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.
Dove Pigeon Viechtauer Hand Carved Wood Bird Black Forest Folk Art, Austria 1900
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful Austrian 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 century w...
Wood, Paint
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 Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque - Germany 1937
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque - Germany 1937 A large 8-pointer red deer trophy (Cervus elaphus) from the Upper Palatinate in Bavaria, mounted on a brown wooden...
Antler, Wood
Pair of carved polychrome and gilt painted jester figures, Swiss or German C1930
Located in Central England, GB
We have for offer this wonderful pair of rare Swiss or Black Forest carved and polychrome and gilt painted jester figures. A most interesting pair of very high-quality Swiss or Blac...
Wood
Pair Antique Black Forest Deer Antlers Borrows Lamp Finials
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Pair of antique Black Forest deer antlers borrows on brass bases kamp finials.
Antler
19th Century Swiss 'Black Forest' Carved Game Trophy Plaques
Located in London, GB
A Pair of Carved Black Forest Game Plaques Expertly carved in Lindenwood, the shaped plaques, carved with oak leaves, depicting a chamois, deer, bird, fox and hunting accoutrements,...
Wood
Antique Black Forest Mirror with Antler Arrangement ca. 1920s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Black Forest Mirror with Antler Arrangement ca. 1920s This striking wall mirror is framed with an elaborate arrangement of natural deer antlers, forming an oval surround of ...
Mirror, Wood
Swiss Black Forest Hand-Carved Jewelry Box
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Swiss Black Forest jewelry box with key. Floral motif and finials with oak leaf carvings on front, back and sides accented with geometrics. Opens with two swing out drawers and lower...
Wood
Antique Black Forest Mirror with Deer Antlers and Borrows
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Gorgeous Antique Black Forest wall mirror decorated with toe deer antlers, antler tips and borrows.
Antler, Wood
Black Forest Hand-Crafted Porcelain Bowl Fox Figure Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Completely handmade porcelain bowl with a hands-free naturalistic painted fox figure in brown colors. The fox is sitting in the middle of the bowl for decorating nuts or sweets aroun...
Porcelain
Large Deer Head primitive Black Forest Hand Carved Folk Art Wooden Trophy
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
Original Antique Print After H. Leutemann, Reynard the Fox- Bruin As Messenger
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
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
Pair of Child's Size Black Forest German Carved Wood Chairs, 20th Century
Located in Southampton, NY
Pair of Black Forest German Carved Wood Chairs for an older child. Heavily carved wood with typical Black Forest motifs including tree branches, stag on center of back, carved bear ...
Wood
$15,463
Victorian Black Forest Bench
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Victorian black forest carved bench seat. Back carved with branches, oak leaves and acorns. Patterned seat with scroll arms and entwined border. S sc...
Wood
Set of Two Hand Carved Folk Art Deer Head with Real Antlers, 19th Century
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A great looking set of two hand carved original wooden Folk Art deer head wall decorations. A great piece for a suitable ambiance in a trophy room or the office of a Hunter or Woodsm...
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...
Metal
Antique Carved Buck Head Brienz Black Forest Wood Carving Glass Eyes
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This exquisite antique wall-mounted buck head showcases the exceptional craftsmanship of woodcarving, likely originating from the Brienz or the Black Forest region, renowned for its ...
Glass, Wood
Large French Black Forest Wood Music instruments Box, Circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Large French Black Forest wood box, circa 1900. 11.8 by 7.3 inches , H / 5.3 inches. Music instruments Jewel box.
Wood
Large Size & Great Quality Carved Jewelry, Treasure or Collecting Box / Casket
Located in Lisse, NL
A beautiful and top condition antique black forest jewelry box, carved on all sides. This rare and large jewelry box makes a beautiful accessory for a lady with an eye for fine arts. It is a very well fine carved gem and highly practical with a good working lock and key. The detailed leafs, branches and flowers on top and the marvelous blue...
Brass
Antique Musical circa 1880 Black Forest Hand Carved Fox Whip Hook Glass Eyes
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this exceptionally rare, Musical, original circa 1880 Swiss made Black Forest wood, Fox whip hook with glass eyes These...
Wood
Antique Black Forest Carved Rabbit Figure with Basket, circa 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Black Forest Carved Rabbit Figure with Basket, circa 1900 Item e8146 A finely carved Black Forest wooden figure depicting a standing insured rabbit, dating to around 1900. Ex...
Wood
Black Forest Carved Frame with Painting of the Holy Mother by Xavier Sager
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
A beautiful late 19th to early 20th century devotional painting on wood depicting the Holy Mother by the French artist Xavier Sager. The serene portrait, rendered in warm tones and s...
Wood, Paint
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
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
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
A Rare Beautifully Carved Swiss “Black Forest” Musical Bear Chair
Located in London, GB
A Rare Beautifully Carved Swiss “Black Forest” Musical Bear Chair Circa 1920 Retailed by Ed Jobin & Co Brienz. For the exact same model see Jay Arenski and Simon Daniels Swiss Carv...
Wood
Set of Three Porcelain Bowls Winter Decor Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
These completely handmade porcelain bowls are painted by hand with a charming hands-free winter decor. Teh decor comes as a set of three decors. One shows...
Porcelain
19th Century Rustic Black Forest Wall Mirror - Hand Carved, Austria circa 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Lovely rustic Black Forest wall mirror from the period in Austria around 1880. This rural style wooden mirror has been elaborately handcarved out of basswood and impresses with its a...
