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.
to
88
650
278
826
114
4
196,837
113,072
42,675
32,679
15,932
11,711
10,545
10,375
9,660
8,840
7,240
6,744
6,328
6,243
6,107
5,599
4,843
3,727
3
480
343
118
222
91
12
31
6
26
23
5
12
6
2
1
735
155
130
125
111
878
365
236
154
69
944
944
944
105
32
8
3
3
Style: Black Forest
Folk Art 20th Century Carved Wood Man Holding a Beer Stein, Austria 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Pine carving of a beer drinking man, 20th century Austria, he is holding his stein in one hand and straightened his jacket with the other. With a manufact...
Category
1960s Austrian Vintage 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
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...
Category
Mid-19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
A Black Forest carved wood inkwell with wheat sheafs and poultry
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A Black Forest carved wood inkwell with wheat sheafs and poultry, made of ebonised fruitwood naturalistically carved with a cockerel and hen perched on a rocky outcrop, bundles of wh...
Category
1890s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Black Forest Handmade Cushion Hunting Scene Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Handmade cushion " Kitzbühel" in dark blue 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 ...
Category
2010s Austrian Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wool
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
Antique Handforged Goat Bell Made in Switzerland ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Handforged Goat Bell Made in Switzerland ca. 1900s
Item e7308
An antique forged iron goat bell, made in Switzerland around 1900. The bell comes with its original brown leathe...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Metal
Mountain Sheep primitive Black Forest Carved Folk Art Wooden Trophy 19th Century
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
1860s Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Chinese Sheperd Mule Pictorial Rug
Located in New York, NY
One of a kind Late 20th century Chinese rug with a shepherd riding on a mule.
Measures: 3'1'' x 6'1''.
Category
Late 20th Century Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wool
Swiss Casted Bronze Cattle Bell ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Swiss Casted Bronze Cattle Bell ca. 1900s
Item e7311
An antique cast bronze cattle bell, made in Switzerland around 1900. The bell comes with its original brown leather strap with bu...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Bronze
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
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 ...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Black Forrest Art Deco Carved Cherub Presenting Bouquet of Flowers Lamp, C.1925
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Antique Black Forest Art Deco Carved Cherub Lamp—Nude Putti with Bouquet & Quiver, c. 1925
This exquisite Black Forest Art Deco lamp (circa 1925) features a hand-carved wooden cheru...
Category
20th Century European Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Metal
Antique French Mirror Black Forest Oak Framed or Standing Mirrored Firescreen
Located in Tyler, TX
Exquisite 19th century antique French Qak Black Forest beveled framed mirror or firescreen~~c. 1880s
We were fortunate enough to obtain this outstanding mirror or firescreen and other contents of a French castle estate~~most certainly commissioned pieces for a family of wealth or royalty~~High quality 19th century Black Forest, Gothic and Renaissance Revival pieces in spectacular condition
Black Forest furniture...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Oak
Black Forest Rustic Wall Mirror with Double Frame, Austria, circa 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Exceptional large carved Black Forest Wall Mirror from the late 19th century around 1880 in Austria. This beautiful rustic Black Forest mirror has been elaborately hand crafted out o...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood, Mirror
Oval jewelry box carved walnut swiss 19th century Black forest
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
This exceptional 19th-century Black Forest jewelry box from Switzerland is a true work of art, featuring a rare oval shape. Nearly 150 years old, the walnut wood has developed a beau...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Wood
Hand Carved Black Forest Style Wooden Nutcracker, Germany, 1930s
Located in Barntrup, DE
This beautiful nutcracker in the German Black Forest style is decorated with a hand carved sculpture of a man's head with a hat. His mouth opens and closes to crack the nut.
Dimensi...
Category
1930s German Vintage Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Hand Carved Wood Black Forest Bear Entrance, Hall Umbrella & cane Stand
Located in Lisse, NL
Early 1900s Black Forest standing bear umbrella stand.
This vintage Black Forest bear umbrella Stand is a great looking piece for any...
Category
Early 20th Century European Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
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
Antique Hand-Painted Marksman King Target Plaque 1892
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Hand-Painted Marksman King Target Plaque 1892
A rare and beautiful wooden hand-painted shooting target plaque with inscriptions. This rare kings plaque was issued by the shooting club...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Wooden Carved Sculpture of a Folksy Countrywoman
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Wooden Carved Sculpture of a Folksy Countrywoman
A large traditional Black Forest style woodcarving of a farmer´s wife. Hand carved in Germany around 1920. A great addition ...
