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Black Forest Chairs

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
Pair of rare Antler Parlor Chairs, France ca. 1860
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Pair of rare Antler Parlor Chairs, France ca. 1860 These two very rare antler parlor chairs are made of stag antlers with feet carved as lions claws. Made in France, ca. 1860 - the ...
Category

Mid-19th Century German Antique Black Forest Chairs

Materials

Antler, Wood

Four Antique Bull Horn Chairs ca. 1870
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Four Antique Bull Horn Chairs ca. 1870 A set of four antique bull horn chairs ca. 1870, covered with antique green velvet which has to be renewed (is loo...
Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Chairs

Materials

Wood, Antler

Father Wind Spinning Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This wooden chair was made in the late 1800s and was used for spinning yarn; hence the name "Spinning Chair". Made with strong oak wood; elegant, rich hand-carvings cover the chair h...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Chairs

Materials

Wood, Oak

Pair of Antique Bull Horn Chairs Austria 1870
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Pair of Antique Bull Horn Chairs Austria 1870 A pair antique bull horn chairs, from a noble villa in Austria. The seats are with antique green velvet ...
Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Chairs

Materials

Wood, Antler

A Pair Carved Bavarian Board Chairs ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A Pair Carved Bavarian Board Chairs ca. 1900 A pair wonderful carved oak wood board chairs from a famous munich inn. The backrests are carved with whimsy folksy scenes of the Munich...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Chairs

Materials

Nutwood

Late 19th Century Black Forest Farm House Chair Wood Painted Germany
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Hand-painted wooden farm house chair in the style of Black forest in blue-green color with a medaillon showing two sheeps. Original color and paintin...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Chairs

Materials

Wood

Black Forest Antler Arm Chair by J. A. K. Horn, Turingen 1840s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Black Forest Antler Arm Chair by J. A. K. Horn, Turingen 1840s An elaborate antique Black Forest antler arm chair with real stag and deer antlers as legs, arm- and backrests, seat w...
Category

Mid-19th Century German Antique Black Forest Chairs

Materials

Antler, Wood

Late 19th Century Black Forest Farm House Chair Wood Painted Germany
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Farmhouse chair in the style of Black Forest. Painted in green-blue with a white swan in the medaillon. Original painting, No restaurations. A second matching chair is available.
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Chairs

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swiss-German Black Forest Antler Horn Throne Chair
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A very unusual throne chair or armchair made in the Black Forest region of south-west Germany bordering Switzerland. The horns from elk/moose, antler and goat are intertwined to crea...
Category

19th Century German Antique Black Forest Chairs

Materials

Antler, Fabric

Nutwood Edelweis Marquetry Chair Swiss Brienz 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Nutwood Edelweis Marquetry Chair Swiss Brienz 1900 A wonderful inlayed nutwood chair decorated with inlayed and painted sceneries depicting chamois, stag and edelweis flowers. Surro...
Category

Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Chairs

Materials

Nutwood

19th Century French Black Forest Carved Oak Smoking chair with Cigar Storage
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant antique "Chaise de Fumeur" or smoking chair was crafted in France, circa 1880. This rich oak chair stands on two front scroll legs ending with paw feet and barley twist ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Chairs

Materials

Leather, Oak

Nutwood Edelweis Marquetry Chair Swiss Brienz 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Nutwood Edelweis Marquetry Chair Swiss Brienz 1900 A wonderful inlayed nutwood chair decorated with inlayed and painted sceneries depicting chamois, goat and edelweis flowers. Surro...
Category

Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Chairs

Materials

Nutwood

2 austrian marriage chairs/ Happy Woman Happy Life by Markus Friedrich Staab
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
These chairs are 1940s Farmhouse chairs from the Black Forest in Germany. They are hand carved and they symbolize a good relationship between man and woman. These kind of chairs wher...
Category

1910s German Vintage Black Forest Chairs

Materials

Oak, Lacquer

Stunning Antique Black Forest Fireplace Chair by Horrix w Excellent Upholstery
Located in Lisse, NL
Amazing quality carved, great condition, beautifully upholstered and rare antique chair. Over the years we have sold beautiful Black Forest antiq...
Category

Mid-19th Century Dutch Antique Black Forest Chairs

Materials

Oak, Upholstery

Set of Four Antique Chairs by Horrix
Located in Dallas, TX
Set of four antique chairs by Horrix are perfect examples of the highest quality furnishings produced by the storied Dutch company. Displaying a Bl...
Category

Early 20th Century Dutch Black Forest Chairs

Materials

Oak

19th Century Black Forest Carved & Inlaid Salon Chair
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century Black Forest carved & inlaid salon chair is a masterpiece of the furniture maker's art! Sumptuous walnut was artfully carved to resemble naturalistic wood as it would appear in the forest, yet constrained into the form of a shield-back chair with boldly scrolled legs. The seat back is particularly intricate, with a combination of straight timbers combined with vine motif. Centered is an oval plaque with inlaid saw-tooth border around an Alpine Horn...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Chairs

Materials

Satinwood, Walnut

Collectible Design "Peak of a Century" by Markus Friedrich Staab
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Simple farmers chair, cut, abroad, painted. A good example for Staabs work of functional art. Through my work I transform each chair into a unique and individual object. Chairs that...
Category

