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 Set of Six Tumbler Green Crystal Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Set of six handblown green crystal tumblers with hand-edged hunting scene in the style of Black Forest. The decor is an antique decor with deers, trees and bambis all around. Complet...
Category
2010s German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Black Forest Wood Carving of a Mountain Goat
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A charming small ‘Black Forest’ wood carving of a mountain goat and her kids.
Category
1890s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
An unusual ‘Black Forest’ walnut eagle and chamois hall stand
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
An unusual ‘Black Forest’ walnut eagle and chamois hall stand, modelled as an eagle perched in the bare branches of a tree sizing up a chamois below, with a shaped vine branch for en...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Antique Circa 1880 Pair of Super Rare Black Forest Hand Carved Dwarf Whip Hooks
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
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
$5,164 Sale Price / set
25% Off
Pair of Vintage German Black Forest Table Lamps
Located in London, GB
A charming matched pair of vintage black forest table lamps, dating from around the 1950’s.
The quality is superb, the stands are beautifully carved depicting tree trunks, and each ...
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Original Antique Grape Vine Carved Black Forest Wood Music Box Needs Service
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this antique original circa 1880 Black Forest Wood music box with grape vine carving to the top
A very good lookin...
Category
1880s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Black Forest Set of Six Beer Glasses Hand Blown Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
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
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
Black Forest Porcelain Bowl with Squirrel Figure Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Completely handmade porcelain bowl with a hands-free painted squirrel in brown in the center of the bowl. 24-carat gold rimmed. Comes also in black with platinum frame. Available in ...
Category
2010s German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Black Forest Canterbury
Located in New York, NY
Intricately carved Black Forest Canterbury or magazine rack. Designed in a swirled leaf pattern with horned grotesque figures on each corner.
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
$2,500
Black Forest Crystal Laterne Green Hunting Scene Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
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
Black Forest Set of Six Glass Tumblers Red Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Set of six handblown red crystal tumblers with hand-edged hunting scene. The decor is an antique black forest hunting scene decor with deers, trees and bambis all around. Completely ...
Category
2010s German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Antique Black Forest Carved Oak Wall Cabinet, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and rare antique black forest wall cabinet.
Striking German design from the 1900s.
Solid oak with hand-carved bird on top of the cabinet.
Original interior inside, pro...
Category
Early 1900s German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Oak, Velvet, Beads
$1,287 Sale Price
20% Off
Black Forest Porcelain Bowl with Deer Figure Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Hand-painted porcelain dish for serving sweets or nuts with a naturalistic bambi figure in the center of the dish. The bambi figure and the bowl are completely handmade in Bavaria. H...
Category
2010s German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Country Style Porcelain Pastry Dish Handpainted Birds Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Large completely handmade porcelain dish is hands-free painted with a naturalistic decor of three great tits sitting on leaves. Green rimmed with a fine 24-carat gold line.
Handmade...
Category
2010s German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
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
Rare old 19th century pharmacy, black forest, in carved wood, brass and bronze
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Rare old 19th century pharmacy, black forest, in carved wood, brass and bronze decoration, with "APOTHEK" inscription
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Brass
A pair of fine Black Forest hand carved linden wood bears, Swiss circa 1900
Located in Central England, GB
This delightful pair of Swiss/ German black forest carved linden wood seated bears is rarely available as an original pair. They are beautifully hand carved and are left and right ha...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Black Forest Handmade Cushion Hunting Scene Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Handmade cushion " Kitzbühel" in dark and ligth grey wool fabric with a stitched chamois figure in the style of Black Forest. The fringe all around is made by hand in the style of th...
Category
2010s Austrian Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wool
Collection of Black Forrest Mounts Including One Stag, Ten Roe and One Chinois
Located in Buchanan, MI
Collection of Black Forrest mounts including one stag, ten roe and one chinois, ranging in size roe 12" high 7" wide, Stag 24" high, 23" wide. Check in with us as our inventory is c...
Category
19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Antler, Walnut
Pair of 19th C Signed Black Forest Style French Carved Walnut Hunting Gun Racks
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A highly rare and most unusual pair of carved walnut gun racks, each with a different carved bird at the bottom, one being a hawk or eagle with spread ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Large Naturalistic Black Forest Carved Chamois Head, ca. 1930s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Naturalistic Black Forest Carved Chamois Head, ca. 1930s
A large antique wooden carved Black Forest chamois head handcarved in naturalistic style and fitted with real chamois ...