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wool
Hand Carved Fruitwood Black Forest Frame Germany, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning Black Forest picture frame.
Striking German design from the 1900s.
Hand-carved and hand-painted fruitwood frame.
This wonderful hand-carved and hand-painted Black Forest ...
Category
Early 1900s German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Fruitwood
Antique ‘Black Forest’ Jardinière of Substantial Size
Located in London, GB
Constructed in a well carved lindenwood, rising from quadripartite feet, naturalistically, representing branches, supporting a tree form central column dressed with two storks and supporting a carved rope dressed rectangular plant trough...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Black Forest Style Wooden Carved Trinket Box or Bucket Owl, circa 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
Antique Black Forest style oak wood carved trinket box or bucket in a shape of an owl, from circa 1920.
An impressive, large, and beautiful German Black Forest style hand-carved wooden trinket box...
Category
1920s German Vintage Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Metal
Bear Head Black Forest Hand Carved Folk Art Wooden Trophy, 19th Century
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A great looking hand carved original wooden Folk Art Bear head wall decoration. A great piece for a suitable ambiance in a trophy room or the office of a...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Country Style Hand-Painted Pottery Dish Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel Austria
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Hands-free painted pottery rectangular dish in blue from Austria in Country style. Decorated with a hands-free painted pomegrante and a garland in white all around. Showing trees in the bottom and a handpainted green garland...
Category
2010s Austrian Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
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...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Metal
Black Forest Sika Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque - Germany ca. 1950s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Black Forest Sika Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque - Germany ca. 1950s
Item e7343
A vintage 6 pointer sika deer (Cervus nippon) trophy from the Black Forest. The trophy was shot around 1...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Antler, Wood
Late 19th Century Black Forest Carved Inkwell and Pen Rest with Bear
Located in Barntrup, DE
Black Forest carved inkwell and pen rest with a bear, late 19th century.
This antique, dark brown, linden wood inkwell is masterfully carved and features a detailed figure of a bear ...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood
Country Style Pottery Dish Hand-Painted Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel Austria
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Large hands-free painted pottery dish in Country style. Glazed in ice blue and handsfree painting in white. The decor shows a hands-free painted pomegranate with butterflies and a ha...
Category
2010s Austrian Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Original European Landscape By Listed Artist Lothar Baumann
Located in San Diego, CA
Framed original oil on canvas by listed artist Lothar Baumann, European landscape, Lothar Baumann was born in Bavaria and studied the arts in Munich, Germany. His later works expressed his love for the Bavarian landscapes...
Category
20th Century German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Canvas, Wood
Antique Salt and Pepper Bowl with Wooden Carved Bear
Located in Berghuelen, DE
AAntique Salt and Pepper Bowl with Wooden Carved Bear
Item e7277
A small salt and pepper bowl made of pressed glass with tiny carved Black Forest ...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Blown Glass, Wood
Antique Bull Horn Hall Stand ca. 1870
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Bull Horn Hall Stand ca .1870
A large bull horn hall stand made of wood, original Austrian cattle horns and a green velvet cover. Manufactured i...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood, Antler
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
Black Forest Wall Mirror Hand Carved Rustic Design, 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
A Swiss Black Forest gnome matchstick holder/striker made in 1916
Located in Central England, GB
This superb small Black Forest hand-carved lime wood novelty match holder features a standing gnome wearing a tall peaked hat, tunic, and long beard.
This little fellow is standing ...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Beautiful French Angel Face Cast-Iron Inkwell France Antique, 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1900s French metal inkwell. Nice addition to your room or just for use it on your desk. Made of cast iron and glass. Marked with a number and letters. Found at an estat...
Category
Early 20th Century French Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Black Forest Hand-Painted Pottery Dish Green Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel Austria
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Hands-free painted pottery rectangular dish from Austria in Black Forest style. Grren glazed pottery decorated with a hands-painted tree decor in green all around. Showing trees in t...
Category
2010s Austrian Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Pottery
19th Century black forest carving
Located in Martlesham, GB
A wonderful and unique 19th Century black forest carving of an elderly man sitting on a tree trunk holding a newspaper, the front of the tree trunk encased behind a circular glass wi...
Category
1880s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Black Forest Porcelain Bowl with Fox Figure Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Completely handmade porcelain bowl with a hands-free natrualistic painted fox figure in brown colors. The fox is sitting in the middle of the bowl for decor...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
German Wood Carved Figural Man Head Cork Bottle Stopper, 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Adorable wood and cork bottle stopper. Germany, 1960s. Ideal decoration bottle stopper. Great idea to surprise your guests or a very interesting gift.
