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.
19th Century Rustic Black Forest Wall Mirror, Hand Carved, Austria, circa 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Uncommon rustic black forest wall mirror from Austria, around 1880. This antique wall mirror impresses with an unusual hand carved design, elaborately made out of basswood. A very da...
Mirror, Softwood
20th Century Black Forest Wall Mirror with Grapes and Leaves Hand Carved - 1919
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Gigantic, exceptional Black Forest wall mirror out of Austria, dated to 1919. This early 20th century, one of a kind elaborately hand carved masterpiece impresses with a fantastic op...
Mirror, Softwood
19th Century Small Carved Wall Mirror
Located in High Point, NC
19th century small hand carved wall mirror. The frame is made from fruitwood, which has been wonderfully hand-carved with an abundance of florals and leaves. The mirror doesn't app...
Fruitwood
Antique Black Forest Mirror that was part of a major collection of Black Forest
Located in BENSENVILLE, IL
Antique Black Forest Mirror that were part of a major collection of Black Forest items sold by a Chateau outside of Marseille, France. There were over (40) antique Black Forest items...
Wood, Mirror, Glass
Huge Antique Victorian Era Black Forest Wall Clock or Mirror Frame with Hare
Located in Lisse, NL
Incredible size and great quality black forest hunting plaque for wall mounting with Fruits of the Hunt. This rare size and all hand-carv...
Nutwood
French Mid-20th Century Black Forest Faux-Bois Mirror with Leaf Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
French Black Forest style mirror from the mid-20th century features a faux-bois frame made of a variety of leaves nicely intertwined along t...
Wood
Large German Black Forest Carved Mirror with Bird Motif from the 19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
This large late 19th century French mirror is set within a rectangular carved Black Forest style crested wooden frame. The intricate decor is composed of beautifully detailed openwork intertwined vines with leaves and grapes while a bird with its spread wings just landed on the crest. The artistically distributed foliage is highly decorative and the very naturalistically carved bird brings an unexpected and charming presence to the piece. This wooden German Black Forest style mirror...
Mirror, Wood
$900Sale Price|40% Off
French Henri II Style Carved Walnut Overmantel Mirror, C. 1880
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French Henri II style mantel or wall mirror in gorgeous hand carved oak, with outstanding detail. The details reveal it was probably commissioned for an aristocrat’s hunting ...
Mirror, Walnut
19th C. French Black Forest Carved Oak Mirror with Bronze Trim and Bird Motif
Located in Dallas, TX
A striking example of French Black Forest craftsmanship, this intricately carved mirror was created circa 1870 and is made of stripped oak with a light, natural patina. The circular ...
Bronze
19th Century Rustic Black Forest Wall Mirror - Hand Carved, Austria, circa 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Lovely rustic hand-carved Black Forest wall mirror from the period around 1870 in Austria. This rural, so-called "black forest" style mirror has elaborately been hand carved out of b...
Mirror, Wood
French 1900s Black Forest Turn of the Century Mirror with Carved Oak Leaves
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French black forest mirror from the early 20th century, with hand-carved oak leaves. We currently have three mirrors available, priced an...
Mirror, Wood
20th Century Rustic Wall Mirror With Golden Bars, Tramp Art, Austria dated 1901
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Peerless rustic wooden wall mirror from Austria, dated to 1901. A very special designed wall mirror with a golden bar on the inside and slightly protruding corners. Artfully handcarv...
Mirror, Softwood
19th Century Black Forest Rustic Wall Mirror, Basswood, Austria, circa 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Beautiful, large Black Forest wall mirror from Austria around 1880. This antique rustic wall mirror impresses with a simple but elegant "tree trunk" design, elaborately hand carved o...
Mirror, Softwood
19th Century Rustic Black Forest Mirror, Hand Carved, Germany, circa 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Unusual, charming Black Forest wall mirror, artfully handmade in Bavaria/ Germany in the late 19th century around 1880. An amazing designed rustic wall mirror with a wide dark brown ...
Mirror, Softwood
19th Century Rustic Black Forest Wall Mirror, Double Framed, AT circa 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
One of a kind, large carved Black Forest Wall Mirror from the late 19th century around 1880 in Austria. This beautiful rustic Black Forest mirror has been elaborately hand crafted ou...
Mirror, Wood
Large Size & Finest Quality Carved Antique Black Forest Wall or Fireplace Mirror
Located in Lisse, NL
Antique, one of a kind and highly decorative, hand carved mirror. This beautiful, early 20th century, hand carved antique mirror is in gr...
