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
Circa 1900 Black Forest Carved Wall Plaque
Located in High Point, NC
Circa 1900 chamois trophy plaque from Switzerland. The wooden plaque is expertly hand carved. These smaller trophy plaques are great to use in a grouping.
Category
Early 1900s Swiss Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects
Materials
Antler, Fruitwood
19th Century Black Forest Carved Humidor
Located in High Point, NC
19th century hand-carved black forest humidor with a figure of a dog and cat. The cat is atop a barrel, which has a lid which lifts to reveal a compartment for tobacco. The barrel is sitting on a base with hand-carved sticks and logs and an upside down hunting hat...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects
Materials
Fruitwood
Swiss Brienz Black Forest Hand-Carved Wood Candle Holder
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Black Forest hand-carved linden-wood hand carved candle holder/candlestick, circa 1900.
Black Forest sculptural art originates from the small mountain town Brienz, Switzerland co...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Fine Carved Statue of a Staghound, circa 1920
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Fine Carved Statue of a Staghound, circa 1920
A wooden carved statue of a staghound. It is carved as half relief out of one piece of nutwood. Made in Brienz, Switzerland circa 1920....
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Rare 2 tier Swiss 19th century Black Forest Jewelry box hand carved Fox & bird.
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
This incredibly rare two-tier Swiss Black Forest jewelry box is fully hand-carved from a single block of wood, making it a true masterpiece. What sets this box apart is its unique de...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects
Materials
Velvet, Wood
Antique 19th century Swiss Black Forest jelwery box with 3 birds hand carved
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
This stunning 19th-century Black Forest jewelry box from Switzerland is a true masterpiece. Nearly 150 years old, the wood has developed a rich patina that enhances its beauty and ch...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Rustic Black Forest Root Wood Hunter, circa 1920
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Rustic Black Forest Root Wood Hunter ca. 1920
A rustic wooden hunter statue with deer. It was carved out of a piece of root wood. Germany, Black Forest,...
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Black Forrest Carved Oak Hinged Boar Head Cellarette with Bone Tusk, C. 1870
Located in Charleston, 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
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 Wood Carving of an Ibex
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
An imposing ‘Black Forest’ wood carving of an Ibex,
standing on a rocky outcrop with realistically carved ribbed antlers and rippling fur.
Category
1880s Swiss Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Set of 10 Rustic Black Forest Walnut Side Chairs
Located in Queens, NY
Set of 10 Rustic Black Forest (19th Cent) walnut side chairs with shaped seat and back with filigree carving and animals.
Category
19th Century European Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects
Materials
Walnut
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...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
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
Stunning Original Antique Hand Carved Black Forest Wood Jewellery Box
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are is delighted to offer for sale this rather lovely antique original circa 1880 black forest wood jewellery box
A very good looking and well made piece, it is hand carved all...
Category
1880s Swiss Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
19th Century Black Forest Carved Monkey Sculpture
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
19th century Black Forest carved monkey sculpture.
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects
19th Century Black Forest Carved Humidor
Located in High Point, NC
19th century black forest humidor hand-carved in the shape of a dog's head. His hat lifts to reveal storage for tobacco or cigars. The carving on this piece is wonderfully detailed a...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects
Materials
Fruitwood
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...
Category
1880s Swiss Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects
Materials
Walnut
Antique Black Forest Carved Bear Form Table Top "Butler" Display
Located in Atlanta, GA
Exquisite Antique Black Forest Carved Bear Form Table Top "Butler" Display
A captivating blend of artistry and functionality, this ...
Category
20th Century German Black Forest Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass, Wood
Italy Set of Two Black Faux Horn Bowls in Black Forest Style
Located in Brescia, IT
Italy set of two black faux horn and metal chrome bowls in mountain style contemporary production.
Set of two decorative objects in Black Forest style....
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Black Forest Decorative Objects
Materials
Silver Plate
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
Black Forest Hand-Crafted Porcelain Bowl Fox Figure Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Completely handmade porcelain bowl with a hands-free naturalistic painted fox figure in brown colors. The fox is sitting in the middle of the bowl for decorating nuts or sweets aroun...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Black Forest Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Brass Bronze Black Forest Figural 3 Bears Desk Pen Tray Trinket Holder
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Brass Bronze Black Forest Figural 3 Bears Desk Pen Tray Trinket Holder. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 1.5" H x 12.25" W x 10" D.
Category
Mid-20th Century Black Forest Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
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 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...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Black Forest Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Black Forest Porcelain Bowl with Bambi Figure Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
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
Porcelain Bowl with Bambi Figure Handpainted Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
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
Pair Antique Candlesticks modelled as Performing Bears
Located in Montreal, QC
Superb and rare pair of zoomorphic candlesticks from the late 19th or early 20th century. Representing a circus bear holding a pole, with a cub climbing up high on the pole, ending i...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Black Forest Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Rustic Black Forest Walnut Center Table
Located in Queens, NY
Rustic Black Forest style (20th Century) walnut center table with carved figure of bear sitting on floor holding round top.
Category
20th Century Unknown Black Forest Decorative Objects
Materials
Walnut
Antique Hand Carved Black Forest Rustic Cottage Jewelry or Trinket Box
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique hand carved Black Forest jewelry or trinket box is unsigned but presumed to have been made in either Germany or Switzerland in circa 1920 in the signature Black Forest s...
