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.
Antique Black forest Cigar box / Humidor 19th Century carved deer Walnut Swiss
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Rare and impressive, this 19th-century hand-carved Swiss Black Forest cigar box is crafted from rich walnut, offering a stunning patina that has developed over nearly 150 years. The ...
Wood
$1,520Sale Price / set|41% Off
19th Century Black Forest Carved Walnut Dog and Cat Head Inkwells with Pen Rest
Located in Haarlem, NL
Very cute set of two 19th century Black Forest, Schwarzwald, Forêt Noir carved walnut dog and cat heads with glass eyes and ink well with log pen rest. Intricate carved detail to hair, teeth, eyes and paws. The cat has green glass eyes, has painted stripes and the log is painted darker. The inkwell insert...
Glass, Bone, Walnut
19th Century Highly Carved French Oak Sculpture of a Man Harvesting Wine Grapes
Located in Dallas, TX
This beautiful sculpture has been carved from solid French oak during the latter half of the 19th century. The style is that of Black Forest, with realistic depictions of branches, leaves, grapes, and more. Originally a French clock, most of the timing mechanisms have long been removed. The elaborate carving depicts a man harvesting wine grapes on rocky terrain dotted with vegetation. Our gatherer, who is clad in an overcoat and large brimmed hat, is carrying a hod (hotte in French) full of freshly picked grapes. A large wooden bucket...
Wood
$2,980Sale Price|20% Off
Great Lodge Style Antler Mantel Clock 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Great Lodge Style Antler Mantel Clock 1900 A rare antique lodge style mantel clock. Oakwood case, richly decorated with antlers from the deer and fallow deer, mountain goat antlers ...
Wood, Antler
Large Handforged Cattle Bell Made in Switzerland ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Handforged Cattle Bell Made in Switzerland ca. 1900s Item e7309 An antique handforged cattle bell, made in Switzerland around 1900. The bell comes with its original brown lea...
Metal
Beautiful French Angel Face Cast-Iron Inkwell France Antique, 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1900s French metal inkwell. Nice addition to your room or just for use it on your desk. Made of cast iron and glass. Marked with a number and letters. Found at an estat...
Wood
Beautiful Brienz Bear Counter Desk Bell or Service Ringer, Antique Switzerland
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A great looking hand carved original wooden Folk Art Bear Statue as desk bell. A great piece for a suitable ambiance in a Cabin room or the office of a Hunter or Woodsman. More than ...
Wood
Exceptional Black Forest Wood Carved Brienz Wild Boar Inkwell German Antique
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic 1890s Black Forest desk accessory carved from wood in the shape of a wild boar. A lovely addition to your room or just to use on your desk. Made from hand carved wood. Found ...
Wood
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
Antique Swiss Carved Lion with Heraldic Shield, Luzern circa 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Swiss Carved Lion with Heraldic Shield, Luzern circa 1900 Item e8144 An expressive antique wood carving depicting the deadly wounded lion of Luzerne. The original statue stan...
Wood
$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
Black Forest Walnut Bird Mantel Clock
Located in Queens, NY
Rustic Black Forest (19th Century) walnut carved mantel clock with 1 large bird and several small chicks within a floral environment. (Not working)
Glass, Walnut
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
$6,304Sale Price / set|20% Off
Antique Bull Horn Chairs by H.F.C. Rampendahl, Austria, Circa 1870
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Four Antique Bull Horn Chairs ca. 1870 A set of four antique bull horn chairs ca. 1870, covered with antique green velvet which has to be renewed (is loo...
Wood, Antler
$9,416Sale Price|20% Off
Large Oak Wood Desk with Antler Decorations by Rudolf Brix 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A large antique oak wood desk decorated with several antler pieces from the deer and the Virginia deer as well as wild boar tusks. The doors and sides carry animal heads (staghound and fox) made of pottery. A rare rustic furniture manufactured in Austria ca. 1900 by Rudolf Brix...
Antler, 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...
Silver, Bronze
$3,572Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Cabin Antler Wall Clock with Deer and Chamois Austria ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Cabin Antler Wall Clock with Deer and Chamois Austria ca. 1900 A great rustic antler wall clock. The wooden case is richly decorated with plaster applications, a plaster deer...
