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.
Vintage Wooden Base Trophy Mounting Plaque for Deer Skull
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Wooden Base Trophy Mounting Plaque for Deer Skull Item e7561 A carved wooden plaque for trophies with ornate carvings of acorns and oak leaves. Hand-carved in Germany in the ...
Wood
Vintage Wooden Base Trophy Mounting Plaque for Deer Skull
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Wooden Base Trophy Mounting Plaque for Deer Skull Item e7560 A carved wooden plaque for trophies with ornate carvings of acorns and oak leaves. Hand-carved in Germany in the ...
Wood
Pendant Light Fixture with a Wooden Figure of a Mountain Climber
Located in Barntrup, DE
This wonderful German figural pendant lamp features a hand-carved figure of a mountain climber in natural brown wood tones. The detailed carved wooden...
Brass
19th Century Swiss Carved Walnut Clock with Cherubs and Animal Motifs
Located in Dallas, TX
Make a striking statement on a mantel, console, or buffet with this important antique fruitwood clock, crafted in Switzerland circa 1860. The exceptional timepiece is richly hand carved throughout, centered by two seated cherubs poised above the dial, engaged in a lively scene with a woven grape basket...
Enamel
Antique Black Forest Carved Bear Chair, Brienz, circa 1880s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Black Forest Carved Bear Chair, Brienz, circa 1880s An exceptional hand-carved Black Forest bear chair dating to around 1880. Crafted ...
Wood
Antique 6 pointer Siberian Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque, ca. 1940s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique 6 pointer Siberian Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque, ca. 1940s This piece shows an antique trophy made from a six-point Siberian deer antler (Cervus elaphus), which is mounted o...
Antler, Wood
$23,850Sale Price|63% Off
Austrian-German 19th Century Carved Walnut Black-Forest Hunt Credenza Bookcase
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very large and impressive Austrian-German 19th century finely carved walnut figural Black-Forest "Hunting" credenza Bibliothèque (Bookacase). The intricately carved two-part body, ...
Glass, Walnut
Mountain Man "The Mountain Ghost" Statue wood carved, vintage German 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A great looking hand carved original wooden Folk Art Statue. A great piece for a suitable ambiance in a Cabin room or the office of a Hunter or Woodsman. More than likely one of the ...
Wood
Set of Six Roe Deer Trophies on Wooden Slices Germany ca. 1960s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Set of Six Roe Deer Trophies on Wooden Slices Germany ca. 1960s Mounted on wooden plaques, this vintage set features six large Black Forest roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) trophies. ...
Antler, Wood
Antique Black Forest Roe Deer Antlers Hunting Trophy 1906 Mount
Located in Pearland, TX
A fine antique roe deer antler horns hunting trophy on a carved black forest plaque, dated 1906. The plaque is hand carved with oak leaves, acorns, and branches and was found in an o...
Wood, Horn, Antler
Black Forest Style Oval Oak Leaf & Acorn Mirror by Mirror Fair, Stephen Cavallo
Located in Plainview, NY
Black Forest Style Oval Oak Leaf & Acorn Motif Mirror by Mirror Fair, Stephen Cavallo This exceptional Black Forest Style Oval Oak Leaf & Acorn Motif Mirror by Mirror Fair, Stephen...
Resin
Black Forest Vintage Roe Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque 1950s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Black Forest Vintage Roe Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque 1950s A vintage roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) trophy on a wooden carved plaque. The plaque features big fir branches and fir c...
Antler, Wood
A wonderfully carved life size Brienz Black Forest Golden Eagle
Located in London, GB
A wonderfully carved life size Brienz Black Forest Golden Eagle probably carved by Alfred Stahli Circa 1880 For comparison see page 88 and 89 The...
Wood
Great Wooden Carved Plaque with Stag Family, Brienz 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Great Wooden Carved Plaque with Stag Family, Brienz 1900s A great walnut wall panel with an artistically carved scene showing a family of stags in t...
Wood
Antique Handforged Cattle Bell Made in Switzerland ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Handforged Cattle Bell Made in Switzerland ca. 1900s An antique handforged cattle bell, made in Switzerland around 1900. The bell comes with its original brown leather strap...
Metal
Antique Black Forest Carved Cuckoo Clock with Stag Head on Top
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Antique Black Forest Carved Cuckoo Clock with Stag Head A large handcarved wooden cuckoo clock, decorated with hunting accessoires, oak leaves, hare, pheasant and a stag head ...
Wood
$6,304Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Antique Bull Horn Chairs Austria 1870
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Pair of Antique Bull Horn Chairs Austria 1870 A pair antique bull horn chairs, from a noble villa in Austria. The seats are with antique green velvet ...
