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.
Black Forest Deer Antler 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
Swallow Nest Viechtauer Hand Carved Wood Bird Black Forest Folk Art Austria 1930
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Austrian Viechtauer Carved and Polychrome-Painted Folk Art Birds, 20th Century A charming Austrian folk art sculpture from the 20th century, carved in wood and richly polychrome pai...
Wood, Paint
Antique Carved Oak Dogs Head Armorial. English 19th Century
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
A fabulous wood carving of a dog's head Mounted on the original shield shaped panel Lovely colour of wood Good condition. Free UK shipping
Oak
French Black Forest Carved Wood Box Circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
French Black Forest Carved Wood Box Circa 1900. Flowers & leaves. H / 4.5 inches. 7 by 4.8 inches.
Wood
Antique Viechtauer Folk Art Wood Carved Deer Head, Austria 1900 - 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique hand-carved wooden wall decoration in Viechtau folk art style from Austria, early 20th century A stunning hand-carved wooden wall decoration in the folk art style, circa 190...
Wood
Antique Rustic Black Forest Carved Wood Console Table
Located in Forney, TX
An extraordinarily carved Black Forest console table. 19th century, Continental Europe, most likely German, Swiss or possibly French, exhibition quality exceptionally executed mast...
Wood, Oak
Hand Carved Wood Swiss Black Forest Eagle Sculpture Label P. Maeder, Lucerne
Located in Lisse, NL
Exceptional Swiss Black Forest eagle carving with remarkable presence. This beautifully executed Swiss Black Forest wood carving depicts a majestic eagle captured at the very moment...
Glass, Wood
Antique Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque - Germany 1930s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque - Germany 1930s A large 8 pointer red deer (Cervus elaphus) trophy from Germany mounted on a stained wooden plaque with elabora...
Antler, Wood
Tyrolean Mountaineer Pendant Lamp, Hand-Carved Softwood, 1980s
Located in Hannover, DE
While searching for something special, I came across this hanging lamp, and I just knew it was the perfect addition to my space. The mountaineer, lovingly hand-carved from linden woo...
Softwood
19th Century Black Forest Rustic Wall Mirror, Hand Carved, Austria circa 1890
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Charming, late 19th century Black Forest wall mirror out of Austria. Artfully handcarved out of basswood around 1890, the amazing frame shows unusual, elaborately crafted leaf patte...
Mirror, Softwood
Large French Black Forest Wood Music instruments Box, Circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Large French Black Forest wood box, circa 1900. 11.8 by 7.3 inches , H / 5.3 inches. Music instruments Jewel box.
Wood
1950s German Alpine Pendant Light Carved Painted Wood Climber with Lantern
Located in Barntrup, DE
Charming 1950s German Alpine Pendant Light with Carved and Painted Wooden Climber This delightful German figural pendant light from the 1950s fe...
Metal
19th Century Sculpture - Bronze - Running Hare on Marble Base
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A lively and expressive 19th-century bronze sculpture of a hare in motion, caught mid-step with its ears alert and body turned as if pausing mid-leap. The surface is richly textured,...
Marble, Bronze
Pair of Mid-Century Black Forest Table Lamps Hand Carved Shades & Bases Germany
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous and all original pair of Black Forest table lamps hand carved from Germany C1950. Shades retain the original translucent material and are in the best condition. Carved Elk a...
Hardwood, Maple
1950s German Alpine Pendant Light Carved Wood Climber with Lantern
Located in Barntrup, DE
Charming 1950s German Carved Wood Mountaineer Pendant Lamp with Yellow Glass Lantern This delightful German figural pendant lamp from the 1950s f...
Metal
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 Black Forest Deer Trophy Wood Carved Plaque, Austria 1959
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 hand-carved wooden plaque, exemplifying the...
Antler, Wood
Fine Art Antique Hand Carved Wooden Black Forest Trophy-Like Deer Wall Sculpture
Located in Lisse, NL
Finest quality carved, Victorian era, Black Forest deer / stag wall sculpture. One of the main reasons for people wanting to own and enjoy antiques is for their decorative appeal an...
Metal
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 Black Forest Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque - Germany circa 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Black Forest Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque - Germany circa 1900 A large 8 pointer red deer (Cervus elaphus) trophy from Germany mounted on a stained wooden plaque with elaborat...
Antler, Wood
Antique Lusterweibchen Angel, Germany 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Lusterweibchen Angel, Germany 1900 A rare historic Lusterweibchen in the form of a winged putto, finely carved and polychrome painted. The figure, draped in a burgundy-red r...
