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
113
668
285
851
114
5
198,018
114,725
43,007
32,899
16,229
11,925
10,697
10,517
9,822
8,985
7,243
6,742
6,495
6,461
6,136
5,710
4,881
3,780
3
483
365
119
239
93
13
37
10
28
23
5
12
7
2
2
758
161
132
108
107
901
369
243
164
71
970
970
970
105
33
8
3
3
Style: Black Forest
Wooden Carved Ibex and Chamois Sculptures attr. to Rudolf Heissl jr. ca. 1960s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Wooden Carved Ibex and Chamois Sculptures attr. to Rudolf Heissl jr. ca. 1960s
A pair of finely carved wooden sculptures of a chamois and an ibex. Carved in naturalistic style by th...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique German Barometer with Hand-Carved Oak Leaves and Acorns, 1920s
Located in Barntrup, DE
German Black Forest style barometer with fine hand-carved oak branches, leaves, and acorns.
Dimensions: height 30 cm / 11.81 in; width 24 cm / 9.44 in; depth 5 cm / 1.96 in.
In good ...
Category
1920s German Vintage Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Metal
19th Century black forest carved wood casket
Located in Martlesham, GB
A superb quality 19th Century black forest caved wood casket, having wonderful crisp carving throughout, the hinged top lifting up to reveal a large compartment space, has the origin...
Category
1870s British Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Antique Cabin Antler Wall Clock with Deer Head Austria ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Cabin Antler Wall Clock with Deer Head Austria ca. 1900
A large rustic antler wall clock. The wooden case is richly decorated with plaster applications, a plaster deer...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Plaster, Wood, Antler
19th Century Black Forest Bear Clothes Brush
Located in High Point, NC
19th century hand carved Black Forest clothes brush in the form of a bear. The bear is recumbent, and his face is so sweet - he will look good anywhere you decide to place him in yo...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Fruitwood
Great Carved Black Forest Horn Lithophany, Germany ca. 1840
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Great Carved Black Forest Horn Lithophany, Germany ca. 1840
Museal rustic lithophany depicting finely carved chamoise in a mountain landscape. The f...
Category
Mid-19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood, Antler
Beautiful Viechtauer Hand Carved Wood Bird, Black Forest Folk Art, Austria, 1910
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful Austrian early 20th century, carved wood bird, mounted on a stand for hanging. The tradition of these in Austria called "Viechtauer" birds goes back to the early 19th cen...
Category
1910s Austrian Vintage Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
1950s German Alpine Pendant Light Carved Painted Wood Climber with Lantern
Located in Barntrup, DE
Charming 1950s German Alpine Pendant Light with Carved and Painted Wooden Climber
This delightful German figural pendant light from the 1950s fe...
Category
1950s German Vintage Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Metal
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...
Category
1860s Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
White Tailed Deer Trophy Mount on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
White Tailed Deer Trophy Mount on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s
A large antique white tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) trophy on a wooden plaque with da...
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Antler, Wood
Antique Black Forest Foliate Carved Wall Shelf C1890
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique Black Forest Foliate Carved Wall Shelf C1890
Measures- 29.25"H x 21"W x 7"D
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
$280 Sale Price
20% Off
Large Rustic Antler Lamp with Fallow Deer and Deer Antlers
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large rustic antler lamp with fallow deer and deer antlers
A large antler chandelier composed of several joined fallow deer and deer antlers. ...
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Antler
Cute Viechtauer Hand Carved Wood Bird Black Forest Folk Art Austria 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful Austrian early 20th century, carved wood bird, mounted on a stand for hanging. The tradition of these in Austria called "Viechtauer" birds goes back to the early 19th cen...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Bleached Oak Buffet with Floral Motifs
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a den, a game room or an entry with this richly carved antique buffet! Created in France, circa 1860, and built of oak, the cabinet sits on front bun feet over a carved base...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Oak
$4,640 Sale Price
25% Off
Antique Reindeer Antler Mount Taxidermy Cabin Decor Skull Antlers
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Reindeer Antler Mount Taxidermy Cabin Decor Skull Antlers
Item e7354
A great antique reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) trophy on a wooden panel wit...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Antler, Wood
Antique Swiss German Black Forest Carved Walnut Writing Letter Box Folding Desk
By Black Forest
Located in Portland, OR
A very good carved walnut Swiss German Black Forest writing box, folding desk desk, Brienz Switzerland, circa 1890.
