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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
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

Early to Mid-20th Century Hand Carved Black Forest Sitting Eagle Sculpture
Located in Lisse, NL
Quality carved, mint condition and majestic bird of prey. This stunning bald eagle sculpture stands out, because the artist has managed to create a perfectly realistic eagle without...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pendant Light with Figure of a Mountain Climber and a Blue Glass Lantern
Located in Barntrup, DE
Wonderful German pendant lamp features a hand-carved figure of a smiling mountain climber in beautifully hand-painted Bavarian traditional clothing in blue, brown, green, white, and ...
Category

1930s German Vintage Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Metal

Antique Circa 1880 Pair of Super Rare Black Forest Hand Carved Dwarf Whip Hooks
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this exceptionally rare pair of stunning, original circa 1880 Swiss made Black Forest wood, whip hooks of two Dwarfs These are a very very rare...
Category

1880s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swallow Nest Black Forest Key Rack Holder Wall Mount Vintage Folk Art
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A lovely key board made of hand carved wood, made in the black forest area in Germany. Found at an estate sale in Nuremberg, Germany. It is not marked. A nic...
Category

Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Black Forest Style Wall Plaques Circa 1880
Located in Bernville, PA
Pair of Black Forest style wall plaques C.1880’s. Each plaque displays beautifully detailed wood carvings, first photo consists of a fish carving and the other plaque consists of a b...
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Oak

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

German Black Forest Carved Boar Bookends
Located in San Mateo, CA
Pair of black forest carved boar bookends. The carving on these has excellent detail and craftsmanship. These were purchased by an army major that was stat...
Category

1940s German Vintage Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Black Forest Swiss 1900s Carved Wooden Fragment with Bear Motif and Gilt Accents
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Black Forest period carved wooden fragment from the early 20th century, with bear motif. hand carved in Switzerland during the turn of the century, this wooden fragment features a ...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Large Hand Carved Black Forest Military Soldier & His Horse Under a Shade Tree
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This well executed carving is unsigned by the artist, but presumed to have been done in Eastern Europe in circa 1940 in the Black Forest style. The carving depicts a military soldier holding a 'Tommy...
Category

Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Softwood

Black Forest Porcelain Bowl with Bambi Figure Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Completely handmade porcelain bowl with a hands-free natrualistic 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

19th Century Black Forest Music Box
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Swiss cylinder music box . 21 1/2" cylinder playing 12 tunes. Housed in a Black Forest carved exhibition box with a carved chamois doe with fa...
Category

Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Other

Antique German Barometer with Hand-Carved Oak Leaves and Acorns, 1920s
Located in Barntrup, DE
German Black Forest style barometer with fine hand-carved oak branches, leaves, and acorns. Dimensions: height 30 cm / 11.81 in; width 24 cm / 9.44 in; depth 5 cm / 1.96 in. In good ...
Category

1920s German Vintage Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Metal

Hand Carved Wood Bear Head Nutcracker Brienz Switzerland
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Hand Carved Wood Bear Head Nutcracker Brienz, Switzerland A wooden carved nutcracker with a bear head. It is a fine antique Black Forest woodcarving ...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century German Black Forest Candlestick
Located in Chicago, IL
A charming 19th century German Black Forest wood candlestick hand carved with ivy growing over rocks.
Category

19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Black Forest Carved Unusual Bear Bench
Located in High Point, NC
An excellent example of a 19th century Black Forest carved wooden bear bench from Switzerland made from linden wood. The bench having h...
Category

19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood

Set of Three Porcelain Bowls Winter Decor Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
These completely handmade porcelain bowls are painted by hand with a charming hands-free winter decor. Teh decor comes as a set of three decors. One shows...
Category

2010s German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of 19th Century French Carved Walnut "Cabaret Figures" Lamp Bases
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a wine cellar or a bar with this pair of antique "cabaret" lamps. Crafted in France circa 1880, each black forest sculpture stands on a round base and features a carved male...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Hand Carved Wood Black Forest Bear Hard Liqueur Stand, Czechoslovakia, 1985
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A 20th century Black Forest wood carved bear. Nice addition to your room or just for use it on your desk. Made of hand carved wood and has original Becherovka Schnaps Glasses. Signed...
Category

1980s Czech Vintage Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood, Glass

Antique & Beveled Wall Mirror in a Top Quality Hand Carved Eagle Sculpture 1800s
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare and beautifully hand carved eagle sculpture on a crescent moon design mirror. If you are appreciative of rare and sculptural antiques then this Swiss Black Forest wall mirror could be exactly what you are looking for. The quality in both the details and the patination (or coloring) of this wooden eagle...
Category