Antler, Wood, Paint
German Pendant Light with Hand Carved Mountain Climber Sculpture and Lantern
Located in Barntrup, DE
This wonderful German pendant lamp or Lüstermännchen features a hand-carved figure of a mountain climber in beautifully hand-painted Bavarian traditional clothing in brown, green, wh...
Metal
Wood Black Forest Brienz Carved Figural Gnome Nutcracker German Antique, 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1930s Black Forest Brienz wood carved Nutcracker in form of a Gnome. Nice addition to your room or just for use it on your desk. Found at an Estate sale in Nuremberg, G...
Wood
Black Forest Set of Six Tumbler Red Hunting Decor Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Set of six handblown tumbler in red crystal with a hand-edged hunting scene in the style of black forest. The decor is an antique hunting scene showing deers, trees and bambis all-ov...
Crystal
German Pendant Light Hand Carved Wooden Figure Mountain Climber with Lantern
Located in Barntrup, DE
This adorable German figural pendant lamp from the circa 1950s features a hand-carved figure of a smiling mountain climber. The detailed carved linden wood mountaineer is holding ont...
Metal
19th Century Black Forest Antlers Trophy Mount Mantel Wall Plaque
Located in Pearland, TX
A superb large antique Swiss Black Forest hand carved hunting trophy antlers mantel wall plaque, circa 1890. This fine plaque is crowned with a roe deer mount surrounded by real stag...
Antler, Wood
19th Century Hand-Carved Oak Wall-Mounted Coat Rack with Leaf and Branch Motif
Located in Lisse, NL
Wonderful craftsmanship, large and solid oak wall coat-rack. This stunning 19th-century wall-mounted coat rack is a true testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of the period. H...
Metal, Iron
Black Forest Wood Carved Brienz Bear Inkwell German Vintage, 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic 1890s black forest Brienz wood carved inkwell in form of a Bear. Nice addition to your room or just for use it on your desk. Made of hand carved wood and glass eyes. Found at...
Wood
Beautiful Viechtauer Hand Carved Wood Bird, Black Forest Folk Art, Austria 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful Austrian early 20th century, carved wood bird, mounted on a stand for hanging. The tradition of these in Austria called "Viechtauer" birds goes back to the early 19th cen...
Wood, Paint
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
Black Forest Crystal Latern Hand Blown Hunting Decor Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Hand blown crystal latern in green glass from Bavaria. The decor is hand blown and hands-free engraved by glass artists all around with a hunting scene with trees all around in the s...
Crystal
Large Caribou Antler Skull Mount Taxidermy Cabin Decor Skull Antlers
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Caribou Antler Skull Mount Taxidermy Cabin Decor Skull Antlers Item e7355 A great antique caribou (Rangifer tarandus) trophy on a wooden plaque. Th...
Antler, Wood
Black Forest Set of Six Schnapps Glasses Green Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Set of six hand blown schnapps glasses in green crystal with a hand-edged hunting decor. The decor is an antique Black Forest style scene, showing a dee...
Crystal
Black Forest Carved Walnut Wall Plaque, Eagle with Prey
By Black Forest
Located in Newark, England
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING A FINELY CARVED BLACK FOREST WALNUT WALL PLAQUE DEPICTING AN EAGLE WITH PREY ABOVE EAGLETS IN THEIR NEST, SET AGAINST A MOUNTAINOUS BACKDROP. From our Blac...
Wood, Walnut
Man Hand Carved and Painted Black Forest Mechanical Wooden Bottle Stopper, 1930s
By ANRI
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Vintage Folk Art bottle stopper - I believe these are ANRI, made in Italy or Austria, but I see no markings, so I'll let the collectors out there be the judge. It depicts a lovely Ma...
Wood
Black Forest glass eye Bear 1920s Germany .
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice Hand carved Black Forest Wooden Bear ,Glass Eyes ,
Fruitwood
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
Large Chamois Trophy on Carved Plaque, Austria 1940s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Chamois Trophy on Carved Plaque, Austria 1940s An large chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) trophy mounted on a wooden carved plaque. The trophy was shot in the 1940s in the Austria...
Antler, Wood
Lot of Three Carved Wood Bird Black Forest Folk Art Austria 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful Austrian 1960s - 1970s carved wood bird lot, polychrome painted, wire feet, wooden base all with glass eyes. These are made in the style of the antique wooden Viechtauer ...
Wood, Paint
German Pendant Light with Carved Wooden Mountain Climber Figure and Lantern
Located in Barntrup, DE
This exquisite German pendant light features a hand-carved figure of a mountain climber dressed in beautifully hand-painted Bavarian traditional attire, adorned with green, black, wh...