Mirror, Wood
19th Century Black Forest Rustic Mirror, Handcarved, Germany ca. 1870
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Exceptional crafted rustic Black Forest wall mirror from the period around 1880 in Germany. Artfully hand carved out of basswood, this fantastic rural mirror impresses with its elabo...
Mirror, Softwood
19th Century Swiss 'Black Forest' Hand-Carved Walnut Wall Mirror
Located in London, GB
A Black Forest Carved Mirror Carved from walnut, the bevelled oval mirror plate set within an architectural frame and flanking rustic branc...
Wood
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Walnut Hand Mirror with Beveled Glass
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in France circa 1870, the antique Louis XV style hand mirror with elegant serpentine handle, features hand carved floral and leaf motifs throughout the frame; the vanity mirr...
Mercury Glass, Walnut
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Light Oak Mirror with Foliage Motifs
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a powder room, a study or hallway with this heavily carved antique mirror. Created in France circa 1880 and carved of oak, the Black Forest frame features a tree branch knot...
Mirror, Oak
$2,664
Black Forest mirror
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
Black Forest mirror, Austria, 19th. Century. Hand-carved. Decorated with a crown on top and a lot of oak leaves.
Wood
Black Forest Oval Beveled Mirror with Hand Carved Frame (H 25 1/2 x W 20 1/2)
Located in Austin, TX
A fine Black Forest oval wall mirror from the late 19th century, featuring a decoratively carved frame with beautiful scrolled leaf patterns surrounding a beveled mirror plate. Dime...
Glass, Mirror, Wood
Antique Black Forest Mirror with Antler Arrangement ca. 1920s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Black Forest Mirror with Antler Arrangement ca. 1920s This striking wall mirror is framed with an elaborate arrangement of natural deer antlers, forming an oval surround of ...
Mirror, Wood
Black Forest Carved Swiss Entry Mirror with Climbing Bears
By Black Forest
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Large Swiss Black Forest carved entry or hall mirror with climbing bears both sides and pine boughs with pine cones at top and bottom. Carved by Swiss mas...
Other
Antique Victorian Vanity Mirror with Bear, Black Forest ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Victorian Vanity Mirror with Bear, Black Forest ca. 1900 A lovely wooden vanity mirror decorated with an elaborate carved bear...
Wood
$711Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Carved Oak Oval Wall Mirror, Black Forest Style, 1900
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Carved Oak Oval Wall Mirror A lovely piece, the wide frame has a beautifully carved border decorated with Oak leaves and Acorns at the top. The mirror is in good condition, the fram...
Oak
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Walnut Wall Sculpture with Mirror
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a wall with this beautiful antique carved mirror. Crafted in France circa 1880 and built of solid walnut wood, this elegant wall sculpture features an intricately carved ped...
Mirror, Walnut
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Eagle Sculpture Wall Mirror
Located in Dallas, TX
This unusual antique mirror was crafted in the Alps region of France, circa 1880. The whimsical mirror features a large eagle sculpture with win...
Mercury Glass, Oak
$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
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Oak Mirror with Floral Crest
Located in Dallas, TX
Enhance your home with this finely carved French Black Forest wall mirror, crafted circa 1880. Originally conceived as a clock housing, the piece has since been refitted with a round...
Mirror, Oak
Large Antique 19th Century Hand-Carved Black Forest Firescreen with Birds Nest
Located in Lisse, NL
Beautifully crafted screen with the original beveled mirror. For the collectors of top quality Black Forest home accessories we also have this stunning and one of a kind fire-place screen. The incredibly detailed frame consisting of very realistic branches and leafs is an absolute joy to own and look at. The deeper meaning of this work of Black Forest craftsmanship, we think, can be found in the birds nest in the centre of the top. There the little bird is creating a warm home too for the three offspring she is expecting (hence the three eggs...
Mirror, Walnut
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Bleached Oak Wall Mirror with Fruit
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a powder room, a study or hallway with this heavily carved antique mirror. Created in France circa 1880 and carved of oak, the Black Forest frame features a top pineapple fi...
Mirror, Oak
19th Century French Carved Eagle Mirror
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A finely carved wooden eagle holding a mirror in the shape of a crescent moon attributed to French cabinetmaker and wood craftsman, Gabriel Viardot (1830-1906). Dating from the late 19th century, this is a spectacular wall piece for any interior, making an impression in any space. It depicts an eagle in German Black Forest style beautifully captured in beech wood with an expressive and energetic stance, carved with talons, wings and feathers and completed with two glass eyes. While other designs of Viardot’s are of smaller scale, this eagle mirror is of a large, rare size. Famed Parisian cabinetmaker and craftsman Gabriel Viardot was born in 1830. By age 19, he had worked as a furniture maker for the court of Napoleon III and was the head of a small team of sculptors, opening his own workshop in Paris in 1853. Throughout his career, his work was shown at various exhibitions across the globe for which Viardot was prized with several awards. By the 1880s, the workshop comprised of more than 90 furniture...
