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.
$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
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...
Antler, Wood
$1,850Sale Price|20% Off
Oak Black Forest Wall Coat Rack with Hand Carved Double-Headed Eagle, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and ultra rare Black Forest style wall coat rack. Striking European design from the 1900s. Solid oak frame with a hand-carved sculptured double-headed eagle. Four pati...
Brass
Man Hand Carved and Painted Black Forest Mechanical Wooden Bottle Stopper, 1930s
By ANRI
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This charming vintage hand-carved wooden folk art stopper, made in Italy or Austria, depicts a delightful gentleman from the 1920s or earlier. Carved with expressive detail and warm ...
Wood
Mid 19th Century Bear Head Wall Sculpture - Black Forest - Hand Sculpted
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A rare Black Forest wall sculpture with a bear head, hand sculpted from chestnut wood. Polychrome painted head, on a wood sculpted rococo-style frame with scrolls with a gold leaf fi...
Gold Leaf
Aesthetic Movement Carved Wood Chandelier, 5 Lights
Located in North Miami, FL
Beautifully carved and boasts tons of details, this 5 light chandelier with custom paper shades from English Aesthetic Movement, late 19th C., this has been rewired and restored to i...
Wood, Paper
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
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Bleached Oak Buffet Cabinet
Located in Dallas, TX
Make a statement in a dining room, wine cellar, or mountain retreat with this exceptional antique Black Forest buffet cabinet. Crafted in France circa 1860, the richly carved two-doo...
Oak
Rustic Black Forest Bear Walnut Table Desk
Located in Queens, NY
Rustic Black Forest (19th Century) bear carved walnut table desk with leaf and floral carving and single drawer.
Walnut
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
Black Forest Period 19th Century German Oak Wall Carving with Hunting Trophy
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Black Forest period German wall carving from the 19th century depicting a hunting trophy. A striking relic from the 19th century, this Black Forest period German wall carving serve...
Oak
Large Swiss Black Forest Hand Carved Wall Clock Plaque with Pheasant Sculptures
Located in Lisse, NL
This large Swiss masterpiece wall plaque with clock is in perfect condition. The realistic and detailed carving consists of a pair of pheasant, a bird's nest, fine leafs and branche...
Wood
2 large, antique antler wall sconces from a hunting lodge in Austria
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
Two very large wall lamps made from the antlers and tusks of wild boars. They come from an abandoned forester's lodge in Lower Austria. The owner claims that the lamps originally ca...
Antler, Teeth, Hardwood
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
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
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
Fine Black Forest 'Goat' Hall Chair
Located in New York, NY
Fine Black Forest 'Goat' Hall Chair, late 19th Century.
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
19th Century Rustic Black Forest Photo Frame, Hand Carved, AT, circa 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Lovely, unusual Black Forest photo frame from Austria, circa 1880. Artfully hand carved out of basswood, this frame shows a gorgeous design combined with nice protruding corners. Thi...
Blown Glass, Softwood
Lot of Three Carved Wood Bird Black Forest Folk Art Austria 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful Austrian 1960s - 1970s carved wood bird lot, polychrome painted, wire feet, wooden base all with glass eyes. These are made in the style of the antique wooden Viechtauer ...
Wood, 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
Vintage Set of Six Roe Deer Trophies on Wooden Plaques Germany ca. 1950/1960s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Set of Six Roe Deer Trophies on Wooden Plaques Germany ca.1950/1960s A collection of six large vintage roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) antler trophies from the 1950/1960s, mo...
Antler, Wood
19th Century French Carved Oak Nine-Gun Cabinet with Bird and hunt Motifs
Located in Dallas, TX
Display your rifle or shotgun collection in this grand and intricately carved antique gun cabinet. Created in France circa 1860, this important two-piece display piece is crafted fro...
Glass, Oak
Hunting Dog Head Black Forest Hand Carved Folk Art Wooden Trophy, 19th Century
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A great looking hand carved original wooden Folk Art Dog head with glass eyes, wall decoration. A great piece for a suitable ambiance in a trophy room or the office of a Hunter or Woodsman. More than likely one of the Folk Art items made between 1860 and the late 1890s. In remarkably good as found condition with only a few small paint lost on the trophy plaque. Found at an estate sale in Wels, Austria. We think this will be a nice addition to your Collection of Black Forest items...
Wood
19th Century, Black Forest Carved Walnut Jewelry Casket Brienz Region
Located in Atlanta, GA
A finely carved 19th-century Black Forest walnut jewelry casket, attributed to the Brienz region of Switzerland, distinguished by its lavishly naturalistic ornamentation and sculptural detailing. The exterior is deeply carved with flowing rocaille motifs and a profusion of flowers and foliage in high relief, including a central rose in full bloom beneath the keyhole escutcheon. The lid is crowned with an exceptionally crisp and dimensional bouquet featuring a central rose surrounded by rosebuds and smaller blossoms arranged upon a scalloped bed...
Walnut
$42,500 / set
Pair of Rustic Black Forest Carved Walnut Armchairs
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Rustic Black Forest (19th Cent) carved walnut open Armchairs with leaf and grape design filigree back and bear heads on arms with etched seat
Walnut
19th Century Hand-Carved Oak Wall-Mounted Coat Rack with Leaf and Branch Motif
Located in Lisse, NL
Wonderful craftsmanship, large and solid oak wall coat-rack. This stunning 19th-century wall-mounted coat rack is a true testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of the period. H...
