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.
19th Century Rustic Black Forest Mirror With Oak Leaves/ Acorns, AT ca. 1870
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Exceptional designed, late 19th century rustic Black Forest wall mirror from the period around 1870. This phenomenal looking, elaborately hand carved Austrian rustic mirror impresses...
Mirror, Softwood
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
Black Forest Oval Beveled Mirror with Hand Carved Frame (H 25 1/2 x W 20 1/2)
Located in Austin, TX
A fine Black Forest oval wall mirror from the late 19th century, featuring a decoratively carved frame with beautiful scrolled leaf patterns surrounding a beveled mirror plate. Dime...
Glass, Mirror, Wood
$1,245Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Cake Display Stand, German, Oak, Mirrored Gateau Centrepiece, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique cake display stand. A German, carved oak mirrored gateau centrepiece in Black Forest taste, dating to the late Victorian period, circa ...
Glass, Oak
Black Forest Wood Carved Bear Catchall Figure Statue German Antique 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A charming, hand-carved wooden figure statue of a lovable Black Forest Bear from the early 20th century. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail from wood and with its original g...
Brass
Antique Black Forest Carved Wood Lustermannchen Chandelier, Germany, ca. 1890
Located in Barntrup, DE
A rare Black Forest Lustermannchen chandelier combining expressive carved wood sculpture, natural horn elements, and a hanging lantern in a uniquely theatrical late 19th-century desi...
Metal
Large Black Forest 19th Century Antler Arm Chair and Ottoman
Located in San Francisco, CA
a large and rare set of German Black Forest furniture with chair and ottoman; with oval back above a tight seat all surrounded by a robus...
Antler
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
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
$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
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 Viechtauer Folk Art Wood Carved Roe Deer Head, Austria 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique hand-carved wooden wall decoration in Viechtau folk art style from Austria, 20th century A stunning hand-carved wooden wall decoration in the folk art style, circa 1920s - 1...
Wood
Set of Six Antique Roe Deer Trophies, Germany ca. 1890s / 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Set of Six Antique Roe Deer Trophies, Germany ca. 1890s / 1900s A great collection of six antique roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) antler trophies from the turn of the 20th century, o...
Antler, Wood
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
Vintage Hand Carved Mountain Climber or Mountaineer Pendant Light, Austria 1970s
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
Early 1900 Large Black Forest Fine Carved Burling Stag / Deer Sculpture Statue
Located in Lisse, NL
Good size and beautifully carved, wooden Black Forest stag sculpture. From the posture it is obvious that this impressive stag, with his head turned up, is attempting to attract and...
Wood
Black Forest Wood Carved Dog Figure Inkwell German Antique 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Charming early 1900s Black Forest hand-carved wooden desktop accessory in the form of a delightful dog. Expertly sculpted with fine attention to detail, this classic piece showcases ...
Wood
Black Forest Rustic Photo Frame with Original Glass Plate, Austria, circa 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Lovely rustic black Forest photo frame from the late 19th century, around 1880 in Austria. Elaborately hand carved out of bass wood this antique photo fra...
Blown Glass, Softwood
$11,497Sale Price|50% Off
Carved Swiss Black Forest Chalet Clock, circa 1880
Located in Evergreen, CO
Intricate, painstaking detail is featured in this rare and magnificent, hand-carved, Black Forest chalet clock, which has professionally restored woodwork...
Walnut
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
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...
Wood
German Pendant Light Hand Carved Wood Figure Mountain Climber with Lantern
Located in Barntrup, DE
This wonderful German Black Forest figural pendant lamp features a hand-carved figure of a mountain climber. The detailed carved wooden mountaineer is...
Copper
German Lustermannchen Carved-Wood Pendant Light with Figural Railway Official
Located in Barntrup, DE
A rare German figural pendant light featuring a carved wooden railway official suspended beneath antlers, executed in the traditional Lustermannc...
Metal
Black Forest Carved Walnut Fox Hunt Table Thermometer, Central European, ca 1900
Located in Lisse, NL
This finely carved walnut thermometer is a sculptural and characterful example of early twentieth-century Central European craftsmanship, designed not only as a functional object but...
Opaline Glass, Nutwood
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
Antique Hand Carved Black Forest Wooden Lodge Design, Late 1800s Chest or Trunk
Located in Lisse, NL
Excellent workmanship and very cool looking antique chest. This 19th century and all handcrafted chest is perfect for decorating the interior of your lodge, but also in a home envir...
Wood
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 Swiss Black Forest Carved Walnut Table
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce late 19th century Swiss Black Forest hand carved walnut table with nicely aged warm patina. Hand-crafted in Switzerland, circa 1880, the square tabletop features a relief ...
Walnut
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...
Wood
Fine Black Forest 'Goat' Hall Chair
Located in New York, NY
Fine Black Forest 'Goat' Hall Chair, late 19th Century.
Wood
Black Forest Carved Walnut Wall Plaque, Eagle with Prey
By Black Forest
Located in Newark, England
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING A FINELY CARVED BLACK FOREST WALNUT WALL PLAQUE DEPICTING AN EAGLE WITH PREY ABOVE EAGLETS IN THEIR NEST, SET AGAINST A MOUNTAINOUS BACKDROP. From our Blac...