Mirror, Wood, Beech
FINE ANTiQUE ORIGINAL BLACK FOREST FOLK ART WALL MIRROR OF CHAP WITH BEE ON NOSE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this super rare and highly collectable Black Forest Folk Art Wall mirror depicting the Jester with a Bee on ...
Mirror, Wood
Marvelous and Antique Pair of 19th Century Black Forest Hand-Carved Wood Frames
Located in Lisse, NL
*Note l: Our pricing reflects the free shipping, rarity, craftsmanship, and pristine condition of this piece. Automated estimates on the platform may not accurately reflect these fa...
Nutwood, Walnut
19th Century Rustic Black Forest Mirror With Oak Leaves/ Acorns, AT ca. 1870
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Exceptional designed, late 19th century rustic Black Forest wall mirror from the period around 1870. This phenomenal looking, elaborately hand carved Austrian rustic mirror impresses...
Mirror, Softwood
19th Century Rustic Black Forest Wall Mirror - Hand Carved, Austria circa 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Lovely rustic Black Forest wall mirror from the period in Austria around 1880. This rural style wooden mirror has been elaborately handcarved out of basswood and impresses with its a...
Mirror, Softwood
Early 20th Century Hand Crafted Black Forest Tabletop Dresser Mirror
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous hand carved and hand crafted Black Forrest table top shaving mirror from the late 19th century early 20th century. In excellent antique condition with minimal wear all looks...
Mirror, Walnut
19th Century Black Forest Rustic Wall Mirror, Austria, circa 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Fantastic executed, rustic wooden wall mirror out of Austria from the period around 1880. This so-called "Black Forest" mirror has been elaborately hand carved out of basswood and im...
Wood
Rare Antique Black Forest Carved Tree Shaped Coat Rack, Umbrella Hall Stand Tree
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning black forest entrance furniture. Imagine coming home to this work of art after a tough day at the office. This 19th century work of art will make you feel right back home. In order to understand and enjoy this kind of beauty, you have to see it. You have to see the design that was beforehand, see the craftsman that gave his all, see the natural and beautiful materials he used, see the detail of his work and see what inspired him to make this artistic piece. Once you see it in that way, you will truly love this antique and you will appreciate it for it's unmistakeble quality, beauty and for what it radiates. Pictures may say more than a thousand words, but standing next to and using this antique is what really makes the difference Although it is not marked, we are certain that this eyecatcher is made by Horrix of the Hague. They were the true and internationally respected Dutch makers of top quality Black Forest style masterpieces. This coat rack is no exception. The beautifully carved walnut branches covered with leafs seem to have naturally grown over the oval mirror in the middle. The mirror, by the way, is purposely covered in soap so there are no reflections that could distract. The base section comes with the original iron, barley twisted ring looking like rope. This ring obviously serves as the umbrella holder above the removable zinc drip pan. This stand is also perfect for holding walking sticks or even rifles. The rim around the zinc pan is again beautifully carved in the shape of a woven basket. Finally, the top section around the central mirror comes with a total of 8 practical and perfectly carved hangers...
Metal
Early 20th Century Vanity Mirror - France - Bronze - Birds and Floral Motif
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful French bronze vanity mirror, circa 1910-1920. This finely detailed tilting mirror features a richly decorated frame adorned with birds, roses, and naturalistic motifs. Th...
Brass, Bronze
19th Century Rustic Black Forest Wall Mirror with Black Accents, AT, circa 1890
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Extraordinary rustic, late 19th century Black Forest wall mirror out of Austria. Artfully handcarved around 1890, this unusal stained Black Forest wall mirror impresses with a simple...
Mirror, Softwood
19th Century Black Forest Rustic Mirror with Coat of Arms Carving, AT, ca 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Fantastic looking rustic Black Forest wall mirror from the late 19th century in Austria around 1880. Hand carved out of fine basswood this rural mirror shows an absolute amazing desi...
Mirror, Softwood
19th Century Rustic Wooden Black Forest Wall Mirror, Austria, circa 1890
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
From the late 19th century around 1890 in Austria comes this beautiful wooden rustic Black Forest wall mirror. A simple but elegant design was created out of hand carved basswood, sh...