The slant front is finely carved in relief with a design of quills...
Category
1880s German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Black Forest Wood Carved Bear Statue Smokers Set German Antique 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1900s black forest wood carved desktop accessory in form of a Bear. Nice addition to your room or just for use it in your smokers area. Made of hand carved wood and gla...
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Beautiful Viechtauer Hand Carved Wood Bird, Black Forest Folk Art Austria, 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful Austrian early 20th century, carved wood bird, mounted on a stand for hanging. The tradition of these in Austria called "Viechtauer" birds goes back to the early 19th cen...
Category
1920s Austrian Vintage Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
large oval Antique swiss 19th century Black Forest jewelry box walnut 3 birds
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
This stunning 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 remarka...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Wood
Black Forest Folk Art Carved Wood Chamois Head with Real Horns, 19th Century
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A great looking hand carved original wooden Folk Art chamois head wall decoration. A great piece for a suitable ambiance in a trophy room or the office of a Hunter or Woodsman. More ...
Category
Mid-19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Dog Handle Brienz Black Forest Wood Carved Umbrella Cane Austria Antique, 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1910s Black Forest Brienz wood carved umbrella with handle in form of a dog. The dog has glass eyes. Nice addition to your collection or just for use. Made of hand carv...
Category
1910s Austrian Vintage Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Metal
Black Forest Carved Bear Whip Holder or Wall Hook, Antique German 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic 1890s black forest Brienz wood carved Bear as a Whip Holder or Wall Hook. Nice addition to your room or just for use it on your wall. Made of hand carved wood. Found at an es...
Category
1890s German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Masterly Crafted w. Edelweiss Flowers Swiss Black Forest Barometer & Thermometer
Located in Lisse, NL
Top museum quality carved Swiss barometer / weather station
This antique barometer is not only about the actuality of the weather, it is also a true work of art and a real pleasure to look at. The attention to detail is incredible and it must have taken a true craftsman weeks rather than days to design and finish the carved frame alone. At a later stage, the handcrafted barometer (in German) and the thermometer (in Celsius & Fahrenheit) were integrated. Notice how the Edelweiss Flowers...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique French Server Sideboard Buffet Hunt Harvest Cabinet Black Forest Oak 19C
Located in Tyler, TX
SUPERB 19th Century Antique French HIGHLY CARVED Oak "Hunt" "Harvest" Black Forest Server Sideboard Buffet Cabinet~~
c. 1880s
This is only one ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Oak
19th century carved black forest ibex sculpture linden wood
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Fantastic black forest carving on impressive proportions circa 1890.
Features 4 european ibex of varying age and scale standing on carved rocks and foliage. We have owned many blac...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Oak
Six Pointer Black Forest Roe Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque 1946
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Six Pointer Black Forest Roe Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque 1946
Item e7334
A large six pointer roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) trophy on a wooden carved plaque. The trophy was shot in ...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Antler, Wood
Antique 19th Century Black Forest Bear Book Shelf / Book Rack Hand Carved Swiss
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Gorgeous 19th century antique Black Forest Extendable bookshelf hand carved from Switzerland.
Lovely carved bears by a master carver & Black Forest floral styled base.
These make mar...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
GERMAN 1890 Treasure Chest Decorative Box In Cedar Wood & Silver Hardware
Located in Miami, FL
A German treasure chest desk box.
