Black Forest Religious Items
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
A Large Black Forest carved limewood study of a monk, Swiss, circa 1900
Located in Central England, GB
This most impressive large scale Black Forest limewood figure is beautifully carved and depicts the full standing figure of a portly monk dressed in a simple habit cheerfully enjoyin...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Religious Items
Materials
Wood
19th Century Carved Wood 3rd Station of the Cross, 'Jesus Falls’, Switzerland
Located in Buffalo, NY
19th century carved wood 3rd station of the cross, 'JESUS FALLS’ carved in Switzerland, recently acquired from Holy Angels Church located in Buffalo New Yo...
Category
1880s Swiss Antique Black Forest Religious Items
Materials
Wood
Antique German Wine Table or Stand with Hand-Carved Saying and Sculptural Legs
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare, meaningful, practical, handcrafted and highly decorative antique table.
This one of a kind table will appeal to spiritual people and collectors of stylish, rare and meaningful...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Religious Items
Materials
Leather, Wood
19th Century Black Forest Wall Shrine with St. Anthony of Padua & Jesus
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century Black Forest Wall Shrine with Porcelain St. Anthony of Padua & Jesus will make a splendid devotional for any room, and features sculpted wood combining the Renaissance and Classical styles in a lovely oval form upon which has been placed burgundy velvet, making the painted porcelain figurine of St. Anthony cradling the infant Jesus...
Category
1880s German Antique Black Forest Religious Items
Materials
Porcelain, Velvet, Oak
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Late 19th Century Holy Water Font - Crucifix Bronze Jesus - Cloisonné Enamel
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A refined holy water font features a finely detailed crucifix, portraying Christ in a traditional posture of sacrifice and serenity. At its center stands a finely cast bronze figure ...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Religious Items
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Marble, Brass, Bronze, Enamel
H 14.18 in W 8.27 in D 2.37 in
Finely Carved 'Black Forest' Pipe Stand
By Black Forest
Located in Forest Row, East Sussex
A finely carved "Black Forest' pipe stand. Carved Lindenwood with a single bear standing over a naturalistic base with the pipe holders and astray to fron...
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Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Religious Items
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Wood
Beautiful 19th-Century Sacred Heart of Jesus Statue in Polychrome Clay and Wood
Located in Lisse, NL
A powerful and emotionally rich representation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, hand-carved in wood, clay and richly polychromed, dating from the late 1800s. Likely originating from France or Belgium, this devotional statue combines craftsmanship, spiritual symbolism, and historical presence.
Christ is portrayed with an open gesture and serene expression, pointing to His Sacred Heart, which radiates gold and is crowned with thorns and a small cross. The robe features Gothic-inspired motifs in crimson and gold, and the original brass halo remains intact — a rare and beautiful detail.
This large sculpture of our loving teacher Jesus Christ is in good condition, showing only minor wear and light surface imperfections that give it authenticity and soul. The paint and gilding are beautifully preserved with a soft patina, typical of well-kept devotional objects of this age.
It makes an impressive display as-is, but could become truly striking when elevated on a pedestal or large Gothic wall bracket, making it ideal for a chapel, entry hall, or interior with religious or historic accents.
If you like this early 19th century work of religious ART as much as we do then you will love our price. Especially, since perfect packing and worldwide delivery from our store to your door in just 4 to 6 days are complimentary.
Height x width x depth of this statue: 43.5 x 17 x 10.5 inches.
Width x depth of the base: 10.2 x 97 inches.
The alabaster pedestal shown in some photos is not included.
We are driven by a passion for uniqueness, timeless, quality, stylish design, and the enduring craftsmanship of the past. Every purchase is carefully and thoughtfully packed — and we look forward to serving you (again).
To explore all our 1000+ listings, simply click the button labeled 'View All From Seller'.
Warm regards,
Henk and the Studio Team
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**Keywords / Tags: Sacred Heart of Jesus · antique religious statue...
Category
19th Century Dutch Antique Black Forest Religious Items
Materials
Brass
H 43.5 in W 17 in D 10.5 in
Antique fine quality 19th Century wine or side table mahogany and Walnut
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Antique fine quality 19th Century wine or side table mahogany and Walnut.
Solid with no loose joints. A charming table with a lovely carved pedestal.
No woodworm.
Would look great...
Category
19th Century Antique Black Forest Religious Items
Materials
Mahogany
1900 Swiss Black Forest Carved Basswood Begging Dog Cigar and Matchbox Holder
Located in Haarlem, NL
Swiss Brienz black forest hand carved linden wood begging poodle with brass matchbox holder and four brass cigar holders.
Black Forest wood carved art ...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Religious Items
Materials
Brass
H 10.63 in W 6.3 in D 7.88 in
Black Forest Deer Trophy on Carved Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Black Forest Deer Trophy on Carved Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s
A large antique deer (Capreolus capreolus) trophy on a wooden carved plaque with dark brown finish. The trophy was shot in...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Religious Items
Materials
Wood, Antler
19th Century Spanish Colonial Santos Shrine With Gilt Wood
Located in Stamford, CT
19th century Spanish Colonial shrine for a Santos or statue of the Virgin Mary in the form of a church likely from New Mexico. Topped with three crosses with traces of gilding, two c...
Category
19th Century Mexican Antique Black Forest Religious Items
Materials
Wood, Giltwood
Large Black Forest Roe Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque 1954
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Black Forest Roe Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque 1954
Item e7166
A great vintage roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) trophy on a wooden carved plaque. The plaque features a handpainted...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Black Forest Religious Items
Materials
Antler, Wood
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...