Wood, Plaster, Antler
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
Pair of German Cast Iron Black Forest Stylized Branch Hitching Post, Circa 1840
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of German cast iron Black Forest stylized branch hitching post, Mid 19th Century
Cast Iron
Antique Black Forest Sofa from French Chateau in the South of France, Restored
Located in Highwood, IL
Another selection from the extensive collection of Old Plank's Black Forest furniture. We look at Black Forest furniture as being both a bit rustic and a little whimsical. Black Forest furniture dates from the late 1800’s to the early 1900’s and although most people believe Black Forest originated in Germany, or Austria, it was also made in France and Switzerland and the Swiss are the ones who invented the style in the City of Brienz. The original carving of Black Forest furniture and small animal sculptures was driven by the Tourist trade. Old Plank was fortunate to be able to purchase an entire room of Black Forest furniture from a chateau in the South of France, The collection includes; Black Forest chandelier, scones, huge mirrors...
Upholstery, Wood
19th Century Carved Walnut Gun Racks, Black Forest Style, Signed
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A highly rare and most unusual pair of carved walnut gun racks, each with a different carved bird at the bottom, one being a hawk or eagle with spread ...
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
Black Forest Carved Bear Sculpture with Brass Bowl, Linden Wood, Germany, 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
Black Forest Carved Bear Sculpture with Brass Bowl, Linden Wood, Germany, ca. 1920 Hand-carved Black Forest bear sculpture holding a brass bowl, made from linden wood in Germany, ea...
Brass
Antique Black Forest 19th Century Jewelry Box Carved Fruitwood Red Velvet Chest
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Gorgeous & Breathtaking! This small 19th century Black Forest Jewellery Box carved out of fruit wood. Carved by a master carver with attention to detail decorated on the top, front ...
Velvet, Wood
Zabihi Collection Colorful Anatolian Turkish Small Geometric Rug, 1'6'' x 2'4''
Located in New York, NY
A colorful mid 20th-century antique Anatolian Turkish yastik rug 1'6'' x 2'4''
Wool
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
Pair of 19th Century Swiss Carved Black Forest Trophy Plaques Hunting Deer Stag
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Stunning craftsmanship! This pair of 19th century Black Forest hunting Trophy plaques from Brienz Switzerland. Fully carved from solid ...
Walnut
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
$1,885 / set
Marquetry & Bone Inlaid Hunting Plaques, A Pair
Located in Bradenton, FL
Pair of Marquetry and Bone Inlaid Hunting Plaques, each rendered in mixed woods with carved bone inlay. These panels depict lively 18th century style hunting scenes, one showing a dr...
Bone, Wood
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...
Oak
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
Carved Wood Chamois Family by Ernst Heissl, Ebensee Austria, circa 1900
By Ernst Heissl
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Carved Wood Chamois Family by Ernst Heissl, Ebensee Austria, circa 1900 A handcarved wooden sculpture of a chamois group with buck, chamois and fawn. A v...
Wood
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
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
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 depth to the carving of the fur. One fo...
Wood, Paint
19th Century Black Forest Carved Bear Brush
Located in High Point, NC
Late 19th century hand carved bear brush from Switzerland. The bear is expertly hand carved and has a very whimsical look. Such an adorable souvenir, these were small tokens travel...
Fruitwood
$9,750
German Chest on Stand
Located in Woodbury, CT
This two drawer oak chest on stand from Germany features the geometric panels common in furniture in Germany, England and the Netherlands during the mid...
Oak
$15,721
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
$7,360Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Rare Antler Parlor Chairs, French, ca. 1860
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Pair of rare Antler Parlor chairs, French ca. 1860 The two very rare antler parlor chairs are made of stag antlers with feet carved as lions claws. French, ca. 1860 - covering renew...
Antler, Fur, Wood
Antique Set of Rustic Hunters Knives with Chamois Horn Handles
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Set of Rustic hunters knives with Chamois Horn handles A rare antique set of six knives. The handles are made of genuine chamois horn and feature a decorated silver knob on ...
