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.
Large Naturalistic Black Forest Carved Deer Trophy, ca. 1920s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Naturalistic Black Forest Carved Deer Trophy, ca. 1920s Item e8157 A rare antique wooden carved Black Forest red deer head handcarved in naturalistic style and fitted with real...
Wood, Antler
Antique Calligrapher's Quill Box, Austrian, Hand Painted, Pen Case, Edwardian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique calligrapher's quill box. An Austrian, painted pearwood pen case, dating to the Edwardian period, circa 1910. Eye-catching painted appearance accentuates this cha...
Pearwood
Two Bird Nesting box Viechtauer Hand Carved Wood Black Forest Folk Art Austria
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Two Charming Austrian late 19th-century carved wooden bird mounted on its original Nesting Box, designed for wall hanging. This delightful folk art piece belongs to the long-standing...
Wood, Paint
Antique German Carved Wood Bird Key Rack with Four Hooks, 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
Hand-Carved Black Forest Style Linden Wood Key Rack with Bird Motif and Four Hooks, Germany, circa 1920 A charming rustic carved wood key rack featuring a lively group of birds, per...
Metal
Set of Six Vintage Roe Deer Trophies on Wooden Plaques Germany ca. 1960s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Set of Six Vintage Roe Deer Trophies on Wooden Plaques Germany ca. 1960s A set of six vintage roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) antler trophies dating from the 1960s, each affixed to a...
Antler, Wood
19th Century Rustic Wooden Black Forest Wall Mirror, Austria, circa 1890
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
From the late 19th century around 1890 in Austria comes this beautiful wooden rustic Black Forest wall mirror. A simple but elegant design was created out of hand carved basswood, sh...
Mirror, Softwood
Black Forest Folk Art Carved Wood Chamois Head with Real Horns, 19th Century
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A great looking hand carved original wooden Folk Art chamois head wall decoration. A great piece for a suitable ambiance in a trophy room or the office of a Hunter or Woodsman. More ...
Wood
Gorgeous Hand Carved Wooden Lustermannchen Butler Sculpture Chandelier Austria
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Stunning very rare and hand carved, Butler chandelier with real Deer Antler horns. If you are looking for a decorative light fixture for a bar, pub, tavern, restaurant, man cave, cabin or lodge then this remarkable and unique light fixture could be perfect for you. This type of light fixture was first seen in the 14th century in Germany and they became more 'popular' in the 16th century. Because of its unique subject matter and quality, this mountain climber pendant...
Metal
Distressed Mirrored Wall Cabinet, Wood Brass Covered Antique 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A stunning late 19th-century wooden wall cabinet, beautifully crafted in Germany, circa 1890s or earlier. The piece is elegantly clad in thin brass sheeting, complemented by a mirror...
Metal
1960s Japanese Signed Ainu Hokkaido Wooden Bear Carving Sculpture
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and most impressive 1960s Japanese Ainu bear sculpture. Artist signed and dated. Indigenous Ainu Peoples, probably Ashikawa, Hokkaido, Japan's northe...
Hardwood
Antique Set of Black Forest Roe Deer Trophies, Germany ca. 1890s/1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Set of Black Forest Roe Deer Trophies, Germany ca. 1890s/1900s An elegant ensemble of six antique roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) antler trophies from the turn of the 20th ce...
Antler, Wood
Antique Black Forest Bear Bench w. Five Bear Sculptures & Carved Oak Leaf Seat
Located in Lisse, NL
Large and impressive, hand carved and demountable bench with five bear sculptures. This superbly hand carved bench is entirely made of solid wood and therefor too this stunning and highly decorative antique is as strong and stable as the day it was it was made. We cannot single out one detail that is more special than others, because the standing bear sculptures...
Glass, Wood
Large Masterly Carved Swiss Black Forest Nutwood Chalet with Clock and Music Box
Located in Lisse, NL
Top quality, hand carved and truly impressive antique clock with 8 music melodies. Over the years we have had the pleasure of owning and selling a number of beautiful Black Forest antiques, but never did we come accross a 19th century Black Forest clock with musical box of this size and with such amazing natural details and patina AND with the original clock and music box inside. And if that was not enough, this finest of Black Forest clocks is top quality carved from top to bottom in the form of a detailed Swiss chalet. Mind you, this very rare antique clock is entirely hand carved out of nutwood only, which is another sign of the quality of the workmanship and the richness of materials. We have added a large variety of photos so that you can see the many incredibly detailed parts of this Swiss chalet, such as the roof and chimney, the many doors, the stacked lumber outside, the doghouse, the outhouse on the side, the striking balconies, the goose sticking its head out through the balcony, the picked fence, the ladder going up to the barn loft, the clock inside the facade of the house, the music box cilinder in the base etc etc. This antique clock from the 1800s really comes with the most realistically carved chalet house you will ever see. To us, that too is a sign that this Black Forest music box...
