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.
Antique Wild Boar Piggy Bank Made of Clay
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Wild Boar Piggy Bank Made of Clay An antique piggy back in the shape of a wild boar. Handmade of clay. It has no opening on the base thus ...
Clay
$1,350Sale Price|25% Off
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...
Terracotta
$600Sale Price / set|59% Off
H 14.57 in Dm 13.78 in
Pair of 19th Century French Terracotta Confit Pots
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A very attractive pair of provencial French Confit Pots, each with two side handles, and glazed internally. Light in colour, their exterior surfaces are beautifully aged, and full of...
Terracotta
19th Century Lewis Jones Pittston Cobalt Blue Decorated Crock
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th century Lewis Jones Pittston PA. Fine 3-gallon blue cobalt decorated stoneware crock. Stamped with maker’s mark. Hand Brisked cobalt floral decor...
Pottery
$412Sale Price|50% Off
H 12.8 in W 9.85 in D 9.06 in
19th Century, French Green Glazed Terracotta Jug or Water Cruche
Located in Buisson, FR
Great authentic piece of pottery from the Provence. Unique and rare glaze. Beautiful weathered. Chips and imperfections help authenticate this water cruche as it was a utilitarian ty...
Terracotta
French, Terracotta Confit Pot Yellow Glaze, Late 19th Century
Located in Labrit, Landes
French terracotta confit pot. Traditional large earthenware pottery confit pot from South West France with yellow glaze. This vessel was used from the 19th to the mid-20th century to...
Terracotta
$333Sale Price|20% Off
H 11.03 in W 11.03 in D 10.04 in
French, Terracotta Confit Pot Yellow Glaze, Late 19th Century
Located in Labrit, Landes
French terracotta confit pot. Traditional large earthenware pottery confit pot from South West France with yellow glaze. This vessel was used from the 19th to the mid-20th century to...
Terracotta
19th Century French Green Glazed Confit Pot, Hand-Thrown Terracotta
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A charming 19th century French confit pot from the southwest of France, showcasing a stunning deep green glaze characteristic of regional pottery from the late 1800s. Hand-thrown in ...
Ceramic, Earthenware, Terracotta
$362Sale Price|20% Off
H 9.45 in W 9.26 in D 7.68 in
French, Terracotta Confit Pot Yellow Glaze, Late 19th Century
Located in Labrit, Landes
French terracotta confit pot. Traditional large earthenware pottery confit pot from South West France with yellow glaze. This vessel was used from the 19th to the mid-20th century to...
Terracotta
19Thc Marbleized Stone Ware Piggy Bank
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a very early stone ware glazed piggy bank from New England. This is a handmade piggy bank in very good condition.
Pottery
$470Sale Price|33% Off
H 8.67 in W 9.06 in D 7.49 in
19th Century French Green Glazed Terracotta Jug or Water Cruche
Located in Buisson, FR
Great authentic and rare piece of pottery with a spout in handle from the Provence. Beautiful weathered and an amazing color. Imperfections help authenticate this water cruche as it ...
Terracotta
$304Sale Price|60% Off
H 15.75 in W 14.18 in D 12.6 in
French, Terracotta Jar Brown Glaze, Late 19th Century
Located in Labrit, Landes
French terracotta jar. Traditional large earthenware pottery jar from South West France with brown glaze. This vessel was used from the 19th to the mid-20th century to conserve food....
Terracotta
Green-Glazed Terracotta Jug, Late 19th–Early 20th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
This terracotta jug, produced between the late 19th and early 20th century, is finished in a deep green lead-based glaze characteristic of regional European utilitarian pottery. The ...
Terracotta
Large Green Terracotta Confit Pot, France 19th Century
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A large and beautiful antique Provençal terracotta confit pot, glazed in a stunning deep green. Featuring two side handles, this pot would have originally served a very utilitarian purpose in a French kitchen, stored in a stone-lined larder or outhouse to keep all...
Earthenware, Terracotta
Large Black Forest Harvest Pottery Wine Jug, on a Hunting Theme
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large Black Forest harvest pottery wine jug, on a hunting theme A remarkable piece, this large impressive piece is decorated with Black Forest game...