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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Item Ships From: Europe
Style: Black Forest
Vintage Wooden Strolling Bear Handcarved in Brienz ca. 1950
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Wooden Strolling Bear Handcarved in Brienz ca. 1950
A vintage statue of a walking bear. Made of lindenwood, finely handcarved with naturalistic details in Brienz, Switzerlan...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Gunpowder Horn with Great Engravings, 18th Century
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Gunpowder Horn with Great Engravings, 18th Century
An antique gunpowder horn made of horn and wood. There are engraved hunting scenes depicting a styli...
Category
Late 18th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Antler
Black Forest Pottery Dish Hand-Painted Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel Austria
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Large hands-free painted pottery dish in the style of black forest. Decorated with a handpainted green decor with trees and a hands-free painted garlande ....
Category
2010s Austrian Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Pottery, Ceramic
Original Antique Print After Heinrich Leutemann, Reynard the Fox and Grimbart
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image by Heinrich Leutemann.
From the Reynard The Fox series.
Fine steel engraving.
Published by A.H. Payne C.1850
Unframed.
Category
1850s English Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Paper
Top Quality Carved Antique Swiss Black Forest Exhausted Stag Sculpture Inkstand
Located in Lisse, NL
Finest quality carved and very good condition Swiss black forest stag / deer sculpture.
For the collectors of the rarest and best quality Black Forest sculptures we also have this very detailed, hand-carved stag. Looking at the intricate details and the impressively realistic features of this possibly dying stag, this simply can only be the work of a Swiss master carver. Being capable of creating this much detail on a relatively small sculpture takes a god given talent and a lifetime of experience. With the anatomy, the posture AND the balance being perfectly correct, this work of art inkstand is simply devine. An experienced antique seller...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Black Forest Vase Green Crystal with Hunting Decor Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Handblown crystal vase in green glass with hand-edged hunting scene in the style of black forest. The decor is an antique decor with deers, trees and bambis all around. Completely ha...
Category
2010s German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Black Forest Porcelain Bowl with Bambi Figure Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Completely handmade porcelain bowl with a hands-free naturalistic painted bambi figure in brown. The bambi is sitting in the middle of the bowl for decorating nuts or sweets around. ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Black Forest Mirror with Rustic Bear Carvings, ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique black forest mirror with rustic bear carvings ca. 1900
A large crescent vanity mirror in a handcarved wooden frame featuring two ...
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th Century Walking Stick with a Black Forest Carved top Portrait of a Dog
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Fantastic antique walking stick, with a beautiful wood carved head of a dog on top. The stick is extra long in size, which indicates that the stick wa...
Category
1890s French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Black Forest Set of Six Glass Plates Red Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Set of six crystal plates in brillant red color with an country style decor all around. The charming black forest decor is hand.-engraved and shows ...
Category
2010s German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Glass
large scale 19th century carved walnut Black Forest dog tobacco box, circa 1860
Located in Central England, GB
This brilliant hand carved walnut tobacco or pipe smokers stand is the best I have ever seen. It dates to circa 1860 and was made in the Black Forest region of Switzerland which is r...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Black Forest Mahogany Planter
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
19th century Black Forest mahogany planter.
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Naturalistic Black Forest Carved Horse Sculpture by Vitus Madl, Germany
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Naturalistic black forest carved horse sculpture by Vitus Madl, Germany.
An antique wooden carved Black Forest horse sculpture carved in naturalist...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
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 Furniture
Materials
Wood
Black Forest Austrian Pair of Red Deer Fur Cushions Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Pair of soft red deer fur cushions with white spots. Backside grey and camel cashmere wool.
The fur comes from the Kitzbuehel alps.
Category
2010s Austrian Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Fur
Black Forest Wood Carved Brienz Bear Inkwell German Vintage, 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic 1890s black forest Brienz wood carved inkwell in form of a Bear. Nice addition to your room or just for use it on your desk. Made of hand carved wood and glass eyes. Found at...