Category
1960s German Vintage Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Cork, 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 ...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Early 1900 Gorilla Carrying off a Woman Crafted in Wood after Emmanuel Fremiet
Located in Lisse, NL
Great wooden sculpture after the famous bronze of Emmanuel Fremiet
This handcrafted sculpture was probably made in South Tyrol by/of Josef Anton Riffeser who founded the ANRI Compan...
Category
Early 20th Century French Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Set of Four Antique Chairs by Horrix
Located in Dallas, TX
Set of four antique chairs by Horrix are perfect examples of the highest quality furnishings produced by the storied Dutch company. Displaying a Bl...
Category
Early 20th Century Dutch Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Oak
Swiss Black Forest Carved & Lacquered Bear Statue
Located in Forney, TX
A fine quality antique Swiss Black Forest ware, born in the early 20th century, exquisitely hand carved, lacquered wooden bear figure. The exception...
Category
Early 20th Century Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood
Vintage Black Forest Deer Antler Trophy on Wood Carved Plaque, German, 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful vintage Black Forest deer antler trophy on hand carved, Black Forest wooden plaque. It measures approximate 16" high, 6 5/8" wide and 7 1/2" deep. A nice addition to your...
Category
1960s German Vintage Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Antler, Wood
Black Forest Style Wall Shelves Featuring Stag Heads and Acorns
Located in Essex, MA
Pair of Black Forest Stag Wall shelves decorated with vines, leaves and acorns. 11.0" W x 8.5" H x 6.0" D
Category
20th Century Unknown Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Glazed Ceramic Owl Form Tankard with Pewter Mounts
By Mettlach
Located in Stamford, CT
An extremely charming stoneware tankard in the form of an owl. With a two toned gray and blue glaze and handsome pewter mounts. The thumb lift depict...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Stoneware
Black Forest Hand Carved Cut Board Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Completely hand carved cut board in Black Forest style with two goat heads on top. The cutboards are cut by hand in solid oakwood with our SOFINA brand logo ...
Category
2010s Austrian Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Oak
German Black Forest Wood Carved Figural Man Head Cork Bottle Stopper, 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Adorable wood and cork bottle stopper. Germany, 1930s. Ideal decoration bottle stopper. Great idea to surprise your guests or a very interesting gift.
Category
1930s German Vintage Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood, Cork
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
Early 1900s Hand Carved and Colored Wooden Mountaineer Sculpture / Statue
Located in Lisse, NL
Unique and finely carved sculpture for the black forest and mountaineer enthousiasts.
If you are or if you have a friend who is a mountaineering enthousiast then this hand carved mo...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Large Vintage Wooden Strolling Bear Handcarved in Brienz Ca. 1930s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Vintage Wooden Strolling Bear Handcarved in Brienz ca. 1930s
A large vintage statue of a walking bear. Made of lindenwood, finely handcarve...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Walnut Wall Sculpture with Mirror
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a wall with this beautiful antique carved mirror. Crafted in France circa 1880 and built of solid walnut wood, this elegant wall sculpture features an intricately carved ped...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Walnut
Wood Black Forest Brienz Carved Walnut Inkwell German Antique, 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1890s Black Forest Brienz wood carved inkwell in form of a walnut on a leaf. Nice addition to your room or just for use it on your desk. Made of hand carved wood and gl...
Category
1890s German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Metal
Country Style Hand-Painted Pottery Dish Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel Austria
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Hands-free painted pottery rectangular dish in sage green from Austria in country style. Decorated with a hands-free painted pomegrante and a garland in white all around. Showing trees in the bottom and a handpainted green garland...
Category
2010s Austrian Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
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
Cut Glass, Wood
Magnificent Carved Black Forest Monkey Gong, circa 1890
Located in Bath, GB
A fabulous and scarce find, this wonderful large Black Forest Monkey was hand carved circa 1890 with superb quality detail and retaining two glass ...
Category
1890s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
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.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Antique Bowler Hats
Antique Chasuble
Antique Crutches
Antique Glass Oil Containers
Antique Guardian Angel
Antique Human Skeleton
Antique Pedestal Fruit Bowl
Antique Pie Birds
Antique Punch Tool
Antique Silhouette Picture
Antique Victorian Inkwell Tray
Antique Wine Server
Antique Wooden Indian Cabinet
Antique Wooden Ruler
Arne Vodder Wall
Art Deco Store Counter
Vintage 24 Faubourg
Vintage Christmas Bells