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.
circa 1900 Miniature Model of a Black Forest Bear Bench
Located in Chicago, IL
circa 1900 Miniature Model of Black Forest Bear Bench. "Black Forest" is a term to describe elaborate, realistic wood carvings from an area in ...
Walnut
An unusual ‘Black Forest’ walnut eagle and chamois hall stand
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
An unusual ‘Black Forest’ walnut eagle and chamois hall stand, modelled as an eagle perched in the bare branches of a tree sizing up a chamois below, with a shaped vine branch for en...
Walnut
Black Forest Walnut Armchair or Reading Chair by Matthijs Horrix for Horrix
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and ultra rare Black Forest armchair or reading chair. Design by Matthijs Horrix for the famous Dutch cabinet makers Horrix Den Haag. Striking Dutch design from the 1880s...
Fabric, 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
Original Antique Print After H. Leutemann, Reynard the Fox's Treasure
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 Set of Six Chamois Trophies on Turned Plaques, Germany ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Set of Six Chamois Trophies on Turned Plaques, Germany ca. 1900 Antique set of six great chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) trophies mounted on turned wooden plaques. The trophie...
Antler, Wood
19th Century Black Forest Rustic Mirror, Handcarved, Germany ca. 1870
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Exceptional crafted rustic Black Forest wall mirror from the period around 1880 in Germany. Artfully hand carved out of basswood, this fantastic rural mirror impresses with its elabo...
Mirror, Softwood
Pair of 19th Century Austrian Majolica Pepper Platter Johann Maresh
Located in Austin, TX
Small Pair of 19th Century Austrian Majolica Pepper Platter Johann Maresh. 6.3 by 4.3 inches.
Ceramic, Majolica
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
Unique Hand Carved Black Forest Tree Trunk Grandfather or Longcase Clock w. Bear
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning clock for the collectors of very rare and truly stylish Black Forest antiques. Tree trunk design longcase or grandfather clocks are a rare find and this 6.5 feet tall specimen could hardly be in better condition. All handcrafted and hand carved in the first half of the 1900s this wonderfully naturalistic tree trunk floor clock is the perfect home decoration for anyone with a nature or Black Forest inspired room or interior. This finest workmanship antique comes with the original dial face, weights and pendulum and they all have the same wonderful leaf and flower patterns that complement the tree or forest theme of this work-of-art tall clock. The natural aging of the carved wood has also grown this clock its stunning patina, making it even more of a gem to enjoy and to look at. The large door comes with the original, antique and perfectly beveled glass window which makes this unique clock...
Brass, Iron
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
Large Black Forest Antler Gun Cabinet, ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A large antique oak wood gun cabinet decorated with several original antlers from the deer, the fallow deer, antelope and chamois. Elaborately manufactured...
Antler, Wood
$255Sale Price|43% 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...
Horn, Wood
Original Antique Print After H. Leutemann, Reynard the Fox- King Stork And Frogs
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
Black Forest Owl Nutcracker, Fruitwood Sculpture from 1950s Germany
Located in Den Haag, NL
Wonderful angry Owl Nutcracker .Glass eyes ,Black Forest . 1950s
Fruitwood
Black Forest Antler-Mounted Oak Spirits Cabinet, circa 1900
Located in Atlanta, GA
A richly textured and visually commanding Black Forest spirits cabinet, crafted in Germany around 1900. This compact yet sculptural piece is clad in a carved faux bois surface and dr...
Bone, 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...
Wood
$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
Pair of Roe Deer Heads, Wall Decoration, Germany, 1930s
Located in Barntrup, DE
Roe deer heads, wall decoration, made of plaster, Germany, 1930s, set of two. An absolutely adorable pair of roe deer heads in the Black Forest style is ...
Plaster
Red Deer Trophy by Franz Joseph, Prince of Thurn and Taxis, 1969
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Red Deer Trophy by Franz Joseph, Prince of Thurn and Taxis, 1969 This hunting trophy features a roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) with abnormal antlers, mounted on a finely carved wood...
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
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 Springbok Trophy on Wooden Plaque, ca. 1930s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Springbok Trophy on Wooden Plaque, ca. 1930s A springbok skull with horns (Antidorcas marsupialis), mounted on a dark brown wooden plaque. The natural form of the skull and ...
Antler, Wood
Original Antique Print After H. Leutemann, Reynard the Fox Relating Adventures
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
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
Black Forest Crystal Latern Amber Hunting Decor Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Hand blown crystal latern in amber crystal glass from Bavaria Germany. The decor is hands-free engraved by glass artists all around with a hunting scene with trees in the style of Bl...
Crystal
19th Century Rustic Black Forest Easel Stand with Floral Carvings
Located in Queens, NY
Rustic Black Forest (19th Cent) walnut floral carved easel stand.
Walnut
Wooden Carved Black Forest Garden Fountain Water Spout 19th century
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Wooden Carved Black Forest Garden Fountain Water Spout 19th century A large Black Forest wooden carved water spout featuring "Ruebezahl", which is the mountain spirit of the giant m...
Wood
$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
Black Forest Rabbit Bunny Hunt Hunting Trophy Bag Wall Catchall Antique, 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Rare antique large German metal hunt scene on a wooden wall plaque trophy depicting a Rabbit, a dog and a bag with a champagne bottle. Wonderful Trophy of the Hunt for your Black For...