19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Antique Black Forest 19th Century Side / End Table Hunt Carved Oak & Marble Top
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Exceptional & impressive! This 19th century Black Forest side / end table carved out of solid oak with "Rouge Belges" marble top. Amazing craftsmanship fully hand carved by a maste...
Category

1870s French Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Marble

Porcelain Bowl with Bambi Figure Handpainted 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

Black Forest Carved Bear with Pen Inkwell
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

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

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 Furniture

Materials

Wood

Wood Carved Roe Deer Head German Black Forest, Antique, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful whimsical early 20th century German Black Forest carved and hand painted head, mounted to a carved back with oak or marble leaves. Nice addition to a hunters loge or any ...
Category

Early 1900s German Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Black Forest Rustic Mirror with Gilt Bar, Hand Carved, Austria, circa 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Extraordinary rustic Black Forest wall mirror from the period in Austria around 1880. Elaborately hand carved out of basswood, this fantastic rural mirror impresses with its artfully...
Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Softwood

Outstanding Wooden Carved Fighting Stags by K. Bach, 1946
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A grandiose handcarved wood sculpture of fighting stags. Very detailed natural carving. Carved signature of K. Bach 1946. Measures: Width: 23.62" (60cm) Height: 7.48" (19cm) Depth:...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Swiss or German Black Forest Styled Hand-Carved & Painted Pedestal
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique hand-carved and polychromed painted pedestal is unsigned, but presumed to be either Swiss or German and date to approximately 1920 and done in the traditional, Black For...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Softwood

19th Century Hand-Carved Fox 'Black Forest' Coat Hook
Located in London, GB
A Black Forest coat hook Carved from solid Lindenwood, the cross-legged fox with glass-inset eyes brushing a horn, the second horn extending out f...
Category

19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Black Forest Picture Frame, Carved Walnut from circa 1900
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Rich and refined wood-carved photo frame. A typical example of the Black Forest style, decorated with leaves, branches and acorns. The frame has a beautiful patina.
Category

1890s German Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Rustic Black Forest Mirror with Gilt Inner Bar, Austria, circa 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Charming rustic black Forest wall mirror from the period in Austria around 1880. Artfully hand carved out of basswood, this exceptional rural mirror impresses with its gorgeous carve...
Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Softwood

Small Black Forrest Carving of a Bear, 19th Century
Located in Doylestown, PA
A small antique wood carving of a bear on all fours, Black Forest region, nicely modeled, circa 1870.
Category

19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Swiss Carved 'Black Forest' Cattle Group
Located in London, GB
A black forest cattle group Carved in lindenwood, the naturalistically carved swiss cow, calf and bull stand on an elliptical base of grass and rocky outc...
Category

19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique French Bookcase Hunt Cabinet Display Buffet Black Forest Oak 19th C
Located in Tyler, TX
Superb 19th century antique French oak renaissance black forest "Hunt" cabinet, bookcase, cupboard or display cabinet~ c. 1870s This is only one of multiple exquisite pieces recently received from our European shipper~~wonderful hand-carved oak pieces in the highly sought after Black Forest, Gothic, Renaissance Revival and Barley Twist styles~~19th century and in unbelievably spectacular condition! If you're looking for that special and unique "statement piece" for your home or office, please view these items in our inventory! Black Forest furniture (commonly known as "Hunt" style) was very popular in late 19th century France~~characterized by highly carved game such as rabbits, pheasants, foxes and hunting dogs~~~complemented by fruit, nut, floral, rosette, nut, ribbon accents or Gothic elements This cabinet is a great size with beautiful French flourish~~a customer favorite! Original "wavy" glass in upper cabinet doors with intricately carved arched surrounds...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Oak

Rustic Black Forest Wall Mirror Hand Carved, Austria, circa 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Unusual hand carved Black Forest wall mirror with double frame out of Austria around 1880. A charming piece of a rustic Black Forest mirror, elaborately hand carved out of basswood, ...
Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Softwood, Mirror, Wood

Hand Carved Black Forest Brienz Wooden Bear with an Engraved Glass Vase or Flute
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic late 1900s Black Forest Brienz work of art. This small and hand carved bear sculpture is a great example of the Black Forest craftsm...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood, Cut Glass

Black Forest Crystal Latern Hand-Crafted Hunting Decor Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Hand blown crystal vase/latern in dark green glass with hunting scene all around in the style of black forest. The glass is in a first step ...
Category

2010s German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Crystal

Wall Coat Rack with Black Forest Oak Leaf and Acorn Design, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Iron and Wood Wall Coat Rack, Spain, 1960s Eye-catching rustic style hats an coats rack with oak leaves iron backplate and wood acorn hangers. This wall coat rack features two branch...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Iron