Wood, Antler
German Lusterweibechen Figural Poly Chromed & Antler Six Arm Chandelier, C. 1870
Located in Charleston, SC
German Lusterweibechen central carved poly chromed figural lady mermaid playing lute with flanking stag antlers, and six electrified foliage scrolled arms chandelier, 19th Century
Iron
Antique Chamois Trophy on Carved Plaque, Germany ca. 1930s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Chamois Trophy on Carved Plaque, Germany ca. 1930s Antique chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) trophy mounted on a wooden carved plaque with ornate acorn and leaf carvings. The tr...
Antler, Wood
Black Forest / Tramp Art Wall Mirror - Hand-Carved Wooden Mirror - Austria 1890s
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Black Forest / Tramp Art Wall Mirror - Hand-Carved Wooden Mirror - Austria 1890s Nice example of an Austrian mirror somewhere between Black Forest and Tramp Art styles. Hand crafted...
Glass, Mirror, Wood, Reclaimed Wood, Paint
Large Pendant Light Fixture with Carved Climber Figure and Lantern, Germany
Located in Barntrup, DE
Large Pendant Light Fixture with Carved Climber Figure and Lantern, Germany This impressive German figural pendant lamp features a masterfully han...
Metal
Finest Quality, Antique Hand Carved Nutwood Swiss Black Forest Cow Sculpture
Located in Lisse, NL
Museum quality and condition Swiss black forest sculpture. For collectors of the rarest and finest Black Forest sculptures: this incredibly detailed, hand-carved cow could only orig...
Nutwood
$1,694Sale Price / set|20% Off
Late 20t Century Set of Six Pewter Stirrup cups Forst Italy
By E.M. Forster 1
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Set of six stirrup cups in pewter. Made in Italy by compny Forst. The original boxes are available. Finely modeled heads showing two horses and four stags. Stamped at the rim 95 for ...
Pewter
Pair of Mid-Century Black Forest Table Lamps Hand Carved Shades & Bases Germany
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous and all original pair of Black Forest table lamps hand carved from Germany C1950. Shades retain the original translucent material and are in the best condition. Carved Elk a...
Hardwood, Maple
Antique Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque, Germany 1942
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque, Germany 1942 An antiquered deer (Cervus elaphus) trophy from the Black Forest mounted on a wooden carved wall plaque...
Antler, Wood
Antique Hand-Carved Wooden Eagle Mirror with Crescent Glass
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Hand-Carved Wooden Eagle Mirror with Crescent Glass Item e8168 This decorative wall mirror features a finely hand-carved wooden eagle, captured in a dynamic pose with outstre...
Glass, Wood
Lovely Antique Roe Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque, Germany ca.1930s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Lovely Antique Roe Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque, Germany ca.1930s A lovely antique 6 pointer roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) trophy from the Black Forest mounted on a wooden turned p...
Antler, Wood
Antique Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque - Germany 1932
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque - Germany 1932 An antique red deer (Capreolus capreolus) trophy on a wooden carved plaque with dark brown finish. The trophy wa...
Antler, Wood
Great Antique Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque, Germany 1917
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Great Antique Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque, Germany 1917 An antique 8 pointer deer (Cervus pyragus) trophy mounted on a turned wooden plaque. The trophy was shot in Vogtland, German...
Antler, Wood
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...
Velvet, Wood
Black Forest 19th Century Hand-Carved Bird Large Mantle Clock
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Large 19th Century Black Forest carved flora and fauna bird mantle clock. Features a woodland theme with five birds perched on rocks and a tree limb, surrounded by flora. Clock face ...
Wood
Rustic Black Forest Walnut Side Chairs with Floral Carving, Circa 1820
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Rustic Black Forest (19th Cent) walnut side chairs with floral carving and bear figure on back with faux wood carved seat and legs (1 having...
Walnut
Antique Powder Flask Made of Horn with Decorations, Germany 19th Century
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Powder Flask Made of Horn with Decorations, Germany 19th Century This beautiful powder flask, crafted from natural horn, features numero...
Antler
Vintage Eduard Enzmann Alpine Church Landscape Oil Painting on Board 20"
Located in Dayton, OH
Early to mid 20th century oil on board landscape painting depicting a church steeple in a little Alpine mountain village. Signed Enzmann in lower right. Beveled wood frame. "Eduard ...