Wood
Hand-Carved Wooden and Glass Inkwell with Dog Figure, 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
Beautiful Black Forest style hand-carved linden wood inkwell with a realistic dog figure with glass eyes. The stand includes a designated rest for pens and accessories in the front, ...
Glass, Wood
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...
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
Swallow Nest Black Forest Catchall Holder Wall Mount Antique Folk Art 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A lovely catchall made of hand carved wood, made in the black forest area in Germany. Found at an estate sale in Nuremberg, Germany. It is not marked. A nice addition to your collect...
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
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
19th Century Rsutic Black Forest Mirror Basswood Hand Carved, AT circa 1890
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Beautiful, decorative rustic Black Forest wall mirror from the late 19th century from around 1890 in Austria. The rural hand carved frame impresses with an unusual "Black Forest" tre...
Mirror, Softwood
A finely carved Swiss Black Forest anthropomorphic fox toothpick and match
Located in London, GB
A finely carved Swiss Black Forest anthropomorphic fox toothpick and match holder, modelled as a standing fox dressed in rustic attire and carrying a bundle of firewood upon its back...
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
Mid-19th Century French Black Forest Bleached Oak Royal Coat of Arms Mirror
Located in Dallas, TX
Boldly sculptural and richly detailed, this antique heraldic mirror is a striking example of Black Forest-style carving. Crafted in France circa 1860, the substantial wall piece is h...
Oak
Tiffany Traditional Buck Stag Stirrup Cup with Big Boy Alpha Antlers
By J.D. Schleissner & Söhne 1, Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Traditional German sterling silver stirrup cup. Conical bowl mounted to cast buck bust with flexed-back ears, gaping mouth, thick striated fur, and big spiky antlers. Gilt interior. ...
Sterling Silver
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Oak Hunting Wall Plaque with Mirror
Located in Dallas, TX
Bring bold Alpine character to a study, library, or lodge-inspired interior with this richly sculpted antique Black Forest panel, crafted in France circa 1880 and finished in a desir...
Mirror, Oak
Antique Antler Smoking Desk Set, circa 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
The antique antler smoking desk set is made of original antlers from the deer and the stag. It was in Germany, circa 1900. Measures: Width 16.93" (43cm) Height 11.42" (29cm) Antle...
Antler
Nice Carved and Painted Tyrolian Carnival Fasnet Mask
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Nice Carved and Painted Tyrolian Carnival Fasnet Mask A handcarved pine wood, hand painted, antique wooden carved carnival mask from the region of South Tyrol. Excecuted in the firs...
Wood
Vintage Black Forest Deer Antler Trophy on Wood Carved Plaque, German, 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful vintage Black Forest deer antler trophy on hand carved, Black Forest wooden plaque. It measures approximate 16" high, 6 5/8" wide and 7 1/2" deep. A nice addition to your...
Antler, 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 Wooden Strolling Bear Handcarved in Brienz ca. 1930
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Wooden strolling bear handcarved in Brienz ca. 1930 A large antique statue of a walking bear. Made of lindenwood, finely handcarved with na...
Wood
$1,237Sale Price|25% Off
BLACK FOREST 1900 Germany-Swiss Carved Wood Nutcracker Old Gnome Figure
By Black Forest
Located in Miami, FL
A folk-art nutcracker carved in oak wood. This is an elusive antique black forest nutcracker created in northern Europe, most probably in Germ...
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
$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
Early 20th Century Carved Oval Dark Oak Mirror from Portugal
Located in Round Top, TX
Early 20th century carved oval mirror from Portugal, crafted in oak. Highly decorative carving accentuates the frame, with scrolls, leaf designs, and additional embellishment creatin...
Mirror, Oak
$550Sale Price|44% Off
19th Century Black Forest Carved Box
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
19th century Black Forest carved box.
Wood
Black Forest Sika Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque - Germany ca. 1950s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Black Forest Sika Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque - Germany ca. 1950s Item e7343 A vintage 6 pointer sika deer (Cervus nippon) trophy from the Black Forest. The trophy was shot around 1...
Antler, Wood
German Black Forest Wood Carved Figural Man Head Cork Bottle Stopper, 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Adorable wood and cork bottle stopper, Germany, 1930s. Ideal decoration bottle stopper. Great idea to surprise your guests or a very interesting gift.
Wood, Cork
Magnificent Carved Black Forest Monkey Gong, circa 1890
Located in Bath, GB
A fabulous and scarce find, this wonderful large Black Forest Monkey was hand carved circa 1890 with superb quality detail and retaining two glass ...
Wood
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
Black Forest Handmade Cushion Hunting Scene Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Handmade cushion " Kitzbühel" in dark blue and ligth grey wool fabric with a stitched chamois figure in the style of Black Forest. The fringe all around is made by hand in the style ...
Wool
19th Century Rustic Black Forest Wall Mirror - Tree Trunk Design, AT ca. 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Artfully crafted in Austria around 1880, this unusual designed, rustic Black Forest mirror impressing with its extraordinary old tree trunks design. The artfully hand carved mid-size...
Mirror, Softwood
Classic Antique Black Forest Carved Bracket with Stag’s Head
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Antique black forest hand-carved stag’s mounted on the support with an oak leaf surround. With a shaped top shelf with canted corners. Excellent detailing ...
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