Black Forest Lighting
BLACK FOREST STYLE
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.
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Style: Black Forest
Art Deco Pair of Table Lamps Pottery Keramis Belgium Black Forest Style
By Keramis
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Pair of French Art Deco table lamps transformed from glazed and hand-painted ceramic vases by Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel. The vases are painted on off-white glazed background. Origina...
Category
Mid-20th Century Belgian Black Forest Lighting
Materials
Pottery
Antique Carved Wooden Black Forest Standing Bear Sculpture Table / Desk Lamp
Located in Lisse, NL
Beautiful quality and perfect condition bear desk lamp.
If you are a collector of rare, very good quality and highly decorative Black Forest bear sculptures then this fine specimen...
Category
Early 20th Century European Black Forest Lighting
Materials
Glass, Hide, Wood, Paint
Large German Hand Carved Wooden Sculpture Lamp Night Watchman with Lantern
Located in Barntrup, DE
A masterfully hand-carved wooden lamp features a large sculpture of a night watchman with a lantern and halberd. Lantern is made of glass and iron. This...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Black Forest Lighting
Materials
Iron
Black Forest Hand Carved Large & Extremely Rare Beaver and Bear Pair Table Lamps
Located in Lisse, NL
For the collectors of extremely rare Black Forest animal carvings.
With a combined 35+ years of experience in selling Black Forest antiques we have never seen a pair of table lamps ...
Category
Early 20th Century European Black Forest Lighting
Materials
Metal, Brass
Large Simulated Black Forrest Stag Antler Hanging Chandelier
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Large Simulated Black Forrest Stag Antler Hanging Chandelier
This is a very realistic looking piece, this chandelier design was first made in the 19th Century, and was a great favourite in Scottish...
Category
1960s Vintage Black Forest Lighting
Materials
Resin
Pair of Vintage German Black Forest Table Lamps
Located in London, GB
A charming matched pair of vintage German black forest table lamps. They were recently imported from Germany, they date from around the 1950’s.
The quality is superb, the stands are...
Category
1950s German Vintage Black Forest Lighting
Materials
Wood
Hanging Brass Light Fixture with a Wooden Figure of a Mountain Climber
Located in Barntrup, DE
This wonderful German figural pendant lamp features a hand-carved figure of a mountain climber in natural brown wood tones. The detailed carved wooden...
Category
1950s German Vintage Black Forest Lighting
Materials
Brass
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...
Category
1950s German Vintage Black Forest Lighting
Materials
Metal
19thc French Antique Carved Wood Black Forest King and Queen Wall Sconces
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Pair 19thc French Carved Wood Black Forest type "King and Queen" Wall Sconces. Neoclassical style. This pair is magnificent!
Category
1890s French Antique Black Forest Lighting
Materials
Wood
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...
Category
1930s German Vintage Black Forest Lighting
Materials
Metal
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...
Category
1970s Austrian Vintage Black Forest Lighting
Materials
Metal
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 ...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Black Forest Lighting
Materials
Canvas, Wood, Jute
Figural Pendant Light with a Carved Mountain Climber Figure and Lantern, Germany
Located in Barntrup, DE
This delightful German figural pendant light features a hand-carved linden-wood figure of a smiling and warm-hearted mountaineer. The detailed ca...
Category
1970s German Vintage Black Forest Lighting
Materials
Metal, Brass
German Pendant Light with Carved Wooden Mountain Climber Figure and Lantern
Located in Barntrup, DE
The wonderful German pendant light features a hand-carved figure of a mountain climber in beautifully hand-painted Bavarian traditional clothing in green, black, white, and red color...
Category
1930s German Vintage Black Forest Lighting
Materials
Iron
Large Pendant Light Fixture with Carved Climber Figure and Lantern, Germany
Located in Barntrup, DE
Large Pendant Light Fixture with Carved Climber Figure and Lantern, Germany
This impressive German figural pendant lamp features a masterfully han...
Category
1930s German Vintage Black Forest Lighting
Materials
Metal
Black Forest Wall Light Shade Wallpaper with Hunting Scene Sofina Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Handmade lampshade in the style of Black Forest made of wallpaper with a hunting scene in red, blue green colors and a deer in the middle
Fixed with a handmade paspol in beige silk. Inside gold...
