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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Large Folk Art Wood Carved Deer Head with Real Antlers, Austria 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 ...
Wood
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
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
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
Black Forest Wood Carved Bear Catchall Figure Statue German Antique 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A charming, hand-carved wooden figure statue of a lovable Black Forest Bear from the early 20th century. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail from wood and with its original g...
Brass
Antique Viechtauer Folk Art Wood Carved Roe Deer Head, Austria 1920s
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 1920s - 1...
Wood
Black Forest Wood Carved Dog Figure Inkwell German Antique 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Charming early 1900s Black Forest hand-carved wooden desktop accessory in the form of a delightful dog. Expertly sculpted with fine attention to detail, this classic piece showcases ...
Wood
Bear Head Black Forest Hand Carved Folk Art Wooden Trophy, 19th Century
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A great looking hand carved original wooden Folk Art Bear head wall decoration. A great piece for a suitable ambiance in a trophy room or the office of a...
Wood
Deer Head primitive Black Forest Hand Carved Folk Art Wooden Trophy 19th Century
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A great looking hand carved original wooden Folk Art wall decoration. A great piece for a suitable ambiance in a trophy room or the office of a Hunter or Woodsman. More than likely o...
Wood
Mountain Sheep primitive Black Forest Carved Folk Art Wooden Trophy 19th Century
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A great looking hand carved original wooden Folk Art wall decoration. A great piece for a suitable ambiance in a trophy room or the office of a Hunter or Woodsman. More than likely o...
Wood
Two Bird on Branch 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
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
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
Classic Antique Black Forest Carved Bracket with Stag’s Head
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Antique black forest hand-carved stag’s mounted on the support with an oak leaf surround. With a shaped top shelf with canted corners. Excellent detailing ...
Wood
Antique Black Forest Folk Art Alpine Devil Dwarf Wooden Carved Mask, 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful black forest Folk Art wood carved mask. This is a wonderful example of black forest carving. This can be used as a Wall decoration or as...
Wood
$11,840Sale Price|20% Off
Large Black Forest Carved Poacher Sculpture with Chamois, Circa 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Black Forest Poacher with Chamois A very large wooden handcarved poacher statue. The poacher is on his way back from the hunt with a hunted chamois on his back. The hand-made ...
Wood
Unique Hand Carved Black Forest Tree Trunk Grandfather or Longcase Clock w. Bear
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning clock for the collectors of very rare and truly stylish Black Forest antiques. Tree trunk design longcase or grandfather clocks are a rare find and this 6.5 feet tall specimen could hardly be in better condition. All handcrafted and hand carved in the first half of the 1900s this wonderfully naturalistic tree trunk floor clock is the perfect home decoration for anyone with a nature or Black Forest inspired room or interior. This finest workmanship antique comes with the original dial face, weights and pendulum and they all have the same wonderful leaf and flower patterns that complement the tree or forest theme of this work-of-art tall clock. The natural aging of the carved wood has also grown this clock its stunning patina, making it even more of a gem to enjoy and to look at. The large door comes with the original, antique and perfectly beveled glass window which makes this unique clock...
Brass, Iron
Antique Wooden Carved Black Forest Game Plaque with Fox
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique wooden carved Black Forest game plaque with fox An antique wooden hunting game plaque with impressive carving of a fox and hunting accessoires. Black Forest, executed ca. 1900. Very good condition. This plaque is a splendid addition to every rustic wall decoration. 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 were 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: Width: 13.78" (35 cm) Height: 18.5" (47 cm) Depth: 2.76" (7 cm) Literature Reference: Peter F. Blackman, Black Forest Woodcarvings, Atglen 2009. Jay Arenski, Simon and Michael Daniels, Swiss Carvings...
Wood
Stunning Folk Art Wood Carved Deer Head with Real Antlers, Austria 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 a Hunter or Woodsman. More tha...
Wood
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
Nice Carved and Painted Tyrolian Carnival Fasnet Mask
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Nice Carved and Painted Tyrolian Carnival Fasnet Mask A handcarved pine wood, hand painted, antique wooden carved carnival mask from the region of South Tyrol. Excecuted in the firs...