Category
1890s German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Charming Bavarian Girl and Sunflower, Black Forest Nursery Wall Decoration
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Absolutely charming, large wood carving of a young Bavarian girl and sunflower wall decoration
This substantial wall hanging is two feet in length, ...
Category
1950s German Vintage Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Large Vintage German Christmas Jumping Jack
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Large vintage christmas jumping jack in wood. The front covered in paper with a beautiful vintage decoration Handmade in the area of Erzgebirge Germany. T...
Category
1950s German Vintage Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Business Card Tray with Deer Antler Decorations, Germany, ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Business card tray with deer horn antler decorations, Germany ca. 1900
A rustic business card tray, made of turned nut wood with deer antle...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Black Forest Mirror in Lindenwood Hand Carved Tree Branches in the Folk Style
Located in London, GB
This is one of a pair of incredibly skilfully carved beautiful mirrors, that replicate a border of branches wrapping around a curved bevelled original mirror. The carving is in very good original condition, with the mirror showing no signs of chips or cracks. The mirror carries all the age related wear you would want and expect to see with very slight delicate and decorative foxing as shown in the images. A very rarely seen and accomplished crafted collectible item that will work well, juxtaposed within a timeless and modern interior.
Black Forest carvings usually depict forest animals, particularly bears, and also trees and foliage. A common misconception is that they originate from the Bavarian Black...
Category
1860s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Other
19th Century 'Black Forest' Carved Clock with Hunter and Hound
Located in London, GB
A black forest carved hunt clock
Constructed from native Swiss Lindenwood, the clock movement denoting the hours in enamelled Roman numerals and housed w...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
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 Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Hand Carved Black Forest Game Hunter's Bag with Woodcock, Rifle & Horn
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Black Forest antique hand carved miniature wall pocket of a fringed game hunter's bag with woodcock, rifle and horn
Rich, dark patina and very we...
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Oak
Black Forest Set of Six Beer Glasses Hand Blown Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Black Forest set of six beer glasses made in Germany called Bierseidl in clear crystal glass. Hand blown in Bavaria and hand-engraved with trees ...
Category
2010s German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Large Size & Great Quality Carved Jewelry, Treasure or Collecting Box / Casket
Located in Lisse, NL
A beautiful and top condition antique black forest jewelry box, carved on all sides.
This rare and large jewelry box makes a beautiful accessory for a lady with an eye for fine arts. It is a very well fine carved gem and highly practical with a good working lock and key. The detailed leafs, branches and flowers on top
and the marvelous blue...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Brass
Black Forest Mirror in Lindenwood Hand Carved Tree Branches in the Folk Style
Located in London, GB
This is one of a pair of incredibly skilfully carved beautiful mirrors, that replicate a border of branches wrapping around a curved bevelled original mirror. The carving is in very good original condition, with the mirror showing no signs of chips or cracks. The mirror carries all the age related wear you would want and expect to see with very slight delicate and decorative foxing as shown in the images. A very rarely seen and accomplished crafted collectible item that will work well, juxtaposed within a timeless and modern interior.
Black Forest carvings usually depict forest animals, particularly bears, and also trees and foliage. A common misconception is that they originate from the Bavarian Black...
Category
1860s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Other
Black Forest Set vof Six Hand-Engraved Crystal Plates Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Set of six plates in colored blue crystal with a hands-free engraved winter decor all around. The charming hand-engraved decor shows different trees and mountains in the style of Bla...
Category
2010s German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Set of Three 19th Century Black Forest Carvings
Located in Martlesham, GB
A set of three 19th century black forest carvings of bears in different poses, all three bears are in very good condition and having lovely crisp carving. Circa 1880.
Category
1880s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Black Forest Crystal Laterne Green Hunting Scene Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Hand blown crystal vase/lantern in green with hand engraved deers and trees all around in the style of black forest.
Completely handmade in Bavaria/Germany. Can be used also with ca...