Category
2010s Austrian Black Forest Lighting
Materials
Paper
Gorgeous Hand Carved Wooden Lustermannchen Butler Sculpture Chandelier Austria
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Stunning very rare and hand carved, Butler chandelier with real Deer Antler horns. If you are looking for a decorative light fixture for a bar, pub, tavern, restaurant, man cave, cabin or lodge then this remarkable and unique light fixture could be perfect for you. This type of light fixture was first seen in the 14th century in Germany and they became more 'popular' in the 16th century. Because of its unique subject matter and quality, this mountain climber pendant...
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Black Forest Lighting
Materials
Metal
Rustic Antler Lamp with Elk Antlers
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Rustic antler lamp with elk antlers
A large antler chandelier made of three joined elk antlers. The lamp comes with 3 spouts and vintage glass...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Black Forest Lighting
Materials
Blown Glass, Antler
German Pendant Light with a Carved Wooden Figure of Mountain Climber and Lantern
Located in Barntrup, DE
This wonderful German figural pendant lamp features a large hand-carved linden wood figure of a mountain climber. The detailed carved wooden mount...
Category
1930s German Vintage Black Forest Lighting
Materials
Metal
Rustic Antler Lamp with Deer Antlers
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Rustic antler lamp with deer Antlers
A large antler chandelier made of three joined deer antlers. The lamp comes with 3 spouts, vintage glass ...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Black Forest Lighting
Materials
Blown Glass, Antler
Vintage figural Pendant Lamp a Mountain Climber & Lantern in Black Forest Style
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Stunning very rare hand carved Black Forest style wood mountain climber lantern or ceiling light. Pendant lamp off a mountain climber hanging ...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Black Forest Lighting
Materials
Metal
Large Rustic Antler Lamp with Fallow Deer and Deer Antlers
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large rustic antler lamp with fallow deer and deer antlers
A large antler chandelier composed of several joined fallow deer and deer antlers. ...
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Lighting
Materials
Antler
Massive Iron and Bronze Chandelier Detailed with Leaping Stags and Fauna
Located in New York, NY
A monumental early 20th century continental iron and bronze chandelier with leaping stags in silhouette and different fauna.
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Lighting
Materials
Iron, Bronze
Black Forest Wall Light Shade Wallpaper with Hunting Scene Sofina Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Large handmade lampshade made of wallpaper with a hunting scene in red and beige in the style of black forest. Made by hand in Austria.
Fixed with green and red paspol. Two handmade iron angles to supply electricity will be delivered with the shades. See last picture.
To be used as wall lightning.
Category
2010s Austrian Black Forest Lighting
Materials
Paper
Vintage Hand Carved Mountain Climber or Mountaineer Pendant Light
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...
Category
1970s German Vintage Black Forest Lighting
Materials
Metal
Hand Carved Mountaineer Sculpture Pendant Light w. Brass Arts & Crafts Lantern
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare and beautifully crafted light fixture for Black Forest and mountaineering enthousiasts.
This beautifully hand carved and sculptural light fixture is in superb condition. A ligh...
Category
20th Century Austrian Black Forest Lighting
Materials
Iron, Brass, Metal
Black Forest Wall Light Shade Wallpaper with Hunting Scene Sofina Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Handmade lampshade in the style of Black Forest made of wallpaper with a hunting scene in red, blue green colors and a deer in the middle
Fixed with a handmade paspol in beige silk....
Category
2010s Austrian Black Forest Lighting
Materials
Paper
Pendant Light with Hand Carved Sculpture of Mountain Climber and a Lantern
Located in Barntrup, DE
Wonderful German pendant lamp features a hand-carved figure of a smiling and cheerful mountain climber in beautifully hand-painted Bavarian traditional clothing in brown, green, whit...
Category
1930s German Vintage Black Forest Lighting
Materials
Metal
Pendant Light with Figure of a Mountain Climber and a Blue Glass Lantern
Located in Barntrup, DE
Wonderful German pendant lamp features a hand-carved figure of a smiling mountain climber in beautifully hand-painted Bavarian traditional clothing in blue, brown, green, white, and ...
Category
1930s German Vintage Black Forest Lighting
Materials
Metal
Vintage Hand Carved Mountain Climber or Mountaineer Pendant Light
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Black Forest Lighting
Materials
Metal
Pendant Light with a Large Wooden Figure Mountain Climber with Lantern, Germany
Located in Barntrup, DE
Wonderful German figural pendant lamp features a large hand-carved figure of a mountain climber. The detailed carved wooden mountaineer is holding...