Early 1800s German Antique Black Forest Chairs

Materials

Oak, Lacquer

Black Forest Carved & Intricately Inlaid Musical Chair, Swiss, ca. 1900
Located in Banner Elk, NC
A Black Forest Carved Walnut Chair, the seat and seatback with intricately inlaid cartouches each depicting an alpine chamois, with carved edelweiss and leaves, with the working musi...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Chairs

Materials

Satinwood, Walnut

Pair of Rare Antler Parlor Chairs, French, ca. 1860
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Pair of rare Antler Parlor chairs, French ca. 1860 The two very rare antler parlor chairs are made of stag antlers with feet carved as lions claws. French, ca. 1860 - covering renew...
Category

Mid-19th Century German Antique Black Forest Chairs

Materials

Antler, Fur, Wood

Original Black Forest Set '6' Hand-Carved Dining Chairs Available Matching Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Black forest carvings became a symbol of wealth in the 1800’s and were found in the homes of serious collectors. Their history of Black Forest carvings dates back to the 1800’s in the town of Brienz, Switzerland. Black Forest carving began as a cottage industry and found a niche market and was popular with the tourist trade. When one thinks of Black Forest carvings, they immediately think of carved bears and that’s probably because there are thousands of reproductions. Old Plank has discovered a real treasure trove...
Category

1890s Swiss Antique Black Forest Chairs

Materials

Wood

Swiss Black Forest Bear Musical Child Chair Seat
Located in Newark, England
Rare Antique Swiss Black Forest carved musical child's chair circa 1890. The chair of novelty form beautifully carved with a naturalistic look. The chair carved as twin bears support...
Category

Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Chairs

Materials

Metal

19th Century Black Forest Carved Bear Chair
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Black Forest Swiss carved chair having bear on fallen log. Carved bear on lifting seat which once had a music box. Part of the Brienz collection pla...
Category

Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Chairs

Materials

Wood

Pair of Black Forest Hall Chairs
Located in Wilson, NC
This pair of hall chairs are carved with floral and leaf motifs on a stipled background. The seat is carved with an incised square basketweave pattern which is framed on three sides ...
Category

1860s German Antique Black Forest Chairs

Materials

Fruitwood

Black Forest Carved & Intricately Inlaid Walnut Musical Chair, Swiss, Ca. 1900
Located in Banner Elk, NC
A black forest carved walnut chair, the seat and seatback with intricately inlaid cartouches each depicting an alpine chamois, with carved edelweiss and leaves, with the working musi...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Chairs

Materials

Satinwood, Walnut

Pair of 19th Century Carved Linden Wood Chairs
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
An unusual pair of 19th century carved linden wood chairs. The backs and legs are carved in the form of tree branches and vines adorned with acorns and leaves. Having slatted bench seats...
Category

19th Century Antique Black Forest Chairs

Materials

Wood

Very Rare Pair of Original Early 20th Century Black Forest Wood Bear Armchairs
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning and exceptionally rare pair of original hand carved in Black Forest wood very large Bear armchairs A collectable and signature pai...
Category

1920s Swiss Vintage Black Forest Chairs

Materials

Wood

19th Century Carved Walnut Piano Stool, Black Forest
Located in North Miami, FL
19th Century carved walnut piano stool, Black Forest in the shape of a faun, which is a mythological half human half goat creature from Roman mythology. The height is adjustable to u...
Category

19th Century French Antique Black Forest Chairs

Materials

Metal

Pair Renaissance Style Carved Children Chairs, Ca. 1890
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A pair of wonderful carved nut wood children chairs, backrest carved in Renaissance style with fantastic grimace carvings, Germany, ca. 1890. Measures: Width 13.98" (35.5cm) Height ...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Chairs

Materials

Wood

Pair of Antique Rustic Antler Parlor Chairs, Germany, circa 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Pair of Antique Rustic Antler Parlor Chairs, Germany, circa 1900 A pair of antique antler chairs, made of antlers from the deer and fallow deer. ...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Chairs

Materials

Antler, Oak

Pair of Antique Swiss Black Forest Chairs w. Matching Tilt-Top Table, Late 1800s
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning hand carved Black Forest hall set with marquetry inlay. These very well crafted pieces of Black Forest furniture are an incredible sight to see. The workmanship and the lar...
Category

Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Chairs

Materials

Wood

Rare 19th Century Black Forest Walnut Armchair by Horrix with Classy Upholstery
Located in Lisse, NL
Unique, impressively carved and very comfortable chair from circa 1870. This unique chair is as strong and stable as the day it was made and the woodwork is in good to excellent co...
Category

Late 19th Century Dutch Antique Black Forest Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Rare 19th Century Black Forrest Carved Hall Chair Hand-Carved Hawk Bobbin Turned
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning Black Forrest Oak hand carved hall chair with bobbin turned legs and a large Hawk in the back...
Category

19th Century German Antique Black Forest Chairs

Materials

Hardwood

Black Forest chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Black Forest chairs 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 chairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, more furniture and collectibles, folk art and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, bone and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Black Forest chairs made in a specific country, there are Europe, Germany, and Switzerland pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original chairs, popular names associated with this style include Black Forest, Black Forrest, Markus Friedrich Staab, and Horrix. 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 chairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $941 and tops out at $19,429 while the average work can sell for $3,115.

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