Mirror, Softwood
19th Century Carved Swiss 'Black Forest' Life-Sized Stag's Head Wall Mount
Located in London, GB
A Rare Life-Sized Black Forest Stag's Head Carved from Lindenwood, the deer head with realistic fur effect, patination, and glass inset eyes in conjunction with the real three-tined...
Wood
Black Forest Set of Six Schnapps Glasses Green Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Set of six hand blown schnapps glasses in green crystal with a hand-edged hunting decor. The decor is an antique Black Forest style scene, showing a dee...
Crystal
Black Forest Elaborate Jardiniere
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Black Forest carved walnut jardiniere on stand. Leaf, vine and floral design with three footed legs having turets. Elaborate and extraordinarily detailed. Container inside. Perfect f...
Wood
$1,809Sale 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
$1,940Sale Price|20% Off
Nutwood Edelweis Marquetry Chair Swiss Brienz 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Nutwood Edelweis Marquetry Chair Swiss Brienz 1900 A wonderful inlayed nutwood chair decorated with inlayed and painted sceneries depicting chamois, goat and edelweis flowers. Surro...
Nutwood
Antique Enamelled Glass Claret Jug with Stag Motif, Hunting Lodge Wine Pitcher
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This charming antique glass claret jug features a beautifully hand-enamelled portrait of a stag set against a softly graduated sky and lush gr...
Enamel
Original Antique Print After H. Leutemann, Reynard the Fox- The Envious Horse
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
Vintage Black Forest Tramp Art Radium-Painted Mantel Clock
Located in Dekalb, IL
Architectural mantel clock rendered in dense, highly textured tramp art carving, built up from layered chip-carved wood to form a cathedral-like façade. The case features deeply face...
Wood
Hand Carved Black Forest St. Wooden Floor Lamp of Lantern Holding & Tipsy Guard
Located in Lisse, NL
Large and beautifully sculptured, floor lamp. If you are looking for unique and decorative antiques to bring joy and class to your interior then this marvelous, sculptural floor lam...
Copper
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
Zabihi Collection Beautiful Colorful Vintage Inspired Suzani Embroidery
Located in New York, NY
Hand-embroidered Suzani textile made in the last quarter of the 20th century. Glowing vibrant colors executed by the weave giving it an old world look and vintage feel. Measure...
Cotton
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
STUNNING ViNTAGE PAINTED BLACK FOREST HAND CARVED RABBIT WHIP HOOK GLASS EYES
By Black Forest
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely, extra large, Swiss made Black Forest wood, Rabbit / Hare whip hook with glass eyes This is a v...
Wood
$881Sale Price|20% Off
Hand-Carved Fruitwood Black Forest Bear Germany, 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and rare Black Forest bear. Striking German design from the 1920s. Hand-carved fruitwood sculpture of a life-like bear walking on all four paws. Rare because of the hand-...
Fruitwood
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
Original Antique Print After H. Leutemann, Reynard the Fox-Isegrim And Monkeys
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
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
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
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...
Wood
Black Forest Hunting-Theme Hand-Carved Wooden Wall Mounted Salt Box with Dog
Located in Barntrup, DE
Black Forest Hunting-Theme Hand-Carved Wooden Wall Mounted Salt Box. This beautiful and compact Black Forest wall salt box depicts a masterful...
Wood
Black Forest 1900s Hand Carved Wooden Buck Head Mounted on Shield Plate
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swiss Black Forest hand carved wooden buck head wall sculpture from the turn of the century, with shield plate. Born in the early years of the 20th century...
Wood
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
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
Large 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 ...
Wood
Antique Victorian era Hand Carved Black Forest Bull Sculpture Wall Bracket
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning large carved wooden bull wall shelf. Over the years we have had the pleasure of owning and selling a number of beautiful Black Forest antiques, but never did we come accross a 19th century Black Forest wall bull bracket of this size and with such amazing natural details and warm patina. This marvelously handcrafted and good condition, bull sculpture wall shelf...
Wood
Antique Black Forest Tobacco Pipe with Chamois Horn around 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Black Forest Tobacco Pipe with Chamois Horn around 1900 This unique antique Bavarian hunter's pipe with fine carved chamois on the carved horn lid, adorned with natural mate...
Metal
Chamois 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
Stunning Large Wood Carved Capercaillie Black Forest Hat Coat Rack Wardrobe 1900
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful 20th century German Black Forest hat or coat rack wall wardrobe with small deer Antlers parts as hooks, mounted to a carved back. Nice addition to a hunters loge or just ...
Wood
A Wooden Carved Bavarian Board Chair ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A Wooden Carved Bavarian Board Chair ca. 1900 A wonderful carved Black Forest nutwood board chair. The backrest is carved with a wolf in the forest by night, Germany, ca. 1900. The ...
Wood
Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s An uneven 6 pointer red deer (Cervus elaphus) trophy from the Black Forest. The trophy was shot around 1900. The large antler...
Antler, Wood
Vintage Sarah Gayle Carter Black Forest Hooked Rug
Located in Dallas, TX
79239 Vintage Sarah Gayle Carter Black Forest Hooked Rug, 13'00 x 15'00. This vintage Sarah Gayle Carter “Black Forest” rug is a rare harmony of cottagecore charm and Art Nouveau ele...
Wool