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.
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...
Copper
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
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
Vintage Black Forest Style Lamp with Two Deer
Located in High Point, NC
Wonderful cast lamp in the Black Forest style of wood carving. The lamp depicts a tree in the background with a standing stag in the front and a laying doe beside him. They are on ...
Resin
$1,338Sale Price|20% Off
Table Lamp Black Forest Handcrafted Dwarf and Magic Mushrooms, Germany, 1920s
Located in Hannover, DE
Take a look at this unique and extremly beautiful table lamp, which is a rare masterpiece of German craftsmanship and design. Age does nothing to its beauty. The lamp base was elabor...
Brass
Pair Black Forest Carved Table Lamps with Ibex and Chamois
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Pair Black Forest Carved Table Lamps with Ibex and Chamois A beautiful pair of wooden carved table lamps depicting an ibex and a chamois fam...
Wood
19th Century German Black Forest Carved Clock Mounted Lamp - No shade
Located in Atlanta, GA
An exceptional large scale 19th century black forest mantle clock with fine carved mountain goats and tree forms to the body - resting on a g...
Quartz
Black Forest Hand-Carved Wooden Night Watchman Lamp, circa 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Charming Black Forest hand-carved wooden lamp of a night watchman with lantern, circa 1950s. A unique hand-carved Black Forest style wooden lamp depicting a traditional night watchman holding a lantern and a halberd. The sculpture is finely detailed with expressive features, rustic clothing, and a textured hat, showcasing the charm of mid-century Alpine craftsmanship. The lantern has amber glass panels and contains one E14 bulb, casting a warm and atmospheric glow. Both decorative and functional, this lamp makes a striking rustic statement piece for interiors ranging from chalet and lodge style to eclectic and vintage-inspired spaces. Dimensions: Total height: 67 cm (26.3 in) Width: 26 cm (10.2 in) Depth: 13 cm (5 in) Height of figure: 47 cm (18.5 in) Socket: 1 x E14 Condition: Very good vintage condition with a natural patina to the wood. The base shows an age-related crack, which does not affect stability. The lantern retains its original rustic finish, consistent with age and use. Black Forest lamp, Alpine wood carving, rustic table lamp, night watchman lantern...
Metal
Pair of 19th Century French Walnut Cabaret Figure Lamps on Barrel Bases
Located in Dallas, TX
Bring charm and character to a wine cellar, tasting room, or home bar with this delightful pair of late-19th-century French cabaret-themed lamp bases, carved in France circa 1880. Ea...
Walnut
Erzgebirge lamp from South America
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
This lamp was handcrafted in the 1930s by a woodcarver from the Ore Mountains who emigrated to South America as a result of the economic crisis at the time. Here, high-quality craft...
Hardwood
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.
Metal
Black Forrest Art Deco Carved Cherub Presenting Bouquet of Flowers Lamp, C.1925
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Antique Black Forest Art Deco Carved Cherub Lamp—Nude Putti with Bouquet & Quiver, c. 1925 This exquisite Black Forest Art Deco lamp (circa 1925) features a hand-carved wooden cheru...
Metal
Early 20thC Black Forest Bear Linden Table Lamp
Located in Altrincham, GB
Early 20thC Black Forest Carved Bear Linden Wood Table Lamp with Harris Tweed Shade - 9"diam x 18"h - all lights and lamps have been rewired with authentic corded flex, fitted with e...
Wool, Ash
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Cabaret Character Lamps on Barrel Bases
Located in Dallas, TX
Bring charm and character to a bar, wine cellar, or game room with this whimsical pair of antique cabaret lamps. Carved in France circa 1880 in the Black...
Walnut
$1,417
H 12.1 in W 5 in D 4.5 in
Early 1900s Hand Carved and Colored Wooden Mountaineer Sculpture / Statue
Located in Lisse, NL
Unique and finely carved sculpture for the black forest and mountaineer enthousiasts. If you are or if you have a friend who is a mountaineering enthousiast then this hand carved mo...
Wood
$180
H 6 in W 3.5 in D 3.38 in
Beautiful Viechtauer Hand Carved Wood Bird, Black Forest Folk Art, Austria
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful cute Austrian 20th-century carved wood bird, mounted on its original stand and designed for hanging. This charming folk art piece belongs to the long-standing Austrian tr...
Wood, Paint
$185
H 5.38 in W 3.5 in D 3 in
Goldcrest Viechtauer Hand Carved Wood Bird, Black Forest Folk Art, Austria
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful cute Austrian 20th-century carved wood bird, mounted on its original stand and designed for hanging. This charming folk art piece belongs to the long-standing Austrian tr...
Wood, Paint
$3,246
H 11.62 in W 5.71 in D 4.73 in
Antique circa 1880 Super Rare Black Forest Hand Carved and Painted Whip Hook
By Black Forest
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this exceptionally rare, stunning, original circa 1880 Swiss made Black Forest wood, whip hooks which has the original paint This is a fine exa...