Brass, Iron, Enamel
Vintage 5-piece carving set with box - Baron Solingen Germany 1950s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage 5-piece carving set with box - Baron Solingen Germany 1950s Item e7419 A rustic tabelware carving set consisting of a poultry shears, a carving knife, a carving fork, a sharp...
Metal
Pair of Antique Swiss Black Forest Chairs w. Matching Tilt-Top Table, Late 1800s
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning hand carved Black Forest hall set with marquetry inlay. These very well crafted pieces of Black Forest furniture are an incredible sight to see. The workmanship and the lar...
Wood
Hand Carved Wooden Sculpture Bookends Two Reading Men
Located in Barntrup, DE
These beautifully hand carved wooden bookends feature sculptures of two sitting and reading man, an older and younger man that could be a teacher a...
Wood
Antique French Server Sideboard Buffet Hunt Harvest Cabinet Black Forest Oak 19C
Located in Tyler, TX
SUPERB 19th Century Antique French HIGHLY CARVED Oak "Hunt" "Harvest" Black Forest Server Sideboard Buffet Cabinet~~ c. 1880s This is only one ...
Oak
Black Forest Folk Art Carved Wood Deer Head with Glass Eyes, 19th Century
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A great looking hand carved original wooden Folk Art deer head wall decoration. A great piece for a suitable ambiance in a trophy room or the office of ...
Glass, Wood
Zabihi Collection Colorful Antique Turkish Ghiordes 19th Century Rug
Located in New York, NY
A wild and crazy antique Turkish Ghiordes rug with all types of fun and dazzling elements. 12'8'' x 16'10'' Since the beginning of their production in the 18th century, rugs from t...
Wool
Black Forest Roe Deer Antlers Hunting Trophy 1951 Mount
Located in Pearland, TX
A fine vintage roe deer antler horns hunting trophy on a carved black forest plaque, dated 1951. The plaque is hand carved with oak leaves, acorns, and branches and was found in an o...
Antler, Horn, Wood
$1,553Sale Price|20% Off
French Carved Fruitwood Black Forest Planter or Jardiniiere, 1880s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and rare Black Forest planter or jardiniiere. Striking French design from the 1880s. Original hand-carved fruitwood base on a ornate turned and hand-carved baluster with ...
Fruitwood
Tiffany Traditional Buck Stag Stirrup Cup with Big Boy Alpha Antlers
By Tiffany & Co., J.D. Schleissner & Söhne 1
Located in New York, NY
Traditional German sterling silver stirrup cup. Conical bowl mounted to cast buck bust with flexed-back ears, gaping mouth, thick striated fur, and big spiky antlers. Gilt interior. ...
Sterling Silver
Antique Swiss Black Forest Bear Sculpture Umbrella & Cane Stand by Ruef Brothers
By Ruef Brothers
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare hand-crafted entree stand. . .signed ‘RUEF’. (Ruef Brothers) This beautifully carved Black Forest bear will always be there to greet you when you come home. It does not matter...
Wood
Charming Bird Viechtauer Hand Carved Wood Black Forest Folk Art Austria
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Charming Austrian 20th-century carved wooden bird mounted on its original stand, designed for wall hanging or standing. This delightful folk art piece belongs to the long-standing tr...
Wood, Paint
Hand Carved Wooden Sculpture Lamp Night Watchman with Lantern, Germany
Located in Barntrup, DE
A masterfully hand-carved wooden lamp features a beautiful sculpture of a night watchman with a lantern and halberd. The lantern is made of glass and co...