Wood
Traditional Handcarved and Painted Tyrolian Carnival Mask
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Traditional handcarved and painted tyrolian carnival mask An nice antique wooden carved carnival mask which comes from the region of South Tyrol. Made of handcarved and handpainted ...
Wood
Vintage Wooden Strolling Bear Handcarved in Brienz ca. 1950
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Wooden Strolling Bear Handcarved in Brienz ca. 1950 A vintage statue of a walking bear. Made of lindenwood, finely handcarved with naturalistic details in Brienz, Switzerlan...
Wood
Antique Leather Strap with Six Brass Bells, Switzerland ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Leather Strap with Six Brass Bells, Switzerland ca. 1900s Item e6991 An antique leather strap with six brass bells from the swiss Alps manufactured ca. 1900. These bells are ...
Metal, Brass
Antique Carved Black Forest Skiing Bear, Brienz Switzerland ca. 1930
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Carved Black Forest Skiing Bear, Brienz Switzerland ca. 1930 Item e8145 A rare wooden carved sculpture featuring a skiing bear. Handcarved in lindenwood with naturalistic det...
Wood
Black Forest Wood Carved Scotty Dog Figure Letter Holder German Antique 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A charming, hand-carved wooden figure of a lovable Black Forest dog from the early 20th century. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail from wood and metal, this classic piece t...
Wood
Black Forest Owl Nutcracker, Fruitwood Sculpture from 1950s Germany
Located in Den Haag, NL
Wonderful angry Owl Nutcracker .Glass eyes ,Black Forest . 1950s
Fruitwood
Antique Hand Carved Black Forest Game Hunter's Bag with Woodcock, Rifle & Horn
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Black Forest antique hand carved miniature wall pocket of a fringed game hunter's bag with woodcock, rifle and horn Rich, dark patina and very we...
Oak
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
Finely Carved Wood Chamois Brienz, Switzerland, circa 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Finely carved wood chamois Brienz, Switzerland circa 1900. A delicately handcarved wood sculpture of a chamois standing on a rocky base. A very detailed and natural carving excecuted by one of the Swiss woodcarvers from the area of Brienz, ca. 1900. The tradition of wood carving, using manual skills to make everyday objects and fine art sculptures, is found throughout Europe. The incentive to create not only useful but also aesthetically beautiful things, distinguishes the craftsman from the artist. In addition to the well-known Swiss wood carving...
Wood
Stunning Large Wood Carved Capercaillie Black Forest Hat Coat Rack Wardrobe 1900
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful 20th century German Black Forest hat or coat rack wall wardrobe with small deer Antlers parts as hooks, mounted to a carved back. Nice addition to a hunters loge or just ...
Wood
Antique Swiss Carved Lion with Heraldic Shield, Luzern circa 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Swiss Carved Lion with Heraldic Shield, Luzern circa 1900 Item e8144 An expressive antique wood carving depicting the deadly wounded lion of Luzerne. The original statue stan...
Wood
19th Century Black Forest Carved Bear Chair
By Black Forest
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Black Forest Swiss carved chair having bear on fallen log. Carved bear on lifting seat which once had a music box. Part of the Brienz collection pla...
Wood
19th Century Black Forest Carved Bear Motif Wood Box with Swing-Out Compartment
Located in Cincinnati, OH
This unusual antique Black Forest box features a pair of fully dimensional bears cavorting at the base of a tree stump. The mother and cub hav...
Glass, Wood
$3,424Sale Price|20% Off
Large Hall Mirror with Cow Horn Decorations and Console Table, Austria, 1870
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large hall mirror with cow horn decorations and console table, Austria 1870 A great wall mirror with console table from a noble villa in the Austri...
Antler, Glass, Wood, Fur
Swiss Casted Bronze Cattle Bell ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Swiss Casted Bronze Cattle Bell ca. 1900s Item e7311 An antique cast bronze cattle bell, made in Switzerland around 1900. The bell comes with its original brown leather strap with bu...