This is a beautiful rectangular desk box created in Germany during the Imperial period, back in 1890-1900. The box is crafted in the shape of a treasure chest and fully carved in cedar wood and decorated with forged silver hardware’s. It is fitted with two sets of hinges and a security lock. The box is extremely well made and fitted in the interior with the original red velvet lining. Stamped with an oval bronze plaque, that read E S Schutz Marke...
Category
1890s German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Silver, Bronze
$1,225 Sale Price
30% Off
Large Hand-Carved Statue of an Eagle, Black Forest ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Hand-Carved Statue of an Eagle, Black Forest ca. 1900
An expressive naturalistic carved large eagle sculpture. The eagle is sitting on a rock and has spread its wings. The win...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Black Forest Bear Bench w. Five Bear Sculptures & Carved Oak Leaf Seat
Located in Lisse, NL
Large and impressive, hand carved and demountable bench with five bear sculptures.
This superbly hand carved bench is entirely made of solid wood and therefor too this stunning and highly decorative antique is as strong and stable as the day it was it was made. We cannot single out one detail that is more special than others, because the standing bear sculptures...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood
Black Forest Walnut Library Ladder
Located in Queens, NY
Rustic Black Forest (19th Cent) walnut 3 step library ladder with carved branch design. (late 19th cent.)
Category
19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Rare 2 tier Swiss 19th century Black Forest Jewelry box hand carved Fox & bird.
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
This incredibly rare two-tier Swiss Black Forest jewelry box is fully hand-carved from a single block of wood, making it a true masterpiece. What sets this box apart is its unique de...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Wood
Hand Carved Black Forest Desk Lamp Hunting Scene, circa 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
The item for sale is an original desk lamp in the style of Black Forest or possibly Swiss artisanal craftsmanship. Foot and lampshade are both hand carved from medium-dark wood. The ...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Canvas, Jute, Wood
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...
Category
1930s German Vintage Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Metal
19th Century black forest centre piece
Located in Martlesham, GB
A lovely quality 19th Century black forest centre piece, having an ornate carved trunk at the centre with a removable glass stem with out swept scalloped edge, a large hunting dog st...
Category
1880s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
19th Century Rustic Black Forest Wall Mirror with Double Frame, AT circa 1890
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
One of a kind rustic Black Forest wall mirror from the late 19th century in Austria. Elaborately handcarved out of fine basswood around 1890, this rural mirror shows an absolute mesm...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Softwood
Antique 19th Century Swiss Black Forest Jewelry Box Fruitwood Birds Band Carved
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Gorgeous & breathtaking! This 19th century black forest jewelry box carved out of fruitwood.
Carved by a master carver with at...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Fruitwood
Swiss Black Forest Hall Tree by Seilar-Brawant, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
A masterful example of Swiss Black Forest craftsmanship, this c. 1900 linden wood hall tree is by the esteemed Seilar-Brawant workshop of Brienz. Towering in scale and rich in detail...
Category
Early 1900s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Black forest jewelry carved walnut swiss 19th century Flowers and 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
Wood
19th Century black forest walnut casket
Located in Martlesham, GB
A good quality 19th Century black forest walnut casket, having wonderful crisp carving throughout, the hinged top lifting up to reveal a velvet lined interior, the top having a finel...
Category
1880s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Rustic Antler Lamp with Deer Antlers
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Rustic antler lamp with deer Antlers
A large antler chandelier made of three joined deer antlers. The lamp comes with 3 spouts, vintage glass ...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Blown Glass, Antler
Pair of 19th Century Swiss Black Forest Carved Walnut Hunt Trophy Sculptures
Located in Dallas, TX
This remarkable pair of wall trophies was hand carved in Switzerland’s Black Forest region circa 1870. Executed in richly grained walnut, and almost 3 feet tall, each plaque is a tou...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
$11,200 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Rustic Black Forest Style Fallow Deer Antler Table Lamp, circa 1950s
By Black Forest
Located in Glasgow, GB
A striking example of mid-century Black Forest craftsmanship, this sculptural vintage antler table lamp dates to the 1950s and is composed of a large, naturally patinated fallow deer...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Steel
Antique Black Forest Bench Hallway Swiss Bear Carved 20th Century Sofa Loveseat
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Make sure you always come home with a warm welcome with this marvelous Black Forest sofa in your hallway.
