Black Forest Furniture
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
Creator: Black Forest
Creator: Black Forrest
Collection of 6 Antique Hand-Carved Wood Vanity Mirrors Brienz Black Forest
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This stunning collection of six antique hand-carved wooden vanity mirrors showcases intricate craftsmanship from the Brienz Black Forest region. Ea...
Category
1880s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood, Mirror
Antique Swiss German Black Forest Carved Walnut Writing Letter Box Folding Desk
By Black Forest
Located in Portland, OR
A very good carved walnut Swiss German Black Forest writing box, folding desk desk, Brienz Switzerland, circa 1890.
The slant front is finely carved in relief with a design of quills...
Category
1880s German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Antique Wooden Wall Shelf with Vine Leaf Carvings - Brienz / Black Forest
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This exquisite antique wooden wall shelf features intricate carvings of vine leaves and tendrils, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship typical of t...
Category
1890s German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Rare Model Swiss Black Forest Bear Tobacco Jar
By Black Forest
Located in Newark, England
Rare and Unique Model
From our Black Forest collection, we are delighted to introduce this rare example Swiss Black Forest Bear Tobacco Jar. The Bear Tobacco Jar carved from Linden ...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Playful Antique Black Forest Bear Family Liquor Tantalus with Glasses & Decanter
By Black Forest
Located in Lisse, NL
All hand-carved, Victorian Era, Black Forest hiking bear and cub, liquor tantalus set.
This finely carved Black Forest drinks set, dates from circa 1880 and it is both decorative an...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood
GERMANY 1870 Black Forest Oversized Cigar Humidor Box In Solid Carved Oak Wood
By Black Forest
Located in Miami, FL
A German cigar humidor box carved in oak wood.
This is a fabulous oversized black forest humidor box created in northern Europe, most probably in Germany or Switzerland, back in the...
Category
1870s German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Bronze
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...
Category
2010s Swiss Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Other
Black Forest Mantle Carving "Antler's Clash"
By Black Forest
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Swiss Black Forest mantle carving of two fighting stags. Great mangle carving piece. Part of the Brienz Collection but not published.
Period: circa 1920
...
Category
1920s Swiss Vintage Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
ANTiQUE GERMAN BLACK FOREST CARVED RAMS HEAD ANTLER SUPPER TABLE PART OF A SUITE
By Black Forest
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this very rare original German late 19th century black forest antler supper cafe side table which is part of...
Category
Early 1900s German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Black Forest Carving "The Hunter" Attributed to Johann Huggler
By Black Forest
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
The Hunter attributed to the Huggler's (1834-1912) Of Brienz - a small town in Bernese Oberland, Canton Bern Switzerland. A carving of a huntsman holding a cock pheasant. This appear...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Black Forest Carved Bear with Pen Inkwell
By Black Forest
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Walking bear pen holder and inkwell. Published in "Black Forest Bears and Swiss Woodcarvings," plate 92a. Book included.
In the 1800’s the wood carving industry of Switzerland started in the town of Brienz. By the end of the 1800’s it had become the driving force for this industry. Swiss wood carvers became world renown and featured at many international exhibitions.
Period: 1900
Origin: Switzerland
Size: 4" H x 7" W
Family Owned & Operated
Cisco’s Gallery deals in the rare, exceptional, and one-of-a-kind pieces that define the history of America and the Old West. Our pieces range from American Indian to Cowboy Western and include original items of everyday life, commerce, art, and warfare that tamed America’s frontier. Our 14,000 square foot gallery opened in 1996 in beautiful Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
Personal Service
Cisco’s operates on old fashioned values – honesty and integrity, and all of our items are backed by our money back guarantee. We appreciate the opportunity to earn your business. Whether you desire assistance with a jewelry purchase, choosing a gift, identification, or even selling – we hope to be your trusted source.
Black Forest, Brienz Collection, Carvings, Bears, Inkwells, Desk Accessories...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Black Forest Carved Candle Holder
By Black Forest
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Black Forest candle holder with tree and standing chamois. Part of the Brienz Collection but not published. In the 1800’s the wood carving industry of Swi...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
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...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Large 19th Century Carved Black Forest Mantel Clock
By Black Forest
Located in London, GB
A Large Black Forest Mantle Clock
Constructed in carved linden wood, fitted with a two train eight day striking clock; mounted on a shaped...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Musical circa 1880 Black Forest Hand Carved Fox Whip Hook Glass Eyes
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this exceptionally rare, Musical, original circa 1880 Swiss made Black Forest wood, Fox whip hook with glass eyes
These...
Category
1880s Swedish Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th Century Black Forest Carved Bear Chair
By Black Forest
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 Furniture
Materials
Wood
Black Forest Carved Swiss Entry Table with Bears
By Black Forest
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Swiss Black Forest carved entry or hall table with two smiling standing bears holding a log over their shoulders as front legs. Tabletop surrounded by car...