Metal
$1,251Sale 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
Antique Black Forest Carved Deer Head Wall Shelves / Brackets with Oak Leaves
Located in Essex, MA
A striking pair of wall-mounted shelves crafted in the Black Forest style, each featuring a finely carved stag’s head in high relief, framed by richly detailed oak leaves and acorns....
Wood
19th Century Rustic Black Forest Console Table in Walnut & Marble
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
Fine Carved Wood Chamois Family by Ernst Heissl, circa 1900
By Ernst Heissl
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Fine Carved Wood Chamois Family by Ernst Heissl, circa 1900 A delicately hand-carved wood sculpture of a chamois family. The item is very detailed and a ...
Wood
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
Black Forest Set of Six Wine Glasses Hunting Decor Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Set of six hand blown wine glasses in red crystal with a hand-edged black forest hunting scene all-around. The decor is an antique hunting scene from Bavaria showing deers, trees and...
Crystal
$2,560Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century Swiss Black Forest Carved Walnut and Fabric Upholstered Armchair
Located in Haarlem, NL
Walnut Black Forest or Schwarzwald chair with back, armrests and seat upholstery in original flower and fruit fabric. The chair is carved in a branch and vine effect which includes v...
Fabric, Upholstery, Walnut
Folksy Hand Carved Tyrolian Carnival Fasnet Mask
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Folksy Hand Carved Tyrolian Carnival Fasnet Mask A folksy wooden carved carnival mask from the region of South Tyrol. These masks are used in Austria, South Germany and Italy at the...
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
Swiss Black Forest Musical Chair with Twin Bears
By Black Forest
Located in Newark, England
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING Swiss Black Forest musical child’s chair with carved twin bears, dating to circa 1880. Made in Brienz from linden wood, the chair features two upright bears...
Wood
Early 20th Century French Black Forest Carved Walnut Clog Wine Holder
Located in Dallas, TX
Serve wine with rustic charm using this antique French carved walnut bottle holder, sculpted circa 1920 in the form of a traditional sabot (wooden clog). Inspired by the Black Forest...
Walnut
Pendant Light Hand Carved Wood Figure Mountaineer Climber with Lantern, Germany
Located in Barntrup, DE
This wonderful German Black Forest figural pendant lamp features a hand-carved figure of a mountain climber. The intricately carved wooden mountai...
Metal
Black Forest Carved Humidor in the Form of a Monkey Head Wearing a Cap & Collar
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Black Forest figural carved wood humidor in the form of a monkey's head with a hinged lid carved as a hat, around the neck is a ruffled collar above a circular base with carved detail.
Wood
Black Forest Oak Tray with Foliate Carving and Branch Handles, circa 1880
Located in Atlanta, GA
A richly carved Black Forest serving tray in oak, dating to the late 19th century, circa 1880. This hand-carved piece showcases the traditional craftsmanship associated with the Blac...
Oak
Rare Oversize Black Forest Swiss Carved Wooden Grazing Cow with Bell on Neck
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare oversize Black Forest Swiss hand-carved wooden cow from circa 1880. This exquisitely hand-carved wooden cow is a pristine example of Black For...
Wood
19th Century Rustic Black Forest Wall Mirror, Austria, circa 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Charming 19th century rustic Black Forest wall mirror out of Austria. Artfully handcrafted around 1880, this exceptional antique wall mirror impresses with an amazing looking "tree ...
Mirror, Softwood
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
Large German Black Forest Carved Mirror with Bird Motif from the 19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
This large late 19th century French mirror is set within a rectangular carved Black Forest style crested wooden frame. The intricate decor is composed of beautifully detailed openwork intertwined vines with leaves and grapes while a bird with its spread wings just landed on the crest. The artistically distributed foliage is highly decorative and the very naturalistically carved bird brings an unexpected and charming presence to the piece. This wooden German Black Forest style mirror...
Mirror, Wood
Antique Bull Horn Hall Stand with Cow Fur ca. 1870
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Bull Horn Hall Stand with Cow Fur ca. 1870 Item e5682 A bull horn hall stand ca. 1870, covered with vintage cattle fur which has to be renewed (...
Fur, Glass, Wood, Horn
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