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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
Antique Swiss Casted Bronze Cattle Bell ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Swiss Casted Bronze Cattle Bell ca. 1900s Item e7315 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

Bavarian Antler Settee
Located in New York, NY
Rare late 19th century Bavarian deer antler settee. A three-section settee with large fallow deer antler-shaped backs and natural red deer antler arms. Expertly crafted with interloc...
Category

19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Antler, Leather

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

Father Wind Spinning Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This wooden chair was made in the late 1800s and was used for spinning yarn; hence the name "Spinning Chair". Made with strong oak wood; elegant, rich hand-carvings cover the chair head to toe. As the tail would tell us, these chairs were made in the Black Forest of Germany--the Father of the Wind is depicted as the back. He is taking a deep breath in of fresh air and new possibilities, as each season passes he is there to support the changing of the wind. Each season calls for different winds and temperatures, which meant new clothes, and Father Wind...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood, Oak

Black Forest Crystal Laterne Green Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Handblown crystal vase/latern in green with hand-etched deers and trees decor in the style of Black Forest Completely handmade in Bavaria/Germany. Can be used also with candles as l...
Category

2010s German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Crystal

Black Forest Porcelain Vase Hunting Decor Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
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

Black Forest Cushion Handmade Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
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 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

Country Style Porcelain Dish with Skier Decor Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Charming hands-free painted porcelain dish with platinum rim. Hands-free painted in a classic winter decor with a skier, mountains and trees. Completely h...
Category

2010s German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Black Forest Porcelain Dish Christmas Garland Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Hands-free painted porcelain dish with platinum rim. Hands-free painted in a classic black forest christmas decor with green fir and pine cone garland. Completely handmade in Bavaria...
Category

2010s German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

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

19th Century Ceramic Pitcher - Hunting Scene - Shore & Co Isleworth England
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful antique ceramic jug. The jug has beautiful relief decorations with animals / hunting. The jug is marked on the bottom, with a blind mark. Made by Shore & Co, Isleworth, 1...
Category

1870s English Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

19th Century Black Forest Bear
Located in Forney, TX
A large and most impressive late 19th century Swiss Black Forest style hand carved and painted wooden bear sculpture (also known as a Black Forest bear...
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

Black Forest Porcelain Dish with Deer Figure Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Charming completely handmade and hands-free painted oval porcelain plate. The naturalistic moulded porcelain bambi figure and three porcelain pine cones fixed on the porcelain plate ...
Category

2010s German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

pair of German 19th century Black Forest st. etched Glass and Walnut vases
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant pair of German 19th century Black Forest st. etched Glass and Walnut vases. Each beautiful vase is raised on a wonderful array of Walnut water flora below a fluted socle s...
Category

19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Glass, Walnut

Victorian Black Forest Bench
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Victorian black forest carved bench seat. Back carved with branches, oak leaves and acorns. Patterned seat with scroll arms and entwined border. S sc...
Category

19th Century European Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Black Forest Clock
Located in London, GB
A late 19th century walnut clock, very finely carved with four deer flanking the carved clock with roman numerals.
Category

Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Black Forest Carved Dog Inkwell
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Swiss carved black Forest shaggy dog inkwell with pen holder. In the 1800’s the wood carving industry of Switzerland started in the town of Brienz. By the ...
Category

19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Porcelain Bowl with Fox Figure Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Completely handmade porcelain bowl with a hands-free naturalistic painted fox in brown colors. The fox is sitting in the middle of the bowl for decorating nuts or sweets around the fox figure...
Category

2010s German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

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

Hand Carved Black Forest St. Wooden Floor Lamp of Lantern Holding & Tipsy Guard
Located in Lisse, NL
Large and beautifully sculptured, floor lamp. If you are looking for unique and decorative antiques to bring joy and class to your interior then this marvelous, sculptural floor lam...
Category

Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Copper

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 Carved Jewelry Box, circa 1900
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

Large 1920s Plaster Figure of the Seated Blacksmith, Le Travail
Located in Chillerton, 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