Wood, Walnut
Circa 1900 Swiss Small-Medium Size Strolling Black Forest Bear
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1900 small-medium size strolling Black Forest Bear, Swiss. Rich brown color. Very good face - small, bead eyes. Carved lindenwood - good detail to the carving of the fur. One f...
Wood, Paint
Large Naturalistic Black Forest Carved Ibex Head, ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Naturalistic Black Forest Carved Ibex Head, ca. 1900s A large antique wooden carved Black Forest ibex head handcarved in naturalistic style and fitted with real ibex horns. Ha...
Antler, Wood
Antique Black Forest Wall Reliefs with Hunting Motifs, a pair
Located in Pearland, TX
A pair of antique 19th century Black Forest hunting trophies, finely carved, featuring partridges, powder horns, rope, acorns and oak lea...
Wood
Vintage Stainless Steel and Horn Cutlery Serving Forks, Wingen 1960s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Stainless Steel and Horn Cutlery Serving Forks, Wingen 1960s Item e8198 3-piece hunting serving set (3 forks) made in Solingen by Anton Wingen. Made of stainless steel. The h...
Metal
19th Century Swiss Black Forest Fire Screen
Located in Chicago, IL
There is something unmistakably romantic about the Swiss Black Forest tradition—where craftsmanship leans into illusion, and wood is coaxed into becoming something almost alive. This...
Walnut
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
Majolica German Dog Bottle, circa 1890
By Gesetzlich Geschützt
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica German figural dog bottle, circa 1890. The bottle represent a dog in hunting costume smoking a pipe and carrying a riffle, the lid is the hat with a feather. The piece is ...
Ceramic
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
19th Century Hand Carved Black Forest Mantel Game Clock, Germany
Located in Round Top, TX
This antique Black Forest carved mantel game clock was hand-carved in Germany during the 19th century. The detailed linden or walnut wood carving features a stag finial with doe belo...
Wood
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
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
$4,498Sale Price|25% Off
GERMANY 1870 Black Forest Oversized Cigar Humidor Box In Solid Carved Oak Wood
By Black Forest
Located in Miami, FL
A German cigar humidor box carved in oak wood. This is a fabulous oversized black forest humidor box created in northern Europe, most probably in Germany or Switzerland, back in the...
Bronze
Set of Three Antique Roe Deer Trophies on Carved Plaques Germany ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Set of Three Antique Roe Deer Trophies on Carved Plaques Germany ca. 1900 Antique set of three Black Forest roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) trophies mounted on richly carved wooden p...
Antler, Wood
Deer Head primitive Black Forest Hand 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...
Wood
Large Antique Black Forest Hand-Carved Bark Form Picture Frame, circa 1900
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
A striking antique Black Forest picture frame, hand-carved in the traditional bark-form style popular in Switzerland and southern Germany during the late 19th and early 20th centurie...
Wood
French 1900s Black Forest Turn of the Century Mirror with Carved Oak Leaves
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French black forest mirror from the early 20th century, with hand-carved oak leaves. We currently have two mirrors available, priced and ...
Mirror, Wood
Pendant Light with a Large Wooden Figure Mountain Climber with Lantern, Germany
Located in Barntrup, DE
A wonderful German figural pendant lamp showcases a large hand-carved figure of a mountain climber. The intricately carved wooden mountaineer hold...
Metal
$2,928Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Small Antique Horn Chairs, Austria ca. 1870
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Pair of Small Antique Horn Chairs, Austria ca. 1870 Item e5681 A pair small bull horn chairs ca. 1870, one covered with vintage cattle coat which has to...
Metal
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Bleached Oak Hunt Buffet Desserte
Located in Dallas, TX
Bring remarkable craftsmanship and Old World character into a dining room, lodge, or grand entry with this richly carved antique French Black Forest hunt buffet desserte. Crafted in ...
Oak
Antique Black Forest Hand-Carved Deer or Elk Head Wall Plaque or Sculpture
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This well executed antique wall sculpture is unsigned, but presumed to have been done in Switzerland in approximately 1890 in the period Black F...
Softwood
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...
Crystal
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
Two Bird on Branch Viechtauer Hand Carved Wood Black Forest Folk Art Austria
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Charming Austrian 20th-century carved wooden bird mounted on its original stand, designed for wall hanging or standing. This delightful folk art piece belongs to the long-standing tr...
Wood, Paint
Black Forest Carved Deer or Stag Head and Antlers on Plaque, Germany, 1900
Located in Richmond, Surrey
Black Forest carved deer or stag head & antlers mounted on shield plaque, Germany, 1900 Early 20th century Black Forest carved wood stag head with an...
Hardwood
Antique Black Forest Chairs with Carved Animal Inlay, Germany, 1840
Located in Miami, FL
In walnut, the chairs are delicately carved with interesting inlayed of animal figures. Sold as is to refinish.
Walnut
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...
Oak
Vintage Black Forest Deer Trophy Wood Carved Plaque, Austria 1959
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Black Forest Deer Antler Trophy on Hand-Carved Wooden Plaque A finely preserved Black Forest deer antler trophy mounted on an intricately hand-carved wooden plaque, exemplifying the...
Antler, Wood
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