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.
Large Wooden Carved Female Cattle Sculpture Brienz Switzerland ca. 1920s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Wooden Carved Female Cattle Sculpture Brienz Switzerland ca. 1920s Item e7301 A very large naturalistically carved female cattle - masterly carved in lindenwood, Swiss, Brienz ...
Wood
Black Forest 1900s Hand Carved Wooden Buck Head Mounted on Shield Plate
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swiss Black Forest hand carved wooden buck head wall sculpture from the turn of the century, with shield plate. Born in the early years of the 20th century...
Wood
Pair Great Black Forest Wall Sconces with Deer Horns, Germany ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Pair Great Black Forest Wall Sconces with Deer Horns, Germany ca. 1900 An antique pair of Black Forest sconces for candles. Each made of original deer horns which are mounted on a t...
Antler, Wood
$2,768Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Wooden Carved Cupboard with Several Carvings
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Wooden Carved Cupboard with Several Carvings A detailed handcarved wooden buffet or cupboard with several elaborately carved wooden decorations depicting lion, putties, ange...
Wood
Black Forest Claw & Horn Desk Set and Candle Holders, 19th Century
Located in Savannah, GA
A Black Forest chamois horn and claw desk set with candle holders, 19th century. The desk set includes pounce pot and dish, quill holder and inkpot. Two ma...
Horn, Ebony
$3,160Sale Price / set|20% Off
Antique Dragon Head Wood Beams, Carved, Black Forest Style, Germany
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Set of Three Historical Dragon Head Wood Beams This set of three antique massive dragon head wood beams comes from a Bavarian half-timber house in the area ...
Wood
Fine Carved Statue of a Staghound, circa 1920
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Fine Carved Statue of a Staghound, circa 1920 A wooden carved statue of a staghound. It is carved as half relief out of one piece of nutwood. Made in Brienz, Switzerland circa 1920....
Wood
Large Antique Black Forest Brienz Hand Carved Wood Bear Humidor Sculpture
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This large antique humidor is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from Austria and date to approximately 1900 and done in the period Black Forest style. This well executed scul...
Softwood
$5,560Sale Price|37% Off
Monumental 19th Century Black Forest Carved “Spoils of the Hunt” Wall Clock
Located in Atlanta, GA
One of the most impressive masterfully carved German or Swiss black forest wall clocks I have ever had in my possession circa 1880. The shear size and quality of the carvings is incredible. Adorned with several duck and bird forms to the clock, a rifle, catch bag, powder horn and bird call...
Brass
$2,622
Black Forest mirror
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
Black Forest mirror, Austria, 19th. Century. Hand-carved. Decorated with a crown on top and a lot of oak leaves.
Wood
Antique Black Forest Red Deer Trophy from Salem - Germany, Banzenreuthe 1875
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Black Forest Red Deer Trophy from Salem - Germany, Banzenreuthe 1875 Item e6248 A 6 pointer black forest red deer (Cervus elaphus) trophy from the palace of Salem in South Ge...
Antler, Wood
A Wooden Carved Black Forest Bear Desk Set ca. 1920s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A Wooden Carved Black Forest Bear Desk Set ca. 1920s Item e7286 A nicely carved Black Forest bear desk set for small utensils. Executed in Brienz, Switzerland around 1920. Very good ...
Wood
Antique 19th Century Swiss Black Forest Jewelry Box Fruitwood Birds Band Carved
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Gorgeous & breathtaking! This 19th century black forest jewelry box carved out of fruitwood. Carved by a master carver with at...
Fabric, Fruitwood
19th Century French Carved Oak Saint-Hubert Hunt Buffet with Stag Crest
Located in Dallas, TX
Exceptional in scale, craftsmanship, and decorative detail, this antique Saint-Hubert hunt buffet is a superb example of late 19th-century French Renaissance Revival furniture. Craft...
Oak
$7,360Sale Price / set|20% Off
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 ...
Antler, Wood
Swiss Black Forest Hand-Carved Bear Sliding Bookends
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Swiss Black Forest hand-carved wooden bear bookends. Flat sliding bookends with carved details on bottom and bears on either end. Bears are hinged for easy storage. Well detailed, wo...