Bronze
$1,885 / set
Marquetry & Bone Inlaid Hunting Plaques, A Pair
Located in Bradenton, FL
Pair of Marquetry and Bone Inlaid Hunting Plaques, each rendered in mixed woods with carved bone inlay. These panels depict lively 18th century style hunting scenes, one showing a dr...
Bone, Wood
Exceptional Black Forest Wood Carved Brienz Wild Boar Inkwell German Antique
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic 1890s Black Forest desk accessory carved from wood in the shape of a wild boar. A lovely addition to your room or just to use on your desk. Made from hand carved wood. Found ...
Wood
Antique Oil Print with Bear Hunt Scene After Heinrich Buerkel, 19th Century
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Oil Print with Bear Hunt Scene after Heinrich Buerkel 19th cetntury A colorful oil print depicting an alpine bear hunt scenery in the Bava...
Glass, Wood
Beautiful Brienz Bear Counter Desk Bell or Service Ringer, Antique Switzerland
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A great looking hand carved original wooden Folk Art Bear Statue as desk bell. A great piece for a suitable ambiance in a Cabin room or the office of a Hunter or Woodsman. More than ...
Wood
Antique Print with Humoristic Scene Featuring Wild Boars and a Painter
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Print with Humoristic Scene featuring Wild Boars and a Painter A colorful antique oil print depicting a humoristic scene in the Black Fore...
Glass, Wood
Antique Swiss Black Forest Carved Wood Bear Nutcracker
Located in San Francisco, CA
the hand-carved walnut bear with expressive gaze fitted with glass eyes; most likely from the Black forest area in the Swiss city of Interlagen
Walnut
Large Deer Head primitive Black Forest Hand Carved Folk Art Wooden Trophy
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A great looking hand carved original wooden Folk Art wall decoration. A great piece for a suitable ambiance in a trophy room or the office of a Hunter or Woodsman. More than likely o...
Wood
Small carved wood, depicting an Ionic capital, Italy circa 1850.
Located in Milan, IT
Small shelf in carved hazel wood, depicting an Ionic capital. Italy circa 1850.
Wood
$23,000 / set
Pair Black Forest Carved Hanging Game Plaques
By Black Forest
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Matched pair of Black Forest linden wood hanging game plaques. One with chamois and grouse, the other red stag and fox. Both complete with rifle and game ...
Wood
Chamois primitive Black Forest Hand Carved Folk Art Wooden Trophy, 19th Century
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A great looking hand carved original wooden Folk Art wall decoration. A great piece for a suitable ambiance in a trophy room or the office of a Hunter or Woodsman. More than likely o...
Wood
Large Handforged Cattle Bell Made in Switzerland ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Handforged Cattle Bell Made in Switzerland ca. 1900s Item e7309 An antique handforged cattle bell, made in Switzerland around 1900. The bell comes with its original brown lea...
Metal
Black Forest Rabbit Bunny Hunt Hunting Trophy Bag Wall Catchall Antique, 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Rare antique large German metal hunt scene on a wooden wall plaque trophy depicting a Rabbit, a dog and a bag with a champagne bottle. Wonderful Trophy of the Hunt for your Black For...
Wood
$2,980Sale Price|20% Off
Great Lodge Style Antler Mantel Clock 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Great Lodge Style Antler Mantel Clock 1900 A rare antique lodge style mantel clock. Oakwood case, richly decorated with antlers from the deer and fallow deer, mountain goat antlers ...
Wood, Antler
Antique Carved Buck Head Brienz Black Forest Wood Carving Glass Eyes
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This exquisite antique wall-mounted buck head showcases the exceptional craftsmanship of woodcarving, likely originating from the Brienz or the Black Forest region, renowned for its ...
Glass, Wood
Folk Art 20th Century Carved Wood Figure Sculpture of Saint Florian Austria 1960
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Pine carving of Saint Florian, the patron saint of fire fighters, 20th century Austria, the saint shown holding his cape in one hand, pouring a bucket of ...
Wood