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.
Majolica German Dog Bottle, circa 1890
By Gesetzlich Geschützt
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica German figural dog bottle, circa 1890. The bottle represent a dog in hunting costume smoking a pipe and carrying a riffle, the lid is the hat with a feather. The piece is ...
Ceramic
Antique Enamelled Glass Claret Jug with Stag Motif, Hunting Lodge Wine Pitcher
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This charming antique glass claret jug features a beautifully hand-enamelled portrait of a stag set against a softly graduated sky and lush gr...
Enamel
$984Sale Price|20% Off
H 11.82 in W 5.91 in D 5.91 in
Antique Silver Pitcher, Crystal CLARET JUG Decorative Crystal Flask Silver Itay
Located in Wembley, GB
Antique Italian Crystal & Silver-Plated Claret Jug / Wine Decanter – Vecchia Romagna – 20th Century – Decorative Barware Elevate your interior with this elegant Antique Italian Crystal Claret Jug, beautifully crafted with a richly cut crystal body and ornate silver-plated (nickel silver) mounts. Produced for Vecchia Romagna, this distinguished decanter combines timeless Italian craftsmanship with refined decorative appeal, making it an exceptional addition to any traditional or contemporary home. The decanter features a striking faceted crystal body with intricate diamond-cut decoration, a star-cut base, and an elaborate silver-plated collar with a decorative mask-form pouring spout, domed hinged lid, and elegant scroll handle. Originally designed for serving claret, wine, or spirits, it also serves as a sophisticated decorative centrepiece for a dining room, drinks cabinet, or collector's display. Dating from the 20th century and inspired by late Victorian and Art Nouveau aesthetics, this beautifully preserved piece showcases the quality and elegance associated with classic Italian tableware. Perfect for collectors of antique crystal decanters...
Crystal, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique Art Nouveau Topazio Silver Plate and Cut Glass Pitcher Caraffe Claret
Located in Toledo, OH
Antique silver plate Art Nouveau Topazio silver plate and cut lead glass pitcher / caraffe / claret. Holds 28 fl ounces. Very good condition. Dim...
Glass
19th Century Silver Plate Holding Top / Cut Glass Claret Jug / Serving Pitcher
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Introduce a touch of 19th-century elegance to your table or bar with this exquisite English Silver Plate and Cut Glass Claret Jug from the mid-19th century. The pitcher, designed in ...
Silver Plate
$448Sale Price|60% Off
H 11.82 in W 6.3 in D 4.34 in
Majolica Duck Pitcher by Keller & Guérin, France, Art Nouveau, 1890
Located in Valencia, VC
French Majolica Duck-Shaped Pitcher by Keller et Guerin, Late 19th Century A beautifully crafted Majolica pitcher in the form of a duck, made by Keller et Guerin in Saint Clément, F...
Ceramic, Earthenware, Majolica, Porcelain, Stoneware
Large English Silver Plated Holding Top / Cut Glass Claret Jug / Pitcher
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Introduce a touch of 19th-century elegance to your table or bar with this exquisite English Silver Plate and Cut Glass Claret Jug from the mid-19th century. The pitcher, designed in ...
Silver Plate
$395
H 5.88 in W 4 in D 3.75 in
Fenton, 'Daisy & Fern', Opalescent & Clear Glass Cruet, U.S., Circa 1890
Located in Chatham, ON
FENTON - 'Daisy & Fern' - Antique opalescent and clear glass cruet - mold blown body - hand made clear pulled glass handle - clear molded stopper (a...
Glass
French Majolica Jug by Sarreguemines, Circa 1900
Located in Nottingham, GB
Sarreguemines was among the most celebrated French faience manufactories of the 19th and early 20th centuries, renowned for producing richly glazed majolica and barbotine wares for b...
Pottery
$575Sale Price|58% Off
H 10 in W 6.5 in D 5 in
Unique Hand-Painted Majolica Cheetah Sculpture /Pitcher, Italy, 1975
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
3-645 Eye catching hand painted yellow and black Majolica ceramic Cheetah jug/pitcher A cool accent to any kitchen or to be use as a serving pitcher. Lovely as part of a ceramic co...
Ceramic
Antique Victorian Sterling Silver & Cut Glass Wine Claret Jug Decanter 1881
Located in London, GB
An impressive Antique Victorian Silver Mounted Claret Jug. This Victorian Wine Jug has an ornate Sterling Silver mount featuring rich chased details and with a rather monumental face...
Sterling Silver
Artist Signed Circular Donut Shape Pottery Pitcher Wine Jug
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern period donut shape pottery pitcher jug.
Pottery
19th Century Sterling Silver / Cut Glass Claret Jug / Pitcher
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Late 19th century cut glass and sterling silver tableware / barware serving claret jug. The pitcher is hallmarked by an unknown maker, but clearly originated from Italy since it's 80...
Sterling Silver
$685
H 11 in W 4 in D 6.5 in
Saint Clément Vintage French Barbotine Majolica Gallic Rooster Absinthe Pitcher
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A vintage French Majolica glazed Absinthe water pitcher formed as a rooster, St. Clément, circa 1940-1950. The Gallic rooster, in French: le coq gaulois, i...
Earthenware
Majolica German Dog Bottle, circa 1890
By Gesetzlich Geschützt
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica German figural dog bottle, circa 1890. The bottle represent a dog in hunting costume smoking a pipe and carrying a riffle, the lid is the ha...
Ceramic