Paint
Oversized Black Forest 19th Century Carved Oak Stag Rack with Antlers
Located in Atlanta, GA
A black forest oversized carved oak coat and hat rack from the 19th century depicting stags with antlers and umbrella stand. Created during the 19th century, this stunning black forest rack captures our attention with its oversized proportions and skillful carvings. Our eyes are immediately drawn to the two stags facing away from one another and topped with very large antlers. Showcasing great finessed in their execution particularly visible on the details of their coat, they exude a majestic expression. They are alert, their ears raised up. Their necks are connected to one another through a central section carved with foliage and twisted rope motifs and topped with a sphere reminiscent of a regalia. These carved heads are resting on a central column with fluted and gadroon motifs, supporting additional antlers of smaller sizes. The lower part showcases an umbrella stand with brass ring, the ensemble being completed by oval container...
Oak, Antler
Capital Black Forest Uneven 32 Pointer Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Capital Black Forest Uneven 32 Pointer Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque A massive uneven 32 pointer deer (Cervus elaphus) trophy from the Black Forest. The trophy was shot around 1950s....
Wood, Antler
Antique Victorian Black Forest Carved Wood & Glass Cave a Liqueur Tantalus Box
Located in Forney, TX
A rare antique Victorian Black Forest carved wood and glass cave a liqueur / tantalus cabinet set. circa 1880 Exquisitely hand-crafted in the late 19th century, Continental European...
Crystal, Bronze
Antique Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque, Germany 1938
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque, Germany 1938 Antique red deer (Cervus elaphus) trophy from Germany, mounted on a carved wooden plaque. The trophy was shot in ...
Antler, Wood
An Unusual Swiss Carved Black Forest Near Life-Size Figure of a Strolling Bear
Located in London, GB
An Unusual Swiss Carved Black Forest Near Life-Size Figure of a Strolling Bear, Circa 1910 For comparison see page 75 The Art of the Black Forest by Jay Arenski and Simon Daniels 8...
Wood
Large Naturalistic Black Forest Carved Deer Head, ca. 1930s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Naturalistic Black Forest Carved Deer Head, ca. 1930s A great antique wooden carved Black Forest red deer head handcarved in natur...
Antler, Wood
Vintage Hand Carved Mountain Climber or Mountaineer Pendant Light
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautifully crafted light fixture for Black Forest and mountaineering enthusiasts. This beautifully executed and sculptural light fixture will look great at your home, but it can a...
Metal
Vintage Wooden Base Trophy Mounting Plaque for Deer Skull
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Wooden Base Trophy Mounting Plaque for Deer Skull Item e7559 A carved wooden plaque for trophies with carvings oak leaves. Hand-carved in Germany in the Black Forest region. ...
Wood
$4,105Sale Price|25% Off
Antler Armchair with Wild Boar Hide, Red Deer, Fallow Deer, 1880s
Located in Zevenaar, NL
Hunting trophy armchair of antlers, wild boar and red deer. Very expressive and impressive looking throne. The fluid form of the antlers creates a sculptural, organic aesthetic. Ne...
Antler, Animal Skin
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...
Walnut
Black Forest Chamois Trophy on Carved Wooden Plaque, Austria 1951
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Black Forest Chamois Trophy on Carved Wooden Plaque, Austria 1951 A decorative trophy of the chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra), mounted on a carved wooden plaque. The plaque is painted ...
Antler, Wood
Swiss Brienz Black Forest Hand-Carved Wood Bear Pipe Tobacco Holder Stand
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Black Forest hand-carved linden-wood hand-carved pipe tobacco holder stand also have seen examples of it used as a decanter or liqueur Stand with the holders being used for shot or small glasses. Modeled as hiking bear with walking stick...
Wood
Antique Carved Wood Tobacco Pipe with Soldier Head
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Carved Wood Tobacco Pipe with Soldier Head A rare antique handcarved wooden tobacco pipe with a fine carved soldier head as pipe head. The head features a Confederated or a Union soldier. The pipe is executed in Germany ca. 1880. A great addition to every tobacciana collection. Good condition with a small repair on the hat brim. The tradition of wood carving, using manual skills to make everyday objects and fine art sculptures, is found throughout Europe. The incentive to create not only useful but also aesthetically beautiful things, distinguishes the craftsman from the artist. In addition to the well-known Swiss wood...
Wood
Large Black Forest Woodcarving Ibex Sculpture, Austria, circa 1920
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Black Forest Woodcarving Ibex Sculpture, Austria, circa 1920 An antique early 20th century wooden carved sculpture of an ibex. Handcarved in lindenwood with naturalistic detai...
Wood
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...
Metal
Antique Black Forest Hand-Carved Brown Wooden Trinket Jewellery Box, circa 1900
Located in Greven, DE
Antique Black Forest Hand-Carved Brown Wooden Trinket Jewellery Box Continental Wood, Textile, Metal c. 1900 Dimensions: H x W x D: 9cm x 15cm x 9.5cm This hand-carved trinket bo...