Wood
Pair of Antique Hand-Carved Black Forest Bear Chairs
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Antique Swiss Black Forest carved bear chairs. Intricately hand-carved with chair backs featuring bear climbing branches of oak leaves with acorns. Carved seats and bear heads on fro...
Wood
Siberian Deer Trophy Mount on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Siberian Deer Trophy Mount on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s Item e6939 A large antique Siberian deer (Capreolus pygargus) trophy on a wooden turned plaque with black finish. The trophy was...
Antler, Wood
Antique Handforged Cattle Bell Made in Switzerland ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Handforged Cattle Bell Made in Switzerland ca. 1900s Item e7310 An antique handforged cattle bell, made in Switzerland around 1900. The bell comes with its original brown lea...
Metal
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...
Other
Antique Cheese and Butter Knives with Deer Handles, circa 1950s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Cheese and Butter Knives with Deer Handles, circa 1950s A rustic serving set consisting of cheese knife and butter knife. The handles are made of genuine deer feet. The blad...
Metal
Black Forest style carved oak dog kennel, Switzerland/Germany, ca. 1850
Located in Meulebeke, BE
An exceptional Black Forest carved oak dog kennel, dating to around 1850, showcasing the region’s celebrated folk‑art craftsmanship. Shaped like a miniature chalet, the structure is ...
Oak
Great Rustic Black Forest Wooden Pulley with Rope
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Great Rustic Black Forest Wooden Pulley with Rope A great rustic Black Forest wooden pulley with rope. It comes from a Bavarian barn, ca. 1900, ol...
Wood
Antique Swiss Black Forest Carved Wood Bear Head Lidded Tobacco Box
Located in San Francisco, CA
Of large scale, the well-delineated and intricately carved head of a dog with hat motif lid; the expressive face with glass eyes and large snout; most likely from the Black forest ar...
Walnut
$622Sale Price|20% Off
Black Forrest Carved Black Walnut Toothless Man Motif Hanging Match Holder
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Black Forrest Carved Black Walnut Toothless Man Motif Hanging Match Holder Swiss, Later 19th Century A whimsical and intricately hand-carved piece from the Black Forest region, this hanging match holder features a realistically carved black walnut portrait of a smiling toothless man, or possibly a Satyr. Dating back to the later 19th century, this piece showcases the craftsmanship and charm of the era. The carved wood head portrait measures 3 inches wide, 3 inches high, and 2 inches deep, capturing the expressive details of the toothless man's face. Mounted on a beveled shield backplate, this match holder exudes a sense of whimsy and character. The brass ring holder adds a practical element, allowing for easy access to the matches. This match holder is designed to hold numerous standard 1.5-inch long matches...
Walnut
Hand Blown Wine Goblet Green Crystal Hunting Decor Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Hand blown wine goblet in green crystal with an antique hunting decor all around. The charming hand-engraved decor shows deers and trees in the style of Black Forest. The pedestal co...
Crystal
$1,312Sale Price|25% Off
GERMAN 1890 Treasure Chest Decorative Box In Cedar Wood & Silver Hardware
Located in Miami, FL
A German treasure chest desk box. This is a beautiful rectangular desk box created in Germany during the Imperial period, back in 1890-1900. The box is crafted in the shape of a treasure chest and fully carved in cedar wood and decorated with forged silver hardware’s. It is fitted with two sets of hinges and a security lock. The box is extremely well made and fitted in the interior with the original red velvet lining. Stamped with an oval bronze plaque, that read E S Schutz Marke...
Silver, Bronze
Abnorm White Tailed Deer Trophy Mount on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Abnorm White Tailed Deer Trophy Mount on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s A large abnorme white tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) trophy on a wooden plaque with black finish. The trophy w...
Antler, Wood
Finely Carved Wood Chamois with Glass Vase, Brienz, circa 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Finely carved wood chamois with glass vase, Brienz, circa 1900. A delicately hand carved wood sculpture of a chamois standing on a rocky base with three stump which features an antique glass vase inset. A very detailed and natural carving excecuted by one of the Swiss woodcarvers from the area of Brienz, circa 1900. The tradition of wood carving...