Category
2010s German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Antique Pair of Black Forest Photo Frames / Wall Mirrors with Grapevine Frames
Located in Lisse, NL
Superb condition, rare pair of hand carved, solid oak frames with stunning grapevines all around.
If you are appreciative of rare and sculptural antiques then this Swiss Black Forest pair...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Glass, Oak, Paint
19th Century Brienz Black Forest Hand-Carved Bear Hall Stand
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A fine 19th Century Brienz Black Forest hand-carved bear hall stand.
This charming hall stand is naturalistically carved in Linden wood and depicts ...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique ‘Black Forest’ Jardinière of Substantial Size
Located in London, GB
Constructed in a well carved lindenwood, rising from quadripartite feet, naturalistically, representing branches, supporting a tree form central column dressed with two storks and supporting a carved rope dressed rectangular plant trough...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Black Forest Crystal Laterne Green Hunting Scene Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Handblown crystal vase/latern in green with hand-etched Black Forest decor with deers and trees all around.
Completely handmade in Bavaria/Germany....
Category
2010s German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Hand Carved Wooden Sculpture Lamp Night Watchman with Lantern, Germany
Located in Barntrup, DE
A masterfully hand-carved wooden lamp features a beautiful sculpture of a night watchman with a lantern and halberd. The lantern is made of glass and co...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Copper
Black Forest Wall Light Shade Wallpaper with Hunting Scene Sofina Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Handmade lampshade in the style of Black Forest made of wallpaper with a hunting scene in red, blue green colors and a deer in the middle
Fixed with a handmade paspol in beige silk....
Category
2010s Austrian Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Paper
Original Antique Print After Heinrich Leutemann, Reynard the Fox, Bruin in Trap
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image by Heinrich Leutemann
From the Reynard The Fox series
Fine steel engraving
Published by A.H. Payne C.1850
Unframed.
Category
1850s English Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Paper
Antique Hand Carved Black Forest Wooden Chest or Trunk Shape Jewelry / Cigar Box
Located in Lisse, NL
Excellent workmanship and very cool looking antique box.
This 19th century and all handcrafted box is perfect for decorating the interior of your lodge, but also in a home environme...
Category
19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Brass
Stunning Antique Hand Carved Nutwood Black Forest Box with Secret Lock Mechanism
Located in Lisse, NL
Masterly carved and good size, two tone Black Forest jewelry box from circa 1880.
If you are a collector of truly beautiful Black Forest artwork then you will love this 19th century, multi-purpose box. The first thing that draws your attention is the stunning, raised, oval medallion on top of this unique box. It is entirely hand carved out of solid nutwood and the two tones makes the quality and details of the rose flower and branches atop stand out even more. The entire top of this box is remarkably well carved and it is in mint condition. The front and back come with hand carved bird sculptures...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Metal
Set of Three 19th Century Black Forest Carvings of Bears in Different Poses
Located in Martlesham, GB
A set of three 19th Century black forest carvings of bears in different poses, all three bears are in very good condition and having lovely crisp carving.
Category
1880s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Antique Black Forest Bench Hallway Swiss Bear Carved 20th Century Sofa Loveseat
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Make sure you always come home with a warm welcome with this marvelous Black Forest sofa in your hallway.
Carved out of solid wood by a master carver th...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Oak
Wood Black Forest Brienz Carved Walnut Inkwell German Antique, 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1890s Black Forest Brienz wood carved inkwell in form of a walnut on a leaf. Nice addition to your room or just for use it on your desk. Made of hand carved wood and gl...
Category
1890s German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Metal
Antique Finer Quality Carved Black Forest Bear Sculpture / Striking Deskpiece
Located in Lisse, NL
Incredible workmanship, antique bear sculpture on a nutwood base.