Copper
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Oak Hall Bench
Located in Dallas, TX
An extraordinary 19th century French Black Forest hall bench, entirely hand carved from oak and conceived as a sculptural celebration of nature. Its dramatic back is formed from interlacing branches, flowering vines, abundant grape clusters, leaves, and rustic latticework, all deeply carved in open relief. The naturalistic branch form continues through the arms, supports, and slender legs, creating the appearance of a bench fashioned from the forest itself. Across the apron, carved flowers and scrolling vines repeat the botanical composition and give the piece remarkable visual continuity. The rich, dark patina settles beautifully into the recesses of the carving, emphasizing every leaf, blossom, grape, and textured branch. Black Forest inspired carving held great appeal in 19th century France, where naturalistic furniture...
Oak
Antique Set of Rustic Hunters Cutlery with Chamois Horn Handles
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique set of rustic hunters cutlery with chamois horn handles A rustic set of six knives and forks. The handles are made of genuine chamois horn and feature a decorated silver kno...
Metal
Vintage Stag Horn Carving Set Solingen, Germany
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Stag Horn Carving Set Solingen, Germany A rustic carving set consisting of fork and knife. The handles are made of genuine stag horn and feature ...
Metal
Black Forest Deer Antler uneven Trophy on Hand-Carved Wooden Plaque, Austria
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Black Forest Deer Antler Trophy on Hand-Carved Wooden Plaque A finely preserved Black Forest deer antler trophy mounted on an intricately beautiful hand-carved wooden plaque, exempl...
Antler, Wood
Black Forest Woodcarving ''Men with pipe'' 1923
Located in Den Haag, NL
Beautiful handmade Black Forest Woodcarving . Tiroler men with Pipe . Very nice quality carving . signed with a monogram M O . and underneath the place where it was made . and dated...
Pearwood
Black Forest / Tramp Art Wall Mirror - Hand-Carved Wooden Mirror - Austria 1890s
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Black Forest / Tramp Art Wall Mirror - Hand-Carved Wooden Mirror - Austria 1890s Nice example of an Austrian mirror somewhere between Black Forest and Tramp Art styles. Hand crafted...
Glass, Mirror, Wood, Reclaimed Wood, Paint
Antique Casted Bronze Cow Bell Made in Switzerland, ca. 1930
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A large and heavy casted bronze cow bell manufactured in Switzerland around 1930. The antique bell features high relief motifs of farm animals, human heads and foliages. The bell com...
Bronze
19th Century Rustic Black Forest Mirror With Oak Leaves/ Acorns, AT ca. 1870
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Exceptional designed, late 19th century rustic Black Forest wall mirror from the period around 1870. This phenomenal looking, elaborately hand carved Austrian rustic mirror impresses...
Mirror, Softwood
Capital Black Forest Uneven 32 Pointer Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Capital Black Forest Uneven 32 Pointer Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque A massive uneven 32 pointer deer (Cervus elaphus) trophy from the Black Forest. The trophy was shot around 1950s....
Wood, Antler
Antique Viechtauer Folk Art Wood Carved Roe Deer Head, Austria 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique hand-carved wooden wall decoration in Viechtau folk art style from Austria, 20th century A stunning hand-carved wooden wall decoration in the folk art style, circa 1900s or ...
Wood
Large Swiss Black Forest Hand Carved Wall Clock Plaque with Pheasant Sculptures
Located in Lisse, NL
This large Swiss masterpiece wall plaque with clock is in perfect condition. The realistic and detailed carving consists of a pair of pheasant, a bird's nest, fine leafs and branche...
Wood
Pair Great Black Forest Wall Sconces with Deer Horns, Germany ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Pair Great Black Forest Wall Sconces with Deer Horns, Germany ca. 1900 An antique pair of Black Forest sconces for candles. Each made of original deer horns which are mounted on a t...