Carved out of solid wood by a master carver th...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Oak
Large Caribou Antler Skull Mount Taxidermy Cabin Decor Skull Antlers
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Caribou Antler Skull Mount Taxidermy Cabin Decor Skull Antlers
Item e7355
A great antique caribou (Rangifer tarandus) trophy on a wooden plaque. Th...
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Antler, Wood
Pair of Antique Rustic Antler Parlor Chairs, Germany, circa 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Pair of Antique Rustic Antler Parlor Chairs, Germany, circa 1900
A pair of antique antler chairs, made of antlers from the deer and fallow deer. ...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Antler, Oak
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...
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th Century Swiss Black Forest Carved Thatched Roof Cottage Box
Located in Stamford, CT
Fantastic and rare example of Black Forest folk art, a tour de force of carving by a master woodworker. This lift top box in the form of a thatched cottage has many wonderful details...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Cute Viechtauer Hand Carved Wood Bird Black Forest Folk Art Austria 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful Austrian early 20th century, carved wood bird, mounted on a stand for hanging. The tradition of these in Austria called "Viechtauer" birds goes back to the early 19th cen...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
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...
Category
1880s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
19th Century Black Forest Pierced Oak Carved Tray or Bowl
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
19th century Black Forest pierced oak tray. Has music box inside but it is not working and would need to be serviced.
Category
19th Century Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
$395 Sale Price
50% Off
Antique Black Forest Roe Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque, Bavaria 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Black Forest Roe Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque, Bavaria 1900s
Item e7321
A large antique roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) trophy on a wooden carved plaque. The trophy was shot i...
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Antler, Wood
19th Century Black Forest Carved Fan Case
Located in High Point, NC
Late 19th century hand-carved fruitwood fan case from Switzerland. This is a lovely and interesting little piece which would look great on a dresser, or in a bookcase for display. ...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Fruitwood
Black Forest taxidermy, antique deer, 1950, 2 peaces
Located in Vienna, AT
Black Forest taxidermy, antique deer, 1950, 2 peaces
good condition,
Dimensions: 14 cm X 14 cm x 20 cm /per peace
Both: 285,00 EUR
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Horn
French Henri II Style Carved Walnut Overmantel Mirror, C. 1880
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French Henri II style mantel or wall mirror in gorgeous hand carved oak, with outstanding detail. The details reveal it was probably commissioned for an aristocrat’s hunting ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Walnut
$600 Sale Price
60% Off
19th Century Black Forest Carved Liquor Box
Located in High Point, NC
19th Century Black Forest carved liquor set. The exterior of the box is hand-carved in design as a wood log cabinet, the rectangular Black Forest tantalus is decorated on the top wi...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Fruitwood
$2,295 / set
Antique French Black Forest Tantalus Liquor Box Glass Decanter Cavé à Liqueur
Located in Shreveport, LA
Antique French Black Forest Tantalus Liquor Box Glass Decanter Cavé à Liqueur.
Create an elegant bar area with this outstanding carved Black F...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Antique Hand Carved Black Forest Bear 1920s Germany
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice black forest bear. Hand carved 1920s. Good condition.
Category
1920s German Vintage Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Fruitwood
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Bleached Oak Hunt Buffet Desserte
Located in Dallas, TX
This heavily carved "Saint Hubert" cabinet server was crafted in France circa 1870. Hand carved of solid oak wood and built in two sections with top crown, the highly detailed antiqu...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Oak
$5,520 Sale Price
20% Off
Black Forest Chamois Horns Hunting Trophy Mount
Located in Pearland, TX
A fine antique petite chamois antler horns hunting trophy on a hand carved black forest plaque. The plaque is hand carved with oak leaves and crossed branches. It's perfect for a stu...
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Horn, Wood
$360 Sale Price
20% Off
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.