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Religious Items
Materials
Wood
H 14.5 in W 17.5 in D 6 in
19th Century French Carved Painted "Stations of the Cross", Complete Set of 14
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a private chapel, a staircase or hallway with this important and complete antique set of "The stations of the cross", or "Chemin de Croix" in French. Hand crafted in France...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Black Forest Religious Items
Materials
Plaster, Stucco
H 45 in W 36 in D 5 in
Art Deco Styled Chrome Lighted Airplane Smoker's Ashtray Stand or Accent Table
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This very unique lighted smoker's stand is unsigned, but presumed to have been made in North America, likely the United States, in approximately 1950 in an Art Deco style. This smoke...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Black Forest Religious Items
Materials
Metal
Black Forest Vintage Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque 1943
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Black Forest Vintage Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque 1943
A large vintage deer (Capreolus capreolus) trophy on a wooden carved plaque. The plaque fea...
Category
Mid-19th Century German Antique Black Forest Religious Items
Materials
Wood, Antler
Previously Available Items
Monumental Rustic 19th Century Carved Wood Church Cross
Located in Forney, TX
A massive nine foot tall by five foot wide rustic European antique ecclesiastical cross.
Hand-carved in the 19th century, originally commissioned for a church and mounted as a crucifix, featuring a large and distinctive naturalistic live edge knotty log sculptural form, reminiscent of Swiss Black Forest carvings, dark brown ebonized solid wood with warm rich worn patina, the back mounted with a heavy-duty metal hanging bracket.
Dimensions: (approx)
108" High, 60" Wide, 3.5" Deep (cross only), 5" Deep (including mounts)
Good original unrestored antique condition with nicely aged heavily worn weathered distressed patina. Originally a crucifix, no longer mounted with a near life-size Jesus sculpture. Retaining antique character marks and rustic charm throughout, including significant unrelated paint overspray to upper sections. Strong, sturdy, stable, structurally sound.
We here at Lynx Hollow Antiques absolutely love decorating with religious antiques, across all periods and religions, including altar table, Christian tabernacle, Catholic relic reliquary, temple architectural salvaged building elements, vestry...
Category
19th Century European Antique Black Forest Religious Items
Materials
Wood
Wall House Altar with Accessories 19th Century Black Forest Wood Carved
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Here I have to offer a fine antique classic 19th century Black Forest Brienz hand carved wall House Altar with a lot of Christianity miniatures and accessories. A wonderful decorativ...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Religious Items
Materials
Brass, Copper
Antique Hand Carved Black Forest Nutwood Crucifix w. Corpus of Christ Sculpture
Located in Lisse, NL
Amazingly hand carved black forest cross with matching size corpus and Gothic quatrefoil halo.
Over the decades we have sold a number of unique a...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Religious Items
Materials
Brass
H 15.75 in W 8.1 in D 1.8 in
Pair of Turn of the Century Hand Carved Oak Eagles, Stylized
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning pair of turn of the century hand carved oak eagles, stylized, 3' high x 3' wide, recently salvaged from Church in Buffalo NY ERECTED ON 1905. I believe these to be German??....
Category
Early 1900s German Antique Black Forest Religious Items
Materials
Oak
Antique Hand Carved Wooden Black Forest Crucifix with Bronzed Corpus of Christ
Located in Lisse, NL
Beautifully hand carved Black Forest cross with matching size corpus.
Over the decades we have sold a number of unique and interesting crucifixes...
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Religious Items
Materials
Metal
H 17.7 in W 6.1 in D 4.5 in
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Walnut Crucifix with Jesus Christ
Located in Dallas, TX
This antique cross was hand carved in France, circa 1870. The intricate crucifix stands on a rocky base and features the Lord nailed on the cross and painted with a polychrome finish...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Religious Items
Materials
Walnut
Antique Hand Carved Wooden Black Forest Crucifix with Corpus of Christ Sculpture
Located in Lisse, NL
Amazingly hand carved Black Forest cross with matching size corpus.
Over the decades we have sold a number of unique and interesting crucifixes, ...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Religious Items
Materials
Wood
H 16.9 in W 7.5 in D 1.9 in
19th Century German Kugel Ornaments, Blown Glass, Antique Holiday Orb Decor Set
Located in Brooklyn, NY
19th century German Kugel ornaments, blown glass, antique holiday orb decor set of 5. Rare authentic mid-late 19th century set of kugel glass ornaments...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Religious Items
Materials
Silver
Gothic Style German Black Forest Carving of Saint Christopher
Located in Stamford, CT
A 19th century German walnut carving of Saint Christopher carrying the Christ Child on his shoulders. Beautifully carved in the 15th century Gothic style. Labeled Oberammergau, a tow...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Religious Items
Materials
Walnut
Tall 19th Century French Black Forest Carved Walnut Crucifix with Jesus Christ
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant, antique cross was crafted in France, circa 1850. The intricate crucifix features the Lord nailed on the cross with some of the most interesting attributes related to His crucifixion. The carved motifs include the thorn crown, the spears, the sponge, the ladder, the "INRI" inscription which was nailed on the cross. The cross sits on oval base at the bottom with rocks and leaves. Not only is the French Black Forest cross...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Religious Items
Materials
Walnut
H 29 in W 12 in D 7 in
Black Forest religious items for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Black Forest religious items for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage religious items created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, decorative objects, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, animal skin and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Black Forest religious items made in a specific country, there are Europe, Germany, and Switzerland pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 religious items differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $784 and tops out at $17,000 while the average work can sell for $2,626.