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

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

Wooden Statue of a Walking Bear Hand Carved in Switzerland, circa 1930s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Wooden Statue of a Walking Bear Handcarved in Switzerland circa 1930s. A vintage statue of a strolling bear. Made of lindenwood, finely handcarved and handpainted with naturalistic details in Brienz, Switzerland ca. 1930s. A nice example of the famous Black Forest Woodcarvings made in Switzerland. The tradition of wood carving in Brienz dates back to mid of the 19th century. People in the region were looking for new employment opportunities. They used their skills from traditional crafts, carving everyday objects and sculptures, and created a new business. Many woodcarvers where trained in the 'School of Wood Carving, Brienz' which was established in 1884. Around 1900 the woodcarving industry counted ca. 2000 woodcarvers. Brienz woodcarvings were presented on several worlds fairs with great success. With the Gran Tour Tourism wealthy people from all over the word visited the area and took their woodcarving souvenirs home. Today some companies, like 'Huggler Holzbildhauerei' still exist and build traditional sculptures. Measures: Length: 11.02" (28 cm) Width: 3.94" (10 cm) Height: 6.69" (17 cm) Literature Reference: Peter F. Blackman, Black Forest Woodcarvings, Atglen 2009. Jay Arenski, Simon and Michael Daniels, Swiss Carvings...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swiss 'Black Forest' Carving a Dog Family
By Walter Mäder
Located in London, GB
A 'Black Forest' Dog Group The naturalistically carved limewood group shows the bitch couchant and her three playful pups; glass eyes are used in all the figures, in the manner of Walter Mäder...
Category

Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

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...
Category

Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Antler, Wood

Set of Six Roe Deer Trophies on Wooden Slices Germany ca. 1930s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Set of Six Roe Deer Trophies on Wooden Slices Germany ca. 1930s A set of six antique Black Forest roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) trophies mounted on birch wood slices. The trophies ...
Category

1930s German Vintage Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Antler, Wood

Antique swiss 19th century Black Forest jewelry box Hounds & Wolf hand carved
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
This extraordinary 19th-century Black Forest jewelry box from Switzerland is a true work of art. Nearly 150 years old, the wood boasts an incredible patina that only enhances its bea...
Category

Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Black Forest Horn Table and Stools
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Black Forest horn table with 4 matching stools. Table size. Stools are 13" square x 19"H. The tops are carved antler and brass shell casings. Would f...
Category

Early 1900s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Antler, Wood

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

Exquisite openly carved 19th century Swiss Black Forest jewelry box walnut bird
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
A true work of art, this stunning 19th-century Black Forest jewelry box from Switzerland is fully hand-carved and a remarkable example of craftsmanship. Nearly 150 years old, the woo...
Category

Late 19th Century Swiss 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

Large Antique Black Forest Novelty Inkwell, Dog, circa 1890
Located in Bath, GB
A superbly carved figural Black Forest inkwell in the form of a Dog's head, with great detail and retaining two large glass eyes. The hinged lid opens to reveal an inner ink chamber...
Category

1890s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture

19th Century Rustic Black Forest Mirror, Hand Carved, Austria, circa 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Extraordinary rustic Black Forest wall mirror from the late 19th century in Austria. Elaborately handcarved out of fine basswood, this exceptional antique mirror shows an amazing rur...
Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Softwood

Black Forest Linden Wood Carved Swiss Bear Glass Eyes
Located in Cheltenham, GB
Black Forest Linden wood naturalistically carved strolling bear with original glass eyes, crafted in Brienz. This exquisitely carved lindenwood piece features realistic details. A...
Category

19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Softwood

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

19th Century German Black Forest’ Jardinière
Located in North Miami, FL
19th century German Black Forest’ Jardinière of substantial size constructed in a profoundly dimensional carved wood, rising from round base, with ...
Category

19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Late 18th Century Liege Burled Walnut Tall Case Clock
Located in New Orleans, LA
A stately late 18th century Belgian, Liege, tall case clock case having a period Black Forest clock workings with wooden enameled dial and hand-painted fruit decoration, the original...
Category

Late 18th Century Belgian Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Enamel, Iron

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

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

Pair of Swiss 19th Century Carved Wooden Cattle
By Johann Huggler
Located in London, GB
A pair of Black Forest cattle, probably by Johann Huggler Carved in lindenwood, the naturalistically carved swiss cow and bull stand on elliptical bases. ...
Category