Category
2010s Swiss Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Pine
Late 19th century Black Forest Dog Sculpture, 1890s
By Black Forest
Located in LEGNY, FR
Very beautiful hand arved wooden statue representing a cocker spaniel with glass eyes.
Black Forest, Austrian work dating from the end of the 19th century.
Carved from a single piec...
Category
1890s Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood
Black Forest Carved Bird Plaque
By Black Forest
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Swiss carved walnut plaque with game bird and two chicks with vine and leaf design. Part of the Brienz Collection but not published.
Period: circ...
Category
1920s Swiss Vintage Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Black Forest Linden Wood Carved Swiss Bear Glass Eyes
Located in Cheltenham, GB
Black Forest Linden wood naturalistically carved strolling bear with original glass eyes, crafted in Brienz. This exquisitely carved lindenwood piece features realistic details. A...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Softwood
Swiss Black Forest Bear Hand Carved Table Mirror
By Black Forest
Located in Newark, England
From our Black Forest collection, we are delighted to introduced this superbly carved Black Forest Bear Table Mirror. The Black Forest Mirror i...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair Black Forest Carved Hanging Game Plaques
By Black Forest
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Matched pair of Black Forest linden wood hanging game plaques. One with chamois and grouse, the other red stag and fox. Both complete with rifle and game ...
Category
Early 1900s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th Century Black Forest Carved Cabinet
By Black Forest
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Swiss carved china cabinet. Front door has bear paying accordion. Mother and father dancing together as cub plays close by. Two bears supporting shelves. Two drawers for flatware. Be...
Category
Early 1900s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
PAIR OF ANTIQUE GERMAN BLACK FOREST CARVED ANTLER ARMCHAiRS PART OF A SUITE
By Black Forest
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this very rare pair of original German late 19th century black forest antler armchairs which are part of a s...
Category
Early 1900s European Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Oak
Black Forest Carved Jewelry Box, circa 1900
By Black Forest
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Beautiful hand carved Black Forest footed jewelry box with two song birds as finials. Comes with original key. Unique find.
Origin: Switzerland,...
Category
Early 1900s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Black Forest Carved Bear with Pen Inkwell
By Black Forest
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Swiss bear with log pen rest and inkwell. Published in "Black Forest Bears and Swiss Woodcarvings," plate 93a. Book included.
In the 1800’s the wood carving...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
CARVED BLACK FOREST WOOD SMOKiNG PIPE CABINET BOX LATIN INSCRIBED NIL NISI CRUCE
By Black Forest
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning, hand carved Black Forest wood, smoking pipe cabinet or rack with inscribed top reading "Nil N...
Category
1870s German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Black Forest Carved Dog Inkwell
By Black Forest
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Swiss carved black Forest shaggy dog inkwell with pen holder. In the 1800’s the wood carving industry of Switzerland started in the town of Brienz. By the ...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Black Forest Carved Jewelry Box, circa 1900
By Black Forest
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Footed oval Black Forest jewelry box with floral finials. Stunning piece.
Origin: Switzerland, circa 1900
Dimensions: 8" x 5" x 5".
Family Owned & Operated
Cisco’s Gallery deals ...
Category
Early 1900s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Black Forest Horn Table and Stools
By Black Forest
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Black Forest horn table with 4 matching stools. Table size. Stools are 13" square x 19"H. The tops are carved antler and brass shell casings. Would f...
Category
Early 1900s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Antler, Wood
19th Century German Black Forest’ Jardinière
By Black Forest
Located in North Miami, FL
19th century German Black Forest’ Jardinière of substantial size constructed in a profoundly dimensional carved wood, rising from round base, with ...
Category
19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Rare 19th Century Black Forrest Carved Hall Chair Hand-Carved Hawk Bobbin Turned
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
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 Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Antique circa 1880 Super Rare Black Forest Hand Carved and Painted Whip Hook
By Black Forest
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this exceptionally rare, stunning, original circa 1880 Swiss made Black Forest wood, whip hooks which has the original paint
This is a fine exa...
Category
1880s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th Century Black Forest Bear
By Black Forest
Located in London, GB
A large Black Forest bear in the form of stick stand on a rocky base with roaring expression, stained red tongue.
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Black Forest Carved Cat Match Holder
By Black Forest
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Swiss carved match holder with a cat with glass eyes seated beside a pitcher. In the 1800’s the wood carving industry of Switzerland started in the...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Black Forest furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Black Forest furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, more furniture and collectibles, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, glass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Black Forest furniture 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 furniture, popular names associated with this style include Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel, Black Forest, Sofina Porzellan, 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 furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $30 and tops out at $150,000 while the average work can sell for $1,550.
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