Category
1930s German Vintage Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Antler, Wood
Large Black Forest Stag Trophy on Carved Plaque - Germany 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Black Forest Stag Trophy on Carved Plaque - Germany 1900s
A large 6 pointer red deer (Cervus elaphus) trophy from Germany mounted on a dark carved wooden plaque. The trophy wa...
Category
Early 1900s German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Antler, Wood
Large Black Forest Stag Trophy on Carved Plaque - Germany 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Black Forest Stag Trophy on Carved Plaque - Germany 1900s
A large 6 pointer red deer (Cervus elaphus) trophy from Germany mounted on a dark carved oak wood plaque. The trophy ...
Category
Early 1900s German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Antler, Wood
Monumental Black Forest Rooster Statue wood carved, Germany Nuremberg
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A great looking hand carved original wooden Folk Art Rooster Statue. A great piece for a suitable ambiance in a Cabin room or the office of a Hunter or Woodsman. More than likely one...
Category
1960s Austrian Vintage Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
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 Vase Green Crystal with Hunting Decor Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
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
Lovely Black Forest Carved Whip Holder with Bear ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Lovely Black Forest Carved Whip Holder with Bear ca. 1900s
A very rare hand-carved coat hook or whip holder depicting a bear klimbing on a three. Hand carved in Brienz, Switzerland,...
Category
Early 1900s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Large Chamois Trophy on Turned Plaque, Austria 1950s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Chamois Trophy on Turned Plaque, Austria 1950s
An vintage chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) trophy mounted on a wooden turned plaque with seperate carved oak leafes mounted on the...
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Antler, Wood
Antique Casted Bronze Cow Bell Made in Switzerland, ca. 1930
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A large and heavy casted bronze cow bell manufactured in Switzerland around 1930. The antique bell features high relief motifs of farm animals, human heads and foliages. The bell com...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Pair of 19th Century Rustic Black Forest Photo Frames, Handcarved, AT ca. 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Fantastic set of two rustic, late 19th century Black Forest photo frames out of Austria. Artfully hand carved out of basswood, around 1880, these frames show a beautiful design combi...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Glass, Softwood
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Walnut Jardinière with Zinc Liner
Located in Dallas, TX
This beautiful, walnut, Black Forest jardinière carved as a wooden log was crafted in France, circa 1870. The rectangular fruitwood planter features hand carved floral, tree branches with leaf decor. The antique planter is in excellent condition, and has its original removable zinc liner...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Vintage Large Chamois Trophy on Carved Plaque, Austria
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Large Chamois Trophy on Carved Plaque, Austria
A vintage chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) trophy mounted on a wooden carved plaque which features a handwritten inscription. The...
Category
Early 2000s Austrian Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Antler, Wood
Vintage Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque, Germany 1950s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque, Germany 1950s
A vintage uneven 6 pointer roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) trophy from the Black Forest mounted on a carved plaque. The trophy...
Category
1950s German Vintage Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Antler, 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
Black Forest Wood Carved Brienz Bear Statue Desktop Accessory German Antique
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic 1890s black forest Brienz wood carved desktop accessory in form of a Bear. Nice addition to your room or just for use it on your desk. Made of hand...
Category
1890s German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique French Black Forest Barometer Thermometer Hound Dogs Birds Carved Oak
Located in Tyler, TX
Very Nice Antique French Oak BLACK FOREST Barometer Thermometer
Beautifully carved hound and birds~~outstanding craftsmanship of the era
Black Forest furniture and decorative pie...
Category
Early 20th Century French Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Oak
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
19th Century Rustic Black Forest Wall Mirror with Black Accents, AT, circa 1890
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Extraordinary rustic, late 19th century Black Forest wall mirror out of Austria. Artfully handcarved around 1890, this unusal stained Black Forest wall mirror impresses with a simple...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Softwood
Large Chamois Trophy on Carved Plaque, Austria 1940s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Chamois Trophy on Carved Plaque, Austria 1940s
An large chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) trophy mounted on a wooden carved plaque. The trophy was shot in the 1940s in the Austria...
Category
1940s Austrian Vintage Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Antler, Wood
Large 1920s Plaster Figure of the Seated Blacksmith, Le Travail
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large 1920s plaster figure of the seated blacksmith, Le Travail
A charming piece Folk Art, a painted statue of the famous blacksmith, known as “Le Travai...