Metal, Iron
A Wooden Japanese Hokkaido Kibori Kuma Bear, Early 20th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Wooden Japanese Hokkaido Kibori Kuma Bear, Early 20th Century Description: A traditional hand-carved wooden bear from Hokkaido, Japan. While it bears a resemblance to Swiss Black ...
Wood
$16,500 / set
Pair of Rustic Black Forest Walnut Bear Side Chairs
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
Rustic Black Forest Walnut Marble Console Table
Located in Queens, NY
Rustic Black Forest (19th Century) walnut console table with faux twig carved base and slat design apron with marble top and drawer.
Marble
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
Stunning Folk Art Wood Carved Deer Head with Real Antlers, Austria 19th Century
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A great looking hand carved original wooden Folk Art deer head wall decoration. A great piece for a suitable ambiance in a trophy room or the office of a Hunter or Woodsman. More tha...
Wood
Large Deer Trophy from a Noble Estate, Uneven 14 Ends
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Deer Trophy from a Noble Estate, Uneven 14 Ends A very large uneven 14 pointer Black Forest deer (Cervus elaphus) trophy from the palace of Salem in South Germany. Shot by a m...
Wood, Antler
German Pendant Light Hand Carved Wooden Figure Mountain Climber with Lantern
Located in Barntrup, DE
This adorable German figural pendant lamp from the circa 1950s features a hand-carved figure of a smiling mountain climber. The detailed carved linden wood mountaineer is holding ont...
Metal
German Black Forest Style Carved Deer Head Baton with Brass Mounts, Circa 1930s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
German Black Forest Style Carved Deer Head Baton with Brass Mounts, Circa 1930s A whimsical and finely executed carved hardwood baton or ceremonial staff, likely produced in Germany...
Metal, Brass
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 ...
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
Beautiful Viechtauer Hand Carved Wood Bird, Black Forest Folk Art, Austria 1930s
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...
Wood, Paint
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
Vintage Boho Black Forest Carved Oak Armoire
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Make a monumental statement in your bedroom or living space with this breathtaking antique Black Forest style armoire. Masterfully crafted from solid oak with a deep, rich finish, th...
Metal
Black Forest Wood Carved Scotty Dog Figure Letter Holder German Antique 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A charming, hand-carved wooden figure of a lovable Black Forest dog from the early 20th century. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail from wood and metal, this classic piece t...
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
Large Wooden Carved Black Forest Weather Station with Deer
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Wooden Carved Black Forest Weather Station with Deer A large Black Forest antique wall barometer with an ornate carved wooden frame featuring detailed hunting motifs. The desi...
Wood
Antique Set of Rustic Hunters Cutlery with Chamois Horn Handles
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique set of rustic hunters cutlery with chamois horn handles A rustic set of six knives and forks. The handles are made of genuine chamois horn and feature a decorated silver kno...
Metal
Black Forest Set of Six Wine Glasses Hunting Decor Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Set of six hand blown wine glasses in green crystal with a hand-edged black forest hunting scene all-around. The decor is an antique hunting scene...
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...
Ceramic
19th Century French Carved Oak Hunt Cabinet with Bird and Fish Motifs
Located in Dallas, TX
For the ultimate fisherman or bird hunter, look no further than this exquisite Black Forest buffet! Crafted in France, circa 1860, the antique cabinet sits on bun feet over a recesse...
Oak
Abnorm White Tailed Deer Trophy Mount on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Abnorm White Tailed Deer Trophy Mount on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s A large abnorme white tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) trophy on a wooden plaque with black finish. The trophy w...
Antler, 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
$3,405Sale Price|48% Off
A Remarkable 19th Century Sculptured Rosewood & Buckhorn Hatstand
Located in Hastings, GB
A Remarkable 19th Century Sculptured Rosewood & Buckhorn Hatstand This remarkable and extremely rare hatstand / porte manteau is quite something. Exquisitely crafted from rosewood a...
Rosewood
Rare Antique 4 Tier Black Forest Jewelry Box Fruitwood 19th Century Hand Carved
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
A beautiful, very finely carved antique black forest jewelry box from the late 19th/ early 20th century made in Switzerland. A large and impressive four-tiered piece with 6 swing o...
Fruitwood
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
Black Forest Cuckoo Clock
Located in Nantucket, MA
Carved Walnut Black Forest Cuckoo Clock in form of a Chalet, with applied carved wooden leaves, grapes and bird, circa 1900, with pierced res...
Walnut
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...
Oak
French Mid-20th Century Black Forest Faux-Bois Mirror with Leaf Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
French Black Forest style mirror from the mid-20th century features a faux-bois frame made of a variety of leaves nicely intertwined along t...
Wood
$3,937Sale Price|30% Off
Monumental Antique German Black Forest Eagle Chamois Mantel Hunt Clock
Located in Dayton, OH
Monumental 19th century antique German Black Forest mantel clock featuring carved high relief details with a winged bald eagle mounted atop...
Hardwood
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
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
A Wooden Carved Black Forest Pen Holder with Bear ca. 1930
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A Wooden Carved Black Forest Pen Holder with Bear ca. 1930 A finely carved Black Forest pen holder with a bear holdung the pencil. A great example of the art of woodworking in the B...
Wood
Beautiful Large Brienz Bear Hiker Statue Sculpture, Antique Switzerland
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A great looking hand carved original wooden Folk Art Bear 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...
Wood