Most people on earth don't have a very good idea of who they are, nor what they reall...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood, Nutwood
Carved Wooden Horse, Black Forest, 19th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Horse in front of a trough, carved wood, work of great finesse and delicacy
Good condition, restorations (almost invisible!) on the legs
Black Forest, similar to the work of Huggle...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Black Forest Porcelain Bowl with Fox Figure Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Completely handmade porcelain bowl with a hands-free natrualistic painted fox figure in brown colors. The fox is sitting in the middle of the bowl for decor...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Original Antique Print After Heinrich Leutemann, Reynard The Fox, Man & Donkey
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image by Heinrich Leutemann
From the Reynard The Fox series
Fine steel engraving
Published by A.H. Payne C.1850
Unframed.
Category
1850s English Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Paper
Carved Wood Chamois Family by Ernst Heissl, Ebensee Austria, circa 1900
By Ernst Heissl
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A handcarved wooden sculpture of a chamois group with buck, chamois and fawn. A very fine and natural carving by the Austrian woodcarver Ernst Heissl, ca....
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Set of Six Black Forest Hand Painted Dinner Plates Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Set of six completely handmade and hand painted underglaze porzelain dishes. The decor shows a black forest hands-free painted oak leaf with a green handsfree line and platinum rimme...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
19th Century French Carved Oak Black Forest Plant Stand Jardinière Flower Box
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Gorgeous fully hand carved Black Forest 19th century plant stand / jardiniere in hand carved Fruitwood.
The stand body has outstanding carvings with the center a dimensional carved...
Category
1880s French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Fruitwood
Hand Carved Mountaineer Sculpture Pendant Light w. Brass Arts & Crafts Lantern
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare and beautifully crafted light fixture for Black Forest and mountaineering enthousiasts.
This beautifully hand carved and sculptural light fixture is in superb condition. A ligh...
Category
20th Century Austrian Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Iron, Brass, Metal
Antique Top Quality Carved Black Forest Style Knitting Farmer's Wife Sculpture
Located in Lisse, NL
One of the best ever hand carved, black forest of Southern Germany sculptures.
This unique antique is for the collectors and connoisseurs, because the quality in the details of th...
Category
Early 20th Century European Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Black Forest Porcelain Bowl with Wild Boar Figure Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Completely handmade porcelain bowl with a hands-free natrualistic painted wild boar figure in grey colors. The fox is sitting in the middle of the bowl for decorating nuts or sweets ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Black Forest Carved Oval Mirror
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Black Forest carved oval mirror
A lovely piece, the 4” wide frame has an intricately carved border. It is carved with many large entwining leaves
The mirror is in good condition...
Category
19th Century Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Fruitwood
Black Forest Set of Six Beer Glasses Skier Decor Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Set of six beer glass called Bierseidl in clear crystal glass. Hand blown in Bavaria and hand-engraved with trees and a skier boy in the style of Black Forest. For 0.7 liter beer. Ca...
Category
2010s German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Black Forest Cushion Handmade Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Handmade cushion in brilliant green colors in cotton and linen fabric with a bird in the style of Black Forest. The fringe all around is made by hand in the style of the Austrian dir...
Category
2010s Austrian Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Velvet
Black Forest Crystal Latern Hand Blown Hunting Decor Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Hand blown crystal latern in grey glass from Bavaria. The votiv is hand blown and the decor is hands-free engraved by glass artists all around with a hunting scene with trees and dee...
Category
2010s German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Large Hall Mirror with Cow Horn Decorations and Console Table, Austria, 1870
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large hall mirror with cow horn decorations and console table, Austria 1870
A great wall mirror with console table from a noble villa in the Austri...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Antler, Glass, Wood, Fur
Black Forest Porcelain Vase Hunting Decor Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Hands-free painted porcelain vase with a hunting design with deers and trees all around. Lined with a green line and rimmed with a 24 carat gold line. Completely hand painted in Bava...
Category
2010s German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Pendant Light with a Large Wooden Figure Mountain Climber with Lantern, Germany
Located in Barntrup, DE
Wonderful German figural pendant lamp features a large hand-carved figure of a mountain climber. The detailed carved wooden mountaineer is holding...
Category
1930s German Vintage Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Metal
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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