Wood, Blown Glass
Black Forest Style Carved Aneroid Barometer and Thermometer, c. 1890
Located in Atlanta, GA
Black Forest Style Carved Aneroid Barometer and Thermometer, c. 1890 A finely carved Continental wall barometer and thermometer in the Black Forest taste, formed as a vertical weath...
Oak
Large Group of Carved Cattles with Glass Vase Inset, Brienz ca. 1890
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Group of Carved Cattles with Glass Vase Inset, Brienz ca. 1890 A rare group of naturalistically carved cattles - bull, female cattle and young cattle standing around a stump. ...
Cut Glass, Wood
Mid-20th Century Black Forest Small Taxidermy Fawn on Green Painted Plinth
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
A very rare and very small stuffed real Bambi. Laying on a green painted wooden piece. Eyes in glass. The fur is in excellent condition. One ear has a small fur fault. Great decorati...
Fur
$2,388Sale Price / set|20% Off
19thc French Antique Carved Wood Black Forest King and Queen Wall Sconces
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Pair 19thc French Carved Wood Black Forest type "King and Queen" Wall Sconces. Neoclassical style. This pair is magnificent!
Wood
Antique Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Green Plaque - Salem Germany 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Green Plaque - Salem Germany 1900 An antique trophy of a 6-pointer red deer (Cervus elaphus) from Salem Castle in southern Germany. Shot by a...
Antler, Wood
Black Forest Carved Wood Figural Humidor Bear Head with Glass Eyes
Located in Barntrup, DE
The Black Forest carved wood figural humidor in the shape of a bear head with glass eyes, circa 1920. This antique, dark brown, linden wood humidor is masterfully carved and features...
Metal
Antique Chamois Trophy on Carved Plaque, Germany ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Chamois Trophy on Carved Plaque, Germany ca. 1900 Antique chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) trophy mounted on a wooden carved plaque. The trophy was shot arround 1900 in Germany...
Antler, Wood
Large Heavy Cast Iron 3 Bulb Flush Mounts - Matching Pair
Located in Peekskill, NY
I can'y believe we have a pair of these amazing flush mounts. Also these can hang from pipe to be chandeliers. The floral ring is heavy iron with a deep cast details. It has the feel of a carved Black Forrest Coo Coo clock...
Iron
$7,024Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Antler Mirror with Console Table, Austria, ca. 1860
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Antler Mirror with Console Table, Austria, ca. 1860 A large antler mirror with console table, made in Austria ca. 1860. The mirror is de...
Antler, Glass, Wood, Stucco
Rustic Black Forest Bear Humidor, Carved Walnut, 19th Century, Europe
Located in Queens, NY
Rustic Black Forest (19th Cent) carved walnut humidor in the shape of a bear figure standing near tree stump (with ashtray and covered container)
Walnut
Exquisite 19th century Swiss Black Forest Coat rack carved eagle hallway antique
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Exquisite & most impressive! This 19th century Swiss Black Forest eagle coat rack from carved wood. Highly detailed model with 4 hooks. The coat rack shows a scene of an eagle holdi...
Wood
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...
Fruitwood
Vintage Black Forest Chamois Trophy on Wooden Plaque, Germany 1960s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Black Forest Chamois Trophy on Wooden Plaque, Germany 1960s A large trophy of the chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra), mounted on a carved wooden plaque. The chamois was hunted in...
Antler, Wood
Exquisite Swiss Black Forest ''Eagle'' 19th Century Coat Rack / Hat Rack Walnut
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Exquisite & most impressive! This 19th century Swiss Black Forest eagle coat rack from carved walnut. Very large, highly detailed model with 8 hooks for plenty of coats. The coat...
Walnut
Pair of 19th Century Swiss Carved Black Forest Trophy Plaques Hunting Deer Stag
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Stunning craftsmanship! This pair of 19th century Black Forest hunting Trophy plaques from Brienz Switzerland. Fully carved from solid ...
Walnut
Antique White Tailed Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque - Germany 1930s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique White Tailed Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque - Germany 1930s This impressive set of antlers originates from a white tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and features a distinct...