Category
Early 20th Century Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Plaster
Black Forest “Cave de Liqueur” This is a wonderful piece of Craftsmanship
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Black Forest “Cave de Liqueur”
This is a wonderful piece of Craftsmanship it is a Carved Tantalus or Cave de Liqueur with 4 Decanters and 16 Shot Gla...
Category
1880s Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Crystal
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Walnut and Porcelain Jardinière
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant antique planter was crafted in France, circa 1870. Rectangular in shape with scrolled decor and scalloped edge, the detailed planter stands on small curved feet, and is ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Porcelain, Walnut
Large Chamois Trophy on Carved Plaque, Austria 1955
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Chamois Trophy on Carved Plaque, Austria 1955
An vintage chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) trophy mounted on a wooden carved plaque which features acorns, oak leaves and a handwri...
Category
1950s German Vintage Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Antler, Wood
Large Deer Head primitive Black Forest Hand Carved Folk Art Wooden Trophy
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A great looking hand carved original wooden Folk Art wall decoration. A great piece for a suitable ambiance in a trophy room or the office of a Hunter or Woodsman. More than likely o...
Category
1920s Austrian Vintage Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
French 19th century Black Forest st. Walnut mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A unique and most handsome French 19th century Black Forest st. Walnut mirror. This stunning oval Black Forest mirror with its original mirror plate is wonderfully decorated by berri...
Category
19th Century Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
19th Century Wooden Carved Rabbit Sculpture - Black Forest - Inkwell
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A cute wooden sculpture of a rabbit, Black Forest art.
It is an inkwell, but above all it is a beautiful piece of craftsmanship from the end of the 19th century.
The rabbit is beauti...
Category
1890s German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
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 Roe Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque, Germany ca. 1960s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Black Forest Roe Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque, Germany ca. 1960s
A vintage roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) trophy on a wooden carved plaque with carved oak leaves and acorns. The tro...
Category
1960s German Vintage Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Antler, Wood
19th Century Black Forest Rustic Wall Mirror, Hand Carved, Austria, circa 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Great rustic wooden wall mirror in our high demanded Black Forest mirror collection. From Austria circa 1880 comes this unique artfully hand carved frame with protruding corners and ...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Softwood
19th Century Rustic Black Forest Mirror, Hand Carved, Austria, circa 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Unusual hand carved rustic Black Forest wall mirror with double frame out of Austria from the period around 1880. A real charming example of a late 19th century Black Forest mirror, ...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood, Softwood
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
19th Century Swiss Black Forrest Carved Walnut Smoking Stand- Complete
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th century Swiss black Forrest carved walnut smoking stand- complete
Switzerland, Circa 1880s
An amazing example, with all its orignal pieces. The oval intricately hand-carved an...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
$2,360 Sale Price
20% Off
Large Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque - Germany 1937
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque - Germany 1937
A large 8-pointer red deer trophy (Cervus elaphus) from the Upper Palatinate in Bavaria, mounted on a brown wooden...
Category
1930s German Vintage Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Antler, Wood
Late 19th Century Sculpture of a Sitting Bear - Black Forest Bronze
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Charming 19th-century bronze sculpture of a seated bear, captured in a lively, upright pose. The artist has rendered the animal’s fur with expressive surface texture and stylized det...
Category
1880s French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Antique Swiss Casted Bronze Cattle Bell ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Swiss Casted Bronze Cattle Bell ca. 1900s
Item e7313
An antique cast bronze cattle bell, made in Switzerland around 1900. The bell comes with its ...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Early Deer Antler Mount on Black Forest Carved Wood Plaque
Located in Buchanan, MI
Early Deer Antler Mount On Black Forest Carved Wood Plaque.
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Antler, Wood
Zabihi Collection Red Green Vintage Anatolian Turkish Mini Rug
Located in New York, NY
One of a kind, mid 20th-century Hand-knotted Red Turkish Anatolian throw size mat. Professionally Washed & personally vetted. Ready for everyday use.
Details
rug no. y1593
size 1' 6...
Category
20th Century Asian Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wool
19th Century Black Forest Wall Mirror With Gilt Bars, Austria, ca. 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Amazing looking, rustic Black Forest mirror from the late 19th century in Austria. Elaborately handcrafted around 1880 this rural wall mirror shows an absolute unique design: a handc...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Softwood
Early 20th Century carved bear hall stand
Located in Martlesham, GB
A finely carved early 20th Century walnut black forest bear hall stand with a cub playing in the branches above, the bear below with anoth...
Category
1920s Swiss Vintage Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
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.