Black Forest Sofas
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.
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Sofas
Wood, Antler
19th Century German Antique Black Forest Sofas
Mid-20th Century Danish Black Forest Sofas
Fabric, Mahogany
Early 1900s English Antique Black Forest Sofas
Leather
1750s English Antique Black Forest Sofas
18th Century and Earlier American Antique Black Forest Sofas
1810s Dutch Antique Black Forest Sofas
Satinwood, Upholstery, Mahogany, Tulipwood
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Black Forest Sofas
Bronze
1940s Danish Vintage Black Forest Sofas
Upholstery, Beech
1940s Danish Vintage Black Forest Sofas
Fabric, Beech, Walnut
1940s Danish Vintage Black Forest Sofas
Fabric, Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Black Forest Sofas
Bronze
1780s English Antique Black Forest Sofas
Upholstery, Mahogany
1940s Danish Vintage Black Forest Sofas
Leather, Mahogany
1890s French Antique Black Forest Sofas
Upholstery, Oak
Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Sofas
Metal
19th Century German Antique Black Forest Sofas
Antler, Leather
19th Century German Antique Black Forest Sofas
Wood, Antler