Black Forest Chairs
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.
Mid-19th Century Dutch Antique Black Forest Chairs
Oak, Upholstery
Early 1900s English Antique Black Forest Chairs
Mahogany
Early 1900s Antique Black Forest Chairs
Iron
19th Century English Antique Black Forest Chairs
Brass
Early 20th Century American Black Forest Chairs
Iron
1950s Unknown Vintage Black Forest Chairs
Brass
Early 20th Century Black Forest Chairs
Iron
1880s English Antique Black Forest Chairs
Mahogany
19th Century Antique Black Forest Chairs
Brass, Steel
1830s Antique Black Forest Chairs
Iron
Early 20th Century French Black Forest Chairs
Silk, Walnut
Late 19th Century English Antique Black Forest Chairs
Stone
19th Century French Antique Black Forest Chairs
Wrought Iron