Antler, Wood
19th Century Black Forest Carved Walnut Valet Chair
Located in Dekalb, IL
Exceptionally decorative Black Forest walnut valet chair combining seating and storage in a highly carved form. The back features deeply carved oak leaves and acorns surrounding an o...
Felt, Black Walnut
19th Century Black Forest Carved Humidor
Located in High Point, NC
19th century black forest humidor hand-carved in the shape of a dog's head. His hat lifts to reveal storage for tobacco or cigars. The carving on this piece is wonderfully detailed a...
Fruitwood
19th century carved oak black forest fire screen
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century carved oak black forest fire screen circa 1880. Beautifully carved example of black forest woodwork. Typical foliage and scrolling carved branches surmounted by a carv...
Tapestry, Oak
A C19th Carved Giltwood Wall Bracket
Located in London, GB
A 19th Century Carved Giltwood Wall Bracket A beautifully decorative wall shelf with larger proportions. The elegantly contoured shelf is supported by the feathered wings of the eag...
Beech
19th Century Black Forest Carved Humidor
Located in High Point, NC
19th century hand-carved black forest humidor with a figure of a dog and cat. The cat is atop a barrel, which has a lid which lifts to reveal a compartment for tobacco. The barrel is sitting on a base with hand-carved sticks and logs and an upside down hunting hat...
Fruitwood
19th Century German Black Forest Walnut Bear and Fish Carved Wall Sculpture
Located in Dallas, TX
This striking antique Black Forest carved wall sculpture depicts a powerful bear clutching a freshly caught fish, rendered with remarkable realism and expressive detail. Carved from ...
Walnut
Black Forest Carved Walnut Deer Head Trophy Mount
Located in Essex, MA
Well carved with original oval carved back. The head realistically carved with amber colored glass eyes. Antlers are carved walnut as well.
Glass, Walnut
19th Century Hand Carved Bracket Shelf
Located in High Point, NC
19th century hand carved bracket shelf from Holland, made from fruitwood. The shelf is shaped and has a molded edge sitting atop a hand carved man holding a horn. Very detailed carving.
Fruitwood
Antique Wooden Carved Crib Figurine of a Shepherd
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Wooden Carved Crib Figurine of a Shepherd A large antique wooden carved statue of a shepherd, probably from a Christmas crib. Handcarved in Germany in the second half of the...
Wood
Rustic Decor Antique Wooden Humidor
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Rustic Decor Antique Wooden Humidor A very large highly decorative rustic wooden humidor turned out from a solid thunk, tin inset. Executed, ci...
Wood
Black Forest Pottery Dish Hand-Painted Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel Austria
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
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 ....
Ceramic, Pottery
Antique Black Forest Lounge Chair from Switzerland Part of a Major Collection
Located in Highwood, IL
Antique Black Forest Lounge Chair, that was part of a major collection of Black Forest items sold by a Chateau outside of Marseille, France. There were a total of (42) antique Black Forest items that we have imported from the chateau and we still have a few remaining that are also listed on 1stdibs. Old Plank has been collecting and selling Black Forest furniture and Black Forest accessories for over 30-years and never have we witnessed a collection of Black Forest of this size. Black Forest furniture history began in Switzerland during the 1800’s and followed after the popularity of the small carved animals...
Wood
Beautiful Large Brienz Bear Hiker Statue Sculpture, Antique Switzerland
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A great looking hand carved original wooden Folk Art Bear Statue. A great piece for a suitable ambiance in a Cabin room or the office of a Hunter or Woodsman. More than likely one of...
Wood
Rustic Black Forest Walnut Library Ladder with Carved Branch Design
Located in Queens, NY
Rustic Black Forest (19th Cent) walnut 3 step library ladder with carved branch design. (late 19th cent.)
Walnut
Antique Carved Oak Oval Wall Mirror, Black Forest Style, 1900
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Carved Oak Oval Wall Mirror A lovely piece, the wide frame has a beautifully carved border decorated with Oak leaves and Acorns at the top. The mirror is in good condition, the fram...
Oak