Antler, Wood
Very Large Vintage Japanese Ainu Hokkai Bear Carved Wood Sculpture
Located in Forney, TX
A rare large and most impressive rustic midcentury Japanese Ainu hand carved Ussuri Brown Bear sculpture. Indigenous Ainu Peoples, probably Ashikawa, Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, mid-20th century, anonymous artist. This exceptional example of traditional Kibori Kuma (木彫り熊) was finely hand carved, chiseled, sculpted and painted from a massive block of solid Japanese hardwood, using old primitive techniques with customized knives and chisels, the artisan would sit on the hut floor, using their feet as a vice to hold the block of wood, carefully manipulating and turning, wood chips flying, skillfully carving to create this beautiful piece of art! This massive scale realistic rendering showcases the artisan's exemplary skills, workmanship, and artistry, the bears aggressive naturalistic appearance comes to life, evoking power, strength, and natural bounty, lending to its fierce dramatic presence. Modeled as a wild Ussuri brown bear standing on four legs, head slightly tilted up as if about to expel a ferocious roaring growl, having inset black glass eyes, mouth agape with jagged teeth exposed, the bold muscular body with distinct richly textured chip-carved fur, this sculpture captures the essence of Ainu reverence for nature, this sacred animal, and their deep connection to the land. No apparent signatures, typical of folk art work. - DIMENSIONS: (approx) 19.5" Wide x 11.375" Tall x 13.25" Deep; Wight: 18.75lbs - HISTORY / BACKGROUND: The Ainu are an aboriginal hunter/gatherer/fisher people who once inhabited many of the islands that bound the southern half of the Sea of Okhotsk north of the main Japanese island of Honshu and Southern Russia. Their land was contested by the Japanese Empire and the USSR for centuries, with the Meiji era Japan colonisation of Hokkaido taking place in the 19th century. Colonisation dispossessed the native Ainu people of their lands and property. Widespread discrimination enforced against them, including their forced relocation into mountain areas and the prohibition of the use of the Ainu language decimated their economy with the eventual aim of the extinction of Ainu culture and its replacement by Yamato Japanese culture. The history of the Ainu bear...
Art Glass, Hardwood, Paint
$1,836Sale Price|20% Off
Oak Black Forest Wall Coat Rack with Hand Carved Double-Headed Eagle, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and ultra rare Black Forest style wall coat rack. Striking European design from the 1900s. Solid oak frame with a hand-carved sculptured double-headed eagle. Four pati...
Brass
Wooden Statue of a Walking Bear Hand Carved in Switzerland, circa 1930s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Wooden Statue of a Walking Bear Handcarved in Switzerland circa 1930s. A vintage statue of a strolling bear. Made of lindenwood, finely handcarved and handpainted with naturalistic details in Brienz, Switzerland ca. 1930s. A nice example of the famous Black Forest Woodcarvings made in Switzerland. The tradition of wood carving in Brienz dates back to mid of the 19th century. People in the region were looking for new employment opportunities. They used their skills from traditional crafts, carving everyday objects and sculptures, and created a new business. Many woodcarvers where trained in the 'School of Wood Carving, Brienz' which was established in 1884. Around 1900 the woodcarving industry counted ca. 2000 woodcarvers. Brienz woodcarvings were presented on several worlds fairs with great success. With the Gran Tour Tourism wealthy people from all over the word visited the area and took their woodcarving souvenirs home. Today some companies, like 'Huggler Holzbildhauerei' still exist and build traditional sculptures. Measures: Length: 11.02" (28 cm) Width: 3.94" (10 cm) Height: 6.69" (17 cm) Literature Reference: Peter F. Blackman, Black Forest Woodcarvings, Atglen 2009. Jay Arenski, Simon and Michael Daniels, Swiss Carvings...
Wood
19th Century Swiss Carved Walnut Clock with Cherubs and Animal Motifs
Located in Dallas, TX
Make a striking statement on a mantel, console, or buffet with this important antique fruitwood clock, crafted in Switzerland circa 1860. The exceptional timepiece is richly hand carved throughout, centered by two seated cherubs poised above the dial, engaged in a lively scene with a woven grape basket...
Enamel
19th Century Black Forest Carved Unusual Bear Bench
Located in High Point, NC
An excellent example of a 19th century Black Forest carved wooden bear bench from Switzerland made from linden wood. The bench having h...
Fruitwood
Antique Wooden Statue of Wilhelm Tell, Brienz circa 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Wooden Statue of Wilhelm Tell, Brienz circa 1900 A nice handcarved wooden statue featuring Wilhelm Tell and his son. It is a classica...
Wood
Original Antique Print After H. Leutemann, Reynard the Fox And Henning
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image by Heinrich Leutemann From the Reynard The Fox series Fine steel engraving Published by A.H. Payne C.1850 Unframed.
Paper
Antique Set of Rustic Hunters Cutlery with Chamois Horn Handles
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique set of rustic hunters cutlery with Chamois Horn Handles A rare antique set of knife and fork. The handles are made of genuine chamois horn. Tines and blade are made of galva...