Category
1930s German Vintage Black Forest Lighting
Materials
Metal
German Pendant Light Hand Carved Wood Figure Mountain Climber with Lantern
Located in Barntrup, DE
This wonderful German Black Forest figural pendant lamp features a hand-carved figure of a mountain climber. The detailed carved wooden mountaineer is...
Category
1930s German Vintage Black Forest Lighting
Materials
Copper
Hand Carved Wooden Sculpture Lamp Night Watchman with Lantern, Germany
Located in Barntrup, DE
A masterfully hand-carved wooden lamp features a beautiful sculpture of a night watchman with a lantern and halberd. The lantern is made of glass and co...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Black Forest Lighting
Materials
Copper
Pendant Light Hand Carved Wood Figure Mountaineer Climber with Lantern, Germany
Located in Barntrup, DE
This wonderful German Black Forest figural pendant lamp features a hand-carved figure of a mountain climber. The detailed carved wooden mountainee...
Category
1950s German Vintage Black Forest Lighting
Materials
Metal
Pair of 19th Century French Carved Walnut "Cabaret Figures" Lamp Bases
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a wine cellar or a bar with this pair of antique "cabaret" lamps. Crafted in France circa 1880, each black forest sculpture stands on a round base and features a carved male...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Lighting
Materials
Walnut
Antique Oak Tavern, Pub, Wine Cellar 1920s Hand Carved Figural Chandelier
Located in Toledo, OH
Antique oak large scale tavern, pub or wine cellar chandelier circa 1920s. Original finish. Hand carved full figure of a child holding a basket ...
Category
1920s Unknown Vintage Black Forest Lighting
Materials
Wood
Antique Deer Hoof Table Lamp
Located in San Francisco, CA
A circa 1920s, American table lamp composed of a tri-hoof deer leg, with blackened, brass strap detail and pull cord. 16.5” height x 8” wide.
Category
1920s North American Vintage Black Forest Lighting
Materials
Brass
Black Forest Wall Light Shades Goat Fur Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Pair of handmade lampshades with goat fur. Typical light grey fur color with a black line. Inside with gold.
Rimmed by hand with a beige grosgrain. Iron angels...
Category
2010s Austrian Black Forest Lighting
Materials
Fur
Hand Carved Black Forest St. Wooden Floor Lamp of Lantern Holding & Tipsy Guard
Located in Lisse, NL
Large and beautifully sculptured, floor lamp.
If you are looking for unique and decorative antiques to bring joy and class to your interior then this marvelous, sculptural floor lam...
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Lighting
Materials
Copper
Pair of 19th Century French Carved Walnut Cabaret Figures Lamp Bases
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a wine cellar or a bar with this pair of antique cabaret lamp bases. Crafted in France circa 1880, each sculpture stands on a round base and fea...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Lighting
Materials
Walnut
Large Black Forest Lamp Mountain Goats, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
Large black forest lamp with two mountain goats on a rack, circa 1880.
Electrified and wired for US, include shade.
Category
1880s French Antique Black Forest Lighting
Materials
Metal
Forged in Fire Organic Arts and Crafts Wrought Iron Table or Desk Lamp Rewired
Located in Lisse, NL
Unique and artistic Black Forest style table lamp.
Lamps come in all shapes and sizes, but sometimes a lamp can also be a work of art. This unique design, all handcrafted and perfec...
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Lighting
Materials
Wrought Iron
Antique Black Forest Hand-Carved Candle Lite Wooden Chandelier from 1800's
Located in Chicago, IL
In Europe Black Forest carvings became a symbol of wealth beginning in the 1800’s and were found in the homes of elite collectors. The history of Black Forest carvings dates to the early 1800’s from the town of Brienz in Switzerland. Black Forest carving began as a cottage industry and found a niche market from the local tourist trade. When one thinks of Black Forest carvings, they immediately think of the stereotypical carved bears and that is probably because there are thousands of reproductions out there. Old Plank has discovered a treasure trove of Black Forest carved furniture...
Category
1880s Swiss Antique Black Forest Lighting
Materials
Wood
Black Forest lighting for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Black Forest lighting for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage lighting created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include lighting, decorative objects, folk art and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Black Forest lighting made in a specific country, there are Europe, Germany, and Austria pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original lighting, popular names associated with this style include and Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for lighting differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $444 and tops out at $14,500 while the average work can sell for $1,270.
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