Mirror, Softwood
19th Century Rustic Black Forest Mirror - Hand Carved, Austria circa 1890
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
From the late 19th century around 1890 in Austria comes this beautiful wooden rustic Black Forest wall mirror. A simple but elegant design was created out of hand carved basswood, sh...
Mirror, Softwood
19th Century Rustic Black Forest Mirror, Hand Carved, Austria, circa 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Unusual hand carved rustic Black Forest wall mirror with double frame out of Austria from the period around 1880. A real charming example of a late 19th century Black Forest mirror, ...
Mirror, Wood, Softwood
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Oak Hunting Wall Plaque with Mirror
Located in Dallas, TX
Bring bold Alpine character to a study, library, or lodge-inspired interior with this richly sculpted antique Black Forest panel, crafted in France circa 1880 and finished in a desir...
Mirror, Oak
Black Forest Rustic Wall Mirror, Doubleframe Handcarved, Austria circa 1870
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Extraordinary rustic wall mirror from the 19th century around 1870 in Austria. An unusual piece of a Black Forest mirror that has been elaborately handcarved out of basswood in an ex...
Mirror, Softwood
19th Century Black Forest Rustic Wall Mirror, Hand Carved, Austria, circa 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Great rustic wooden wall mirror in our high demanded Black Forest mirror collection. From Austria circa 1880 comes this unique artfully hand carved frame with protruding corners and ...
Mirror, Softwood
Rustic Black Forest Wall Mirror, Hand Carved, Austria, circa 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Out of Austria from circa 1880 comes this unique artfully hand carved Black Forest mirror, impressing with an unusual "Black Forest" design in the manner of old tree trunks. The artf...
Mirror, Softwood
19th Century Rustic Black Forest Mirror, Hand Carved, Austria, circa 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Extraordinary rustic Black Forest wall mirror from the late 19th century in Austria. Elaborately handcarved out of fine basswood, this exceptional antique mirror shows an amazing rur...
Mirror, Softwood
19th Century Black Forest Wall Mirror With Gilt Bars, Austria, ca. 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Amazing looking, rustic Black Forest mirror from the late 19th century in Austria. Elaborately handcrafted around 1880 this rural wall mirror shows an absolute unique design: a handc...
Mirror, Softwood
Rustic Black Forest Mirror Hand Carved With Oak Leaves, Austria, Circa 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Small rustic Black Forest wall mirror from the late 19th century in Austria, circa 1880. A lovely wall mirror impressing with its roughly carved basswood double frame which shows del...
Mirror, Softwood
19th Century Rustic Black Forest Wall Mirror - Tree Trunk Design, AT ca. 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Artfully crafted in Austria around 1880, this unusual designed, rustic Black Forest mirror impressing with its extraordinary old tree trunks design. The artfully hand carved mid-size...
Mirror, Softwood
Black Forest Wall Mirror Hand Carved, Austria, circa 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Mid-sized rustic Black Forest wall mirror from Austria, circa 1880. Beautifully hand carved out of basswood this late 19th century wall mirror shows a tree branch styled frame combin...
Softwood
Eagle Crescent Mirror 1890 Black Forest Carving
Located in Hastings, GB
Fantastic hand carved Eagle gripping a crescent bevelled mirror, dating to the late 19th century, Swiss Black Forest. The carving still has its’ original glass eye and is in exceptio...
Wood
$7,024Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Antler Mirror with Console Table, Austria, ca. 1860
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Antler Mirror with Console Table, Austria, ca. 1860 A large antler mirror with console table, made in Austria ca. 1860. The mirror is de...
Antler, Glass, Wood, Stucco
French 19th century Black Forest st. Walnut mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A unique and most handsome French 19th century Black Forest st. Walnut mirror. This stunning oval Black Forest mirror with its original mirror plate is wonderfully decorated by berri...
Walnut
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Walnut Wall Mirror with Foliage Motifs
Located in Dallas, TX
Carved in France circa 1870, this richly detailed wall mirror is a fine example of Black Forest-style craftsmanship, distinguished by its deeply sculptural forms and organic naturali...
Mirror, Walnut
19th Century Black Forest Rustic Wall Mirror Light Brown, Austria, circa 1890
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Unusual rustic Black Forest wall mirror out of Austria. From circa 1890 comes this lovely hand carved Black Forest wall mirror with a simple but elegant design, created out of basswo...
Mirror, Softwood