest Carved Dog Inkwell
Black Forest Carved Dog Inkwell

Black Forest Carved Dog Inkwell

By Black Forest

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

19th Century 'Black Forest' Carved Clock with Hunter and Hound
19th Century 'Black Forest' Carved Clock with Hunter and Hound

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

19th Century Swiss Carved 'Black Forest' Cattle Group
19th Century Swiss Carved 'Black Forest' Cattle Group

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

19th century Swiss limewood carving of a man playing an instrument circa 1880
19th century Swiss limewood carving of a man playing an instrument circa 1880

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...

Category

Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Fruitwood

Black Forest Carved Bear with Pen Inkwell
Black Forest Carved Bear with Pen Inkwell

Black Forest Carved Bear with Pen Inkwell

By Black Forest

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 Carved Bear with Pen Inkwell
Black Forest Carved Bear with Pen Inkwell

Black Forest Carved Bear with Pen Inkwell

By Black Forest

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

C19th Carved Wood and Velvet Black Forest Inkwell with Dog
C19th Carved Wood and Velvet Black Forest Inkwell with Dog

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...

Category

19th Century German Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Velvet, Cut Glass, Wood

Rustic Black Forest Carved Bear Humidor
Rustic Black Forest Carved Bear Humidor

Rustic Black Forest Carved Bear Humidor

Located in Queens, NY

Rustic Black Forest (19th Cent) carved walnut humidor in the shape of a bear figure standing near tree stump (with ashtray and covered container)

Category

19th Century European Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Walnut

Black Forest Modeled Bear Piano Stool, Late 20th Century
Black Forest Modeled Bear Piano Stool, Late 20th Century

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

'Black Forest' Walnut Clock
'Black Forest' Walnut Clock

'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...

Category

1880s Swiss Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Set of Three Natural Antler Tips & Brass Desk Accessories
Set of Three Natural Antler Tips & Brass Desk Accessories

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

Black Forest Porcelain Dish Christmas Garland Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Black Forest Porcelain Dish Christmas Garland Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel

Black Forest Porcelain Dish Christmas Garland Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel

By Sofina Porzellan

Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol

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

A Black Forest carved wood inkwell with wheat sheafs and poultry
A Black Forest carved wood inkwell with wheat sheafs and poultry

A Black Forest carved wood inkwell with wheat sheafs and poultry

Located in Lymington, Hampshire

A Black Forest carved wood inkwell with wheat sheafs and poultry, made of ebonised fruitwood naturalistically carved with a cockerel and hen perched on a rocky outcrop, bundles of wh...

Category

1890s Swiss Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

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.