Walnut
$4,014Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Walnut
German Pendant Light with Hand Carved Mountain Climber Sculpture and Lantern
Located in Barntrup, DE
This wonderful German pendant lamp or Lüstermännchen features a hand-carved figure of a mountain climber in beautifully hand-painted Bavarian traditional clothing in brown, green, wh...
Metal
Wood Carved Nut Bowl Catchall with Squirrel Figure German Mid Century Modern
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A charming, hand-carved wooden bowl with squirrel figure statue on the top from the early 1960s to the 1970s. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail from wood and the lovely fig...
Metal
Life Size Wild Boar Black Forest Hand Carved Folk Art Wood Trophy 20th Century
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A great looking hand carved original wooden Folk Art Wild Boar head wall decoration. A great piece for a suitable ambiance in a trophy room or the office of a Hunter or Woodsman. Mor...
Wood
Very Large Vintage Japanese Ainu Hokkai Bear Carved Wood Sculpture
Located in Forney, TX
A rare large and most impressive rustic midcentury Japanese Ainu hand carved Ussuri Brown Bear sculpture. Indigenous Ainu Peoples, probably Ashikawa, Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, mid-20th century, anonymous artist. This exceptional example of traditional Kibori Kuma (木彫り熊) was finely hand carved, chiseled, sculpted and painted from a massive block of solid Japanese hardwood, using old primitive techniques with customized knives and chisels, the artisan would sit on the hut floor, using their feet as a vice to hold the block of wood, carefully manipulating and turning, wood chips flying, skillfully carving to create this beautiful piece of art! This massive scale realistic rendering showcases the artisan's exemplary skills, workmanship, and artistry, the bears aggressive naturalistic appearance comes to life, evoking power, strength, and natural bounty, lending to its fierce dramatic presence. Modeled as a wild Ussuri brown bear standing on four legs, head slightly tilted up as if about to expel a ferocious roaring growl, having inset black glass eyes, mouth agape with jagged teeth exposed, the bold muscular body with distinct richly textured chip-carved fur, this sculpture captures the essence of Ainu reverence for nature, this sacred animal, and their deep connection to the land. No apparent signatures, typical of folk art work. - DIMENSIONS: (approx) 19.5" Wide x 11.375" Tall x 13.25" Deep; Wight: 18.75lbs - HISTORY / BACKGROUND: The Ainu are an aboriginal hunter/gatherer/fisher people who once inhabited many of the islands that bound the southern half of the Sea of Okhotsk north of the main Japanese island of Honshu and Southern Russia. Their land was contested by the Japanese Empire and the USSR for centuries, with the Meiji era Japan colonisation of Hokkaido taking place in the 19th century. Colonisation dispossessed the native Ainu people of their lands and property. Widespread discrimination enforced against them, including their forced relocation into mountain areas and the prohibition of the use of the Ainu language decimated their economy with the eventual aim of the extinction of Ainu culture and its replacement by Yamato Japanese culture. The history of the Ainu bear...
Art Glass, Hardwood, Paint
Original Antique Print After H. Leutemann, Reynard the Fox-Gieremund In The Well
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image by Heinrich Leutemann From the Reynard The Fox series Fine steel engraving Published by A.H. Payne C.1850 Unframed.
Paper
Echoes of the Hunt: 19th Century Black Forest Antler Wall Hanging Coat Rack
Located in New York, NY
19th Century Black Forest Antler Wall Hanging Coat Rack This striking Black Forest wall-mounted coat rack exemplifies the virtuoso carving traditions of the Alpine regions in the la...
Antler, Wood
Folk Art Painted Pine Farmhouse Alpine Dresser Original Hand Made and Painted
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Folk Art Painted Pine Farmhouse Alpine Dresser An Original Hand Made and Painted Alpine Dresser The dresser is a very traditionally made and decorated piece, the top or plate rack h...
Pine
Large Monumental Black Forest Eagle Clock, Lenzkirch Movement, 19th Century
By Emile Egger, Lenzkirch
Located in Lisse, NL
Top quality, hand carved nutwood eagle clock with Lenzkirch movement. An exceptional and rare late 19th century Black Forest wall clock of monumental size, featuring a superbly hand...
Brass, Iron
Deer Head Viechtauer Black Forest Hand Carved Folk Art Wooden Trophy
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An exceptional hand-carved wooden Folk Art wall decoration, dating most likely from the period between 1900s and the late 1920s. Beautifully crafted with an authentic rustic characte...
Wood