Wood
$180
H 10.25 in W 2 in D 3.25 in
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
$285
H 7.88 in W 3 in D 5.5 in
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
$1,148Sale Price|20% Off
H 13.39 in Dm 9.06 in
Neoclassical style. Hand-carved alabaster table lamp, Spain, 1950s
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Hand-carved alabaster table lamp formed by two assembled parts: base and diffuser. Both pieces are hand-worked and turned, offering vegetal shapes of roses where the light is diffuse...
Alabaster
$680
H 11.75 in W 5.75 in D 5.75 in
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
$170
H 4.38 in W 4.25 in D 2.75 in
Beautiful Viechtauer Hand Carved Wood Bird, Black Forest Folk Art, Austria
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful Austrian 20th-century carved wood bird, mounted on its original stand and designed for hanging. This charming folk art piece belongs to the long-standing Austrian traditi...
Wood, Paint
$360 / set
H 13.5 in W 6.5 in D 3.75 in
Nuthatch Viechtauer Hand Carved Wood Bird Black Forest Folk Art, Germany
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful large german 20th-century carved wood two bird scene, mounted on its original stand and designed for hanging. Its a blue tit and a great tit on wooden branches. This char...
Wood, Paint
$1,120
H 50 in W 7 in D 6.5 in
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 ...
Metal
$1,895 / set
H 20 in W 5 in D 5 in
Pair of Italian Neoclassic Alabaster Table Lamps, Hand Carved, 1950s
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Pair of finely crafted hand carved neo-classic style urn form alabaster lamps. The intricately carved white alabaster are covered with lots natural colorful veining. Newly wired wit...
Alabaster, Brass
Sold
H 13.2 in W 10.6 in D 5.7 in
Antique Hand Carved Swiss Black Forest Bear Table / Desk Lamp with Maker's Marks
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare and all original antique walking bear with lantern light and 'log-cane'. If you are a collector of rare, very good quality, superb condition, all original and highly decorative Black Forest bear sculptures then this good size specimen with the maker's marks carved into the walking cane could be flying your way soon. This perfectly balanced and hand carved bear table lamp stands firmly on both his legs and walking cane. The original, black metal lantern (with the original antique glass panels) that he is holding makes this charming antique even more desirable. Displayed on a side table, desk or credenza you could not wish for a more appealing lamp and sculpture into one. This work of art desk lamp...
Metal, Wire
19th Century Black Forest Pair of Table Lamps Wood Germany
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Pair of Black Forest table lamps hand-crafted in wood. Transformed from a pair of wood-sculptured bases ca 1880 to lamps by Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel. The wooden stand shows a pair o...
Mahogany
Pair of Vintage German Black Forest Table Lamps
Located in London, GB
A charming matched pair of vintage black forest table lamps, dating from around the 1950’s. The quality is superb, the stands are beautifully carved depicting tree trunks, and each ...
Wood
Art Deco Pair of Table Lamps Pottery Keramis Belgium
By Keramis
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
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...
Pottery
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Bear Table Lamp with Custom Shade
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a ranch or hunting lodge with this elegant table lamp. Crafted in France circa 1880, this lamp depicts a carved sited bear holding a torch; the fixture has new wiring and is...
Oak
Sold
H 17.5 in W 7 in D 5.4 in
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...
Glass, Hide, Wood, Paint
Sold
H 30.5 in W 8 in D 5 in
Vintage French Resin Black Forest Tree Form Table Lamp with Birds and Nest
Located in Dallas, TX
This beautiful lamp was crafted in France, circa 1970. Standing on a gilt embellished black base, this lamp depicts a nature scene with a couple of birds perched on an oak tree and watching their nest. This decorative table lamp is made out of resin and has a semi matte finish. The Black Forest style fixture is in excellent condition commensurate with age and use and would make a nice addition to a den or office. Custom lamp shade...
Resin, Paint
Panther Shade Table Lamps
By Gerhard Ebert
Located in Den Haag, NL
Panther fur shade on this heavy wooden lamp-stands. Very nice decorative table lamps In a very good condition.
Hardwood
Sold
H 24.41 in W 10.63 in D 7.88 in
German Hand Carved Wooden Figurative 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...
Iron
Rustic Antler Desk Lamp with Deer and Virginia Deer Antlers
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A large antler desk lamp made of deer and Virginia deer antlers, with brass decorations representing oak leaves. Manufactured circa 1920. Original antique shade...
Antler
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.
Brass
19th Century Black Forest Pair of Table Lamps Hand-Carved Sculptures
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Pair of charming table lamps made of a hand-carved piece of basswood England end of 19th century. The lamp bases are hand carved with cows from one piece of wood in the autentic styl...
Wood