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
19th Century Ceramic Pitcher - Hunting Scene - Shore & Co Isleworth England
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful antique ceramic jug. The jug has beautiful relief decorations with animals / hunting. The jug is marked on the bottom, with a blind mark. Made by Shore & Co, Isleworth, 1...
Ceramic
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
$475
H 11.5 in W 6 in D 4 in
19th Century French Clairefontaine Painted Ceramic Barbotine Fish Pitcher
Located in Dallas, TX
Add to your pitcher collection with this colorful antique Majolica water pitcher; sculpted in Clairefontaine, France, circa 1890, he ceramic jug...
Ceramic, Majolica
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
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
Antique Savoyard Pitcher, France, 19th Century
Located in Chappaqua, NY
Antique Savoyard Pitcher, France, Late 19th Century. Warm yellow base with applied slip design, typical of the Savoie region.
Terracotta
Antique Victorian Silver & Etched Glass Claret Jug Wine Decanter London 1878
Located in London, GB
An elegant late 19th-century claret jug, combining refined silverwork with beautifully engraved glass, exemplifying the craftsmanship and taste of the Victorian period. The ovoid gl...
Sterling Silver
Antique American Brilliant-Cut Glass & Sterling Silver Claret Jug
By The Mauser Manufacturing Co.
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Classical claret jug, ca 1900. Cylindrical glass bowl with spread base and looping and notched handle. Brilliant-cut ornament including diaper, stars, and fluting. Sterling...
Sterling Silver
$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
$811
H 11.03 in W 6.89 in D 8.08 in
Early 20th Century English Floral Ceramic Pitcher by BWM & Co, Cauldon England
Located in Frederiksberg C, DK
Early 20th Century English Floral Ceramic Pitcher by BWM & Co, Cauldon England Elegant antique ceramic pitcher from England, circa 1905–1920, produced by BWM & Co (Brownhill, Wilkin...
Ceramic, Faience
19th Century Floral Sponge Ware Pitcher
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This floral decorated sponge ware pitcher is in good condition. Great for flowers.
Pottery
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
19th Century French Pitcher
Located in Stockbridge, GA
19th century French Jersey pitcher.
Ceramic
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