Black Forest Modeled Bear Piano Stool, Late 20th Century
Located in North Miami, FL
A fantastic hand carved bear piano stool with extendable seat. It was hand carved in Switzerland, Brienz, circa 1890’s. Original glass eyes.
Category

Early 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Black Forest Carved Bear with Pen Inkwell
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

Rare Hand Carved Antique Black Forest Lion Sculpture Nutcracker with Glass Eyes
Located in Lisse, NL
Top quality carved, early 20th century, wooden Black Forest nut cracker. If you are a collector of rare and good quality Black Forest antiqu...
Category

Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

German Pendant Light Hand Carved Wood Figure Mountain Climber with Lantern
Located in Barntrup, DE
This wonderful German Black Forest figural pendant lamp features a hand-carved figure of a mountain climber. The detailed carved wooden mountaineer is...
Category

1930s German Vintage Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Copper

Black Forest Rustic Wall Mirror with Coat of Arms Carving, Austria, circa 1870
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Fantastic looking rustic Black Forest wall mirror from the late 19th century in Austria around 1870. Hand carved out of fine basswood this rural mirror shows an absolute amazing desi...
Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Softwood, Mirror

19th Century Pair of Carved Relief Limewood Shadow Boxes
Located in London, GB
A pair of carved limewood shadow boxes Finely carved in high relief, and depicting two famous scenes of an eagle attacking a man, and a poacher being shot, housed within rectangul...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Black Forest Carved Walnut & Polychromed 'Three Bears' Bench
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Black Forest carved walnut & polychromed 'Three Bears' bench Inspired by "The Story of the Three Bears" by Robert Southey. An exceptional example, realistically carved and modeled, with sparse polychrome decoration. Consisting of three parts, Poppa Bear...
Category

20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Antique Hand Carved Black Forest Barometer, Flowers ans Nesting Birds Sculptures
Located in Lisse, NL
Large and wonderful, Swiss Black Forest barometer with thermometer. This mother nature inspired, charming and beautifully hand-carved barometer...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Glass, Opaline Glass, Wood

19th Century Carved 'Black Forest' Drinks Cabinet on Stand
Located in London, GB
A magnificent 'Black Forest' carved Drinks cabinet on stand Hand-carved from Lindenwood, the drinks box of D-end shape carved in exquisite high relief...
Category

19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

19th Century Black Forest Carved Bear Motif Wood Box with Swing-Out Compartment
Located in Cincinnati, OH
This unusual antique Black Forest box features a pair of fully dimensional bears cavorting at the base of a tree stump. The mother and cub hav...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

Relief Woodcarving by Hermann Steiner Meran 19th Century
By Hermann Steiner
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Relief Woodcarving by Hermann Steiner Meran 19th century The wooden carved relief shows a grandfather with grandson on his lap. The granddaughter is sitting on the chair and hides a...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th century French Carved Oak Console Sofa Foyer Table Sideboard Black Forest
Located in Shreveport, LA
19th century French carved oak console sofa foyer table sideboard Black Forest ~Direct from France~ ~Stunning hand carving on this oversized 19th century French table/console!~ ~Lar...
Category

1880s French Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Oak

1900 Swiss Black Forest Carved Basswood Begging Dog Cigar and Matchbox Holder
Located in Haarlem, NL
Swiss Brienz black forest hand carved linden wood begging poodle with brass matchbox holder and four brass cigar holders. Black Forest wood carved art ...
Category

Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Brass

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. The decor is hunting decor with four hand-engraved animals in naturalistic style. Completely handblown and hand-e...
Category

2010s German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Crystal

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

Set of Eight 1920s Black Forest Dining Room Chairs with Hand-Carved Floral Décor
Located in Atlanta, GA
A set of eight Black Forest dining room chairs from the early 20th century, with carved foliage décor and upholstery. Created during the first quarter of the 20th century, this set o...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Monumental Antique German Black Forest Eagle Chamois Mantel Hunt Clock
Located in Dayton, OH
"Monumental 19th century antique German Black Forest mantel clock featuring carved high relief details with a winged bald eagle mounted ato...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Original Carved Wooden Daybed or Bed, Decorated with Bears circa 1980
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Original carved wooden daybed or bed, decorated with bears circa 1980.
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Black Forest Crystal Latern Red with Hunting Decor Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Handblown crystal vase/lantern in brillant red with hand-edged hunting decor with deers and trees decor all around. Completely handmade in Bavaria/German...
Category

2010s German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Crystal

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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