Iron
STUNNING ViNTAGE PAINTED BLACK FOREST HAND CARVED RABBIT WHIP HOOK GLASS EYES
By Black Forest
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely, extra large, Swiss made Black Forest wood, Rabbit / Hare whip hook with glass eyes This is a v...
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
Hand Carved Black Forest Desk Lamp Hunting Scene, circa 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
The item for sale is an original desk lamp in the style of Black Forest or possibly Swiss artisanal craftsmanship. Foot and lampshade are both hand carved from medium-dark wood. The ...
Canvas, Jute, Wood
Black Forest Deer Antler 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
Antique Black Forest Roe Deer Antlers Hunting Trophy 1888 Mount
Located in Pearland, TX
A fine antique roe deer antler horns hunting trophy on a carved black forest plaque, dated 1888. The plaque is hand carved with oak leaves and acorns and was found in an old hunting ...
Antler, Horn, Wood
Original Antique Print After H. Leutemann, Reynard the Fox- Bruin As Messenger
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
Hand Carved Black Forest Style Wooden Gnome Nutcracker, Germany, 1930s
Located in Barntrup, DE
This beautiful nutcracker in the German Black Forest style is decorated with a hand carved sculpture of a gnome. His mouth opens and closes to crack the nut. Dimensions: height 22 c...
Wood
Mid 19th Century Bear Head Wall Sculpture - Black Forest - Hand Sculpted
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A rare Black Forest wall sculpture with a bear head, hand sculpted from chestnut wood. Polychrome painted head, on a wood sculpted rococo-style frame with scrolls with a gold leaf fi...
Gold Leaf
20th Century Black Forest Style Deer Head Wall Brackets, Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Black Forest style Deer head wall shelves or brackets. Made in a Faux Bois design.
Composition
Distressed Mirrored Wall Cabinet, Wood Brass Covered Antique 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Stunning wooden wall cabinet. Covered with thin brass metal and mirrored. Mirror with distressed parts. Inside two brushes to clean your shoes, but you can use it also as a key holde...
Metal
Walter Mader Swiss Black Forest Hand-Carved Dog
By Walter Mäder
Located in San Francisco, CA
the hand-carved and finely detailed recumbent mother Retriever with raised head and glass eyes giving a direct gaze to a distant object; wearing a knotted leash attached to a thick c...
Walnut
19th Century, Black Forest Carved Walnut Jewelry Casket Brienz Region
Located in Atlanta, GA
A finely carved 19th-century Black Forest walnut jewelry casket, attributed to the Brienz region of Switzerland, distinguished by its lavishly naturalistic ornamentation and sculptural detailing. The exterior is deeply carved with flowing rocaille motifs and a profusion of flowers and foliage in high relief, including a central rose in full bloom beneath the keyhole escutcheon. The lid is crowned with an exceptionally crisp and dimensional bouquet featuring a central rose surrounded by rosebuds and smaller blossoms arranged upon a scalloped bed...
Walnut
Early 1900 Large Black Forest Fine Carved Burling Stag / Deer Sculpture Statue
Located in Lisse, NL
Good size and beautifully carved, wooden Black Forest stag sculpture. From the posture it is obvious that this impressive stag, with his head turned up, is attempting to attract and...
Wood
Antique Carved Wood Tobacco Pipe with Excellent Dog and Deer Head Carving
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Carved Wood Tobacco Pipe with Excellent Dog and Deer Head Carving An antique handcarved wood tobacco pipe with fine carved hunting scenes and a carved dog on the lid. At the...
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
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
Vintage Hand Carved Mountain Climber or Mountaineer Pendant Light, Austria 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautifully crafted light fixture for Black Forest and mountaineering enthusiasts. This beautifully executed and sculptural light fixture will look great at your home, but it can a...
Metal
Man Hand Carved and Painted Black Forest Mechanical Wooden Bottle Stopper, 1930s
By ANRI
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This charming vintage hand-carved wooden folk art stopper, made in Italy or Austria, depicts a delightful gentleman from the 1920s or earlier. Carved with expressive detail and warm ...
Wood
Black Forest Period 19th Century German Oak Wall Carving with Hunting Trophy
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Black Forest period German wall carving from the 19th century depicting a hunting trophy. A striking relic from the 19th century, this Black Forest period German wall carving serve...
Oak
Black Forest Carved Bear Whip Holder or Wall Hook, Antique German 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic 1890s black forest Brienz wood carved Bear as a Whip Holder or Wall Hook. Nice addition to your room or just for use it on your wall. Made of hand carved wood. Found at an es...
Wood