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Decorative Objects
Materials
Softwood
19th Century Highly Carved French Oak Sculpture of a Man Harvesting Wine Grapes
Located in Dallas, TX
This beautiful sculpture has been carved from solid French oak during the latter half of the 19th century. The style is that of Black Forest, with realistic depictions of branches, leaves, grapes, and more. Originally a French clock, most of the timing mechanisms have long been removed. The elaborate carving depicts a man harvesting wine grapes on rocky terrain dotted with vegetation. Our gatherer, who is clad in an overcoat and large brimmed hat, is carrying a hod (hotte in French) full of freshly picked grapes. A large wooden bucket...
Category
19th Century French Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
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
19th Century Black Forest Carved Walnut and Crystal Center Piece with Goat Decor
Located in Dallas, TX
Dress a table or a console with this elegant antique black forest center piece composition. Crafted in Switzerland (or France) circa 1870, the glass vase rests on a leafy branch shap...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects
Materials
Walnut, Cut Glass
Pair of 19th Century French Painted Iron Bird Wall Trophies on Walnut Plaques
Located in Dallas, TX
These large heavy antique trophy plaques were created in France, circa 1880. Set on oval walnut board, each wall hanging decor feature a detailed spelter carved bird in high relief, ...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects
Materials
Spelter
Large 19th Century Walnut Black Forest Painting Frame
Located in San Francisco, CA
A large 19th century hand carved solid walnut Black Forest style picture frame with traditional tree limb and foliage detail.
Inner sight of the...
Category
19th Century European Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects
Materials
Walnut
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
Rustic Black Forest Walnut Trunk
Located in Queens, NY
Rustic Black Forest walnut floor trunk with a folding rounded top and supported on "X" form side legs with faux wood, straps, and floral carved design.
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects
Materials
Walnut
Rustic Black Forest Walnut Barometer
Located in Queens, NY
Rustic Black Forest (Late 19th Century) walnut wall barometer/thermometer with carved bird, deer and floral carving.
Category
19th Century German Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
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 in the style of black forest. The decor is an antique decor with deers, trees and bambis all around. Completely ha...
Category
2010s German Black Forest Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal
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
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...
Category
1880s Swiss Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Pair of Pottery Black Forest Huntsmen Figures A very handsome pair
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Pair of Pottery Black Forest Huntsmen Figures
A very handsome pair of 19th Century Figures, 2 huntsmen with their quarry, one holding up a Hare, the other with a Stag on the ground...
Category
19th Century Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Early 20th Century French Black Forest Carved Bear Sculpture with Gun Holder
Located in Dallas, TX
This interesting antique gun rack was carved in France, circa 1920. The oak sculpture features a young bear standing up with open arms. The wooden ani...
Category
Early 20th Century French Black Forest Decorative Objects
Materials
Oak
Black Forest Crystal Latern Red with Hunting Decor Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Handblown crystal vase/lantern in brillant red with hand-edged hunting decor with deers and trees decor all around.
Completely handmade in Bavaria/German...
Category
2010s German Black Forest Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal
Black Forest Carved Scottie Dog
Located in Chillerton, 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
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
Black Forest Crystal Laterne Green Hunting Scene Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Hand blown crystal vase / latern in green with hand-etched deers and trees.
Completely handmade in Bavaria/Germany. Can be used also with candles as laterne. Comes in green, red and...
Category
2010s German Black Forest Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal
Large Black Forest Walnut Plaque
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
Showing a hunter being attached by an eagle as he attempts to raid its nest, attributed to Johann Fluck.
Category
1850s Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects
Materials
Walnut
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
Walnut, Cut Glass
Black Forest Oval Porcelain Plate with Squirrels Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Completely handmade and hands-free painted large oval porcelain plate. Two natural molded porcelain squirrel figures sitting on oak leaves and oaks ...
Category
2010s German Black Forest Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
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...
Category
2010s German Black Forest Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
19th Century Black Forest Bear
By Black Forest
Located in London, GB
A large Black Forest bear in the form of stick stand on a rocky base with roaring expression, stained red tongue.
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects
Materials
Walnut
Country Style Crystal Vase Green Glass Birds Decor Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
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
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....
Category
2010s German Black Forest Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal
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.
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Decorative Objects
Materials
Antler, Wood
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Walnut Cow Sculpture Composition
Located in Dallas, TX
This stately antique Black Forest sculpture composition was carved in France, circa 1860. The sculptural fruitwood work of art features a farm s...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects
Materials
Walnut
Black Forest German Porcelain Vase with Hunting Scene Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Hand-painted porcelain vase is completely handmade and handpainted in Bavaria Germany. Rimmed with a 24-carat gold line. The decor is hands-free painted all round with a hunting scene. The black forest decor...
Category
2010s German Black Forest Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Early 20th Century French Black Forest Carved Walnut Bear Sculpture Composition
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a ranch or hunt cabin with this beautifully executed, antique bear sculpture composition. Hand carved in France circa 1920 from one piece of frui...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Decorative Objects
Materials
Walnut
Black Forest Porcelain Bowl Hand Painted 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 painted in black and sits in the middle of the dish. The po...
Category
2010s German Black Forest Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
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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