19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Black Forest 1890s Carved Wooden Umbrella Stand Depicting a Bear Climbing a Tree
Located in Atlanta, GA
A large Black Forest carved wooden umbrella stand from the late 19th century, depicting a bear climbing a tree branch. Created during the last de...
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Rustic Black Forest Mirror Hand Carved With Oak Leaves, Austria, Circa 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Small rustic Black Forest wall mirror from the late 19th century in Austria, circa 1880. A lovely wall mirror impressing with its roughly carved basswood double frame which shows del...
Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Softwood

Rare Antique Black Forest Carved Tree Shaped Coat Rack, Umbrella Hall Stand Tree
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning black forest entrance furniture. Imagine coming home to this work of art after a tough day at the office. This 19th century work of art will make you feel right back home. In order to understand and enjoy this kind of beauty, you have to see it. You have to see the design that was beforehand, see the craftsman that gave his all, see the natural and beautiful materials he used, see the detail of his work and see what inspired him to make this artistic piece. Once you see it in that way, you will truly love this antique and you will appreciate it for it's unmistakeble quality, beauty and for what it radiates. Pictures may say more than a thousand words, but standing next to and using this antique is what really makes the difference Although it is not marked, we are certain that this eyecatcher is made by Horrix of the Hague. They were the true and internationally respected Dutch makers of top quality Black Forest style masterpieces. This coat rack is no exception. The beautifully carved walnut branches covered with leafs seem to have naturally grown over the oval mirror in the middle. The mirror, by the way, is purposely covered in soap so there are no reflections that could distract. The base section comes with the original iron, barley twisted ring looking like rope. This ring obviously serves as the umbrella holder above the removable zinc drip pan. This stand is also perfect for holding walking sticks or even rifles. The rim around the zinc pan is again beautifully carved in the shape of a woven basket. Finally, the top section around the central mirror comes with a total of 8 practical and perfectly carved hangers...
Category

Mid-19th Century Dutch Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Metal

19th Century, Black Forest Ceremonial Armchair in Walnut and Carved Wood
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
19th century, Black Forest ceremonial armchair in walnut and carved wood.
Category

1850s European Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Handcarved Black Forest Style Salad Servers
Located in Malibu, CA
Hand carved vintage Black Forest German / Bavarian folk art wood serving spoon and fork salad serving set. Intricately carved with pierced interlock...
Category

20th Century German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Set of Two Hand Carved Folk Art Deer Head with Real Antlers, 19th Century
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A great looking set of two hand carved original wooden Folk Art deer head wall decorations. A great piece for a suitable ambiance in a trophy room or the office of a Hunter or Woodsm...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Rare 19th Century Black Forrest Carved Hall Chair Hand-Carved Hawk Bobbin Turned
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning Black Forrest Oak hand carved hall chair with bobbin turned legs and a large Hawk in the back...
Category

19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Black Forest Carved Candle Holder
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Black Forest candle holder with tree and standing chamois. Part of the Brienz Collection but not published. In the 1800’s the wood carving industry of Swi...
Category

19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Large Pair of Carved Black Forest Trophy Plaques depicting Deer, a Hare, and Fox
Located in London, GB
A pair of large black forest game plaques Expertly carved in lindenwood, the shaped plaques, carved with oak leaves, depict a buck and a r...
Category

19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

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...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Softwood

Black Forest Wooden Carved Begging Dog, Brienz, ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Black Forest Wooden Carved Begging Dog, Brienz, ca. 1900 A whimsical Swiss wood carving, a long hair terrier is begging with his masters hat besid...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

Man Hand Carved and Painted Black Forest Mechanical Wooden Bottle Stopper, 1930s
By ANRI
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Vintage Stopper Hand Carved Wood Folk Art - I believe these are ANRI, made in Italy or Austria, but I see no markings, so I'll let the collectors out there be the judge. It depicts ...
Category

1930s Austrian Vintage Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Exquisite 19th Century antique Swiss fully hand carved Black forest Jewelry box
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
A true masterpiece, this fully hand-carved 19th-century Black Forest jewelry box from Switzerland is a remarkable work of art. Nearly 150 years old, the wood has developed an extraor...
Category

Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Black Forest furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Black Forest furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, more furniture and collectibles, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, glass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Black Forest furniture made in a specific country, there are Europe, Germany, and Switzerland pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original furniture, popular names associated with this style include Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel, Black Forest, Sofina Porzellan, and Horrix. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $30 and tops out at $150,000 while the average work can sell for $1,550.

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