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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
Finely Carved 'Black Forest' Pipe Stand
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

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

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

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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

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

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

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

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

Magnificent Carved Black Forest Monkey Gong, circa 1890
Located in Bath, GB
A fabulous and scarce find, this wonderful large Black Forest Monkey was hand carved circa 1890 with superb quality detail and retaining two glass ...
Category

1890s Swiss Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

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

Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

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

2010s German Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

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

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

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

Black Forest Porcelain Figure Fox Handpainted Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Completely handmade porcelain figure with a hands-free naturalistic hand-painted fox in brown colors in the style of Black Forest. Handmade in Bavaria/Germany by Sofina Boutique Kitz...
Category

2010s German Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

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

Black Forest Carved Scottie Dog
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

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

2010s German Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

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

19th Century black forest carving
19th Century black forest carving
$1,560 Sale Price
20% Off
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 Porcelain Vase Hunting Decor Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Hands-free painted porcelain vase with a hunting design with deers and trees all around. Lined with a green line and rimmed with a 24 carat gold line. Completely hand painted in Bava...
Category

2010s German Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

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

1870s German Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Pair Of Large Mounted Black Forest Chamois Taxidermy
Located in London, GB
A Pair of Large Mounted Black Forest Chamois Taxidermy – Male & Female This impressive pair of chamois taxidermy features both a male and female, beautifully preserved and displayed...
Category

Early 20th Century German Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

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...
Category

1880s Swiss Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

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

2010s German Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

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.
Category

19th Century German Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Antler, Wood

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 Pair of Carved Relief Limewood Shadow Boxes
Located in London, GB
A pair of carved limewood shadow boxes Finely carved in high relief, and depicting two famous scenes of an eagle attacking a man, and a poacher being shot, housed within rectangul...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

19th Century '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

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

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

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

2010s German Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

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...
Category

2010s German Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

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

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

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

Early 20th Century 'Black Forest' Stick & Umbrella Stand Bear
Located in North Miami, FL
Early 20th century Swiss 'Black Forest' stick & umbrella stand in the form of a charming bear with inset glass eyes. Arms outstretched in a hug-like form the piece will fit perfectly in a front foyer or boot room...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Black Forest Carved 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

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

2010s German Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

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

2010s German Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Black Forest Hand-Crafted Porcelain Dish Bambi Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
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 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

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 Porcelain Dish Christmas Garland Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
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

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...
Category

2010s German Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Black Forest Hand-Painted Porcelain Bambi Figur Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Hand painted porcelain bambi figure. Hand painted in a naturalistic style. The bambi figure is completely handmade in Bavaria. About Sofina porcelain: Sofina porcelain was found 20...
Category

2010s German Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

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

Early 20th Century Austrian Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Antler, Wood

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

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

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...
Category

1880s Swiss Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Important 19th Century Black Forest Hall Stand
Located in Dallas, TX
Magnificent rare Swiss Black Forest carved deer form hall stand with mirror. Having impeccably detailed deer and eagle carvings above rock form base and ...
Category

19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

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

19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

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

19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

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' 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

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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