Metal
The Stag of the Black Forest: Early 19th Century Carved Deer Head w/ Real Antler
Located in New York, NY
Early 19th Century Black Forest Carved Wooden Deer Head with Antlers Carved from solid wood and mounted with naturally shed antlers, this expressive deer head exemplifies the rustic...
Wood, Antler
Black Forest Oval Beveled Mirror with Hand Carved Frame (H 25 1/2 x W 20 1/2)
Located in Austin, TX
A fine Black Forest oval wall mirror from the late 19th century, featuring a decoratively carved frame with beautiful scrolled leaf patterns surrounding a beveled mirror plate. Dime...
Glass, Mirror, Wood
Antique Black Forest Carved Cuckoo Clock with Stag Head on Top
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Antique Black Forest Carved Cuckoo Clock with Stag Head A large handcarved wooden cuckoo clock, decorated with hunting accessoires, oak leaves, hare, pheasant and a stag head ...
Wood
Vintage Set of Six Roe Deer Trophies on Wooden Plaques Germany ca. 1950/1960s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Set of Six Roe Deer Trophies on Wooden Plaques Germany ca.1950/1960s A collection of six large vintage roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) antler trophies from the 1950/1960s, mo...
Antler, Wood
Large & Finest Quality, Antique Carved Nutwood Swiss Black Forest Bull Sculpture
Located in Lisse, NL
Museum quality and condition, hand carved livestock sculpture. This marvelous bull is for the collectors of the rarest and best quality Black Forest sculptures. Incredibly detailed,...
Nutwood
Antique Black Forest Carved Rabbit Figure with Basket, circa 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Black Forest Carved Rabbit Figure with Basket, circa 1900 Item e8146 A finely carved Black Forest wooden figure depicting a standing insured rabbit, dating to around 1900. Ex...
Wood
$23,850Sale Price|63% Off
Austrian-German 19th Century Carved Walnut Black-Forest Hunt Credenza Bookcase
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very large and impressive Austrian-German 19th century finely carved walnut figural Black-Forest "Hunting" credenza Bibliothèque (Bookacase). The intricately carved two-part body, ...
Glass, Walnut
Black Forest Rustic Photo Frame with Original Glass Plate, Austria, circa 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Lovely rustic black Forest photo frame from the late 19th century, around 1880 in Austria. Elaborately hand carved out of bass wood this antique photo fra...
Blown Glass, Softwood
Wood Black Forest Brienz Carved Walnut Inkwell German Antique, 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1890s Black Forest Brienz wood carved inkwell in form of a walnut on a leaf. Nice addition to your room or just for use it on your desk. Made of hand carved wood and gl...
Metal
Finest Quality, Antique Hand Carved Nutwood Swiss Black Forest Cow Sculpture
Located in Lisse, NL
Museum quality and condition Swiss black forest sculpture. For collectors of the rarest and finest Black Forest sculptures: this incredibly detailed, hand-carved cow could only orig...
Nutwood
Black Forest Set of Six Wine Glasses Hunting Decor Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Set of six hand blown wine glasses in red crystal with a hand-edged black forest hunting scene all-around. The decor is an antique hunting scene from Bavaria showing deers, trees and...
Crystal
Set of Three Antique Roe Deer Trophies on Carved Plaques Germany ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Set of Three Antique Roe Deer Trophies on Carved Plaques Germany ca. 1900 Antique set of three Black Forest roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) trophies mounted on richly carved wooden p...
Antler, Wood
Large Black Forest 19th Century Antler Arm Chair and Ottoman
Located in San Francisco, CA
a large and rare set of German Black Forest furniture with chair and ottoman; with oval back above a tight seat all surrounded by a robus...
Antler
Deer Head Viechtauer Black Forest Hand Carved Folk Art Wooden Trophy
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An exceptional hand-carved wooden Folk Art wall decoration, dating most likely from the period between 1900s and the late 1920s. Beautifully crafted with an authentic rustic characte...
Wood
19th Century Rustic Black Forest Photo Frame, Hand Carved, AT, circa 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Lovely, unusual Black Forest photo frame from Austria, circa 1880. Artfully hand carved out of basswood, this frame shows a gorgeous design combined with nice protruding corners. Thi...
Blown Glass, Softwood