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.
Collection of Nine Black Forest Antler Mounts on Hand-Carved Wood PlaquesPriced
Located in Buchanan, MI
Collection of nine black forest antler mounts on hand-carved wood plaques. Priced per mount. Excellent condition and color
Antler, Walnut
Pendant Light Fixture with a Wooden Figure of a Mountain Climber
Located in Barntrup, DE
This wonderful German figural pendant lamp features a hand-carved figure of a mountain climber in natural brown wood tones. The detailed carved wooden...
Brass
Antique Hand-Carved Black Forest Tobacco Jar or Humidor & Ashtray with Bears
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique tobacco jar or humidor is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from Austria and date to approximately 1900 and done in the perio...
Walnut
Mountain Sheep primitive Black Forest 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
Finely Carved Wood Chamois Brienz, Switzerland, circa 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Finely carved wood chamois Brienz, Switzerland circa 1900. A delicately handcarved wood sculpture of a chamois standing on a rocky base. A very detailed and natural carving excecuted by one of the Swiss woodcarvers from the area of Brienz, ca. 1900. 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 carving...
Wood
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
$495 / item
Collection Of Twenty Black Forest Roe Mounts
Located in Buchanan, MI
Collection or twenty Black Forest roe mounts priced per mount.
Walnut, Antler
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
20th Century Rustic Wall Mirror With Golden Bars, Tramp Art, Austria dated 1901
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Peerless rustic wooden wall mirror from Austria, dated to 1901. A very special designed wall mirror with a golden bar on the inside and slightly protruding corners. Artfully handcarv...
Mirror, Softwood
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
$360Sale 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...
Horn, 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
Pair of Black Forest Carved Walnut Bird Nest Wall-Mounted Consoles, ca. 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
Pair of Black Forest style carved walnut wall-mounted consoles or shelves, birds nest, Germany, ca. 1920. An adorable pair of wall-mounted consoles with beautifully and masterfully c...
Metal
$2,768Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Wooden Carved Cupboard with Several Carvings
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Wooden Carved Cupboard with Several Carvings A detailed handcarved wooden buffet or cupboard with several elaborately carved wooden decorations depicting lion, putties, ange...
Wood
Black Forest Crystal Latern Hand Blown Hunting Decor Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Hand blown crystal latern in green glass from Bavaria. The decor is hand blown and hands-free engraved by glass artists all around with a hunting scene with trees all around in the s...
Crystal
19th Century Rustic Black Forest Wall Mirror, Hand Carved, Austria, circa 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Uncommon rustic black forest wall mirror from Austria, around 1880. This antique wall mirror impresses with an unusual hand carved design, elaborately made out of basswood. A very da...
Mirror, Softwood
Antique Hand Carved Black Forest Game Hunter's Bag with Woodcock, Rifle & Horn
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Black Forest antique hand carved miniature wall pocket of a fringed game hunter's bag with woodcock, rifle and horn Rich, dark patina and very we...
Oak
$735Sale Price|25% Off
Antique Black Forest Pendulum Wall Clock 31 Days
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Antique Black Forest Germany wall pendulum clock 31 days with roe deer antlers and borrows.
Wood
$1,400Sale Price|20% Off
1900 Swiss Black Forest Carved Basswood Begging Dog Cigar and Matchbox Holder
Located in Haarlem, NL
Swiss Brienz black forest hand carved linden wood begging poodle with brass matchbox holder and four brass cigar holders. Black Forest wood carved art ...
Brass
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
$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
Antique Hand-Carved Tyrolean Farmer Sculpture, ca. 1880
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Hand-Carved Tyrolean Farmer Sculpture, ca. 1880 This finely carved wooden figure depicts a traditional Tyrolean farmer sitting relaxed on a r...
Wood
Siberian Deer Trophy Mount on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Siberian Deer Trophy Mount on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s Item e6939 A large antique Siberian deer (Capreolus pygargus) trophy on a wooden turned plaque with black finish. The trophy was...
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
Antique Swiss Black Forest Dark Brown Carved Wood Glove Box, ca. 1900
Located in Barntrup, DE
Antique Black Forest dark brown carved wood glove box, ca. 1900 This elegant and beautiful Black Forest style finely hand-carved linden wood glove box from ca. 1900 features a rectangular shape, carved with a wood grain pattern and with flowers and leaves in high relief on the lid, and two straps at the ends of the lid. The glove box retains its original purple velvet interior. Label "F. Bruel, Rue des Allemands 10, Geneve" on the bottom of the box. In good condition, with some signs of aging and use. The key is not working...
Metal
$6,304Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Antique Bull Horn Chairs Austria 1870
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Pair of Antique Bull Horn Chairs Austria 1870 A pair antique bull horn chairs, from a noble villa in Austria. The seats are with antique green velvet ...
Wood, Antler
Antique Set of 19th Century Rustic Cutlery with Carved Horn Handles
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Set of 19th Century Rustic Cutlery with Carved Horn Handles A rare antique cutlery set of knife and fork. The handles are made of deer horn with handcarved heads of a bear a...
Metal
Antique Black Forest Tobacco Pipe with Chamois Horn and Figurine
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Black Forest Tobacco Pipe with Chamois Horn and Figurine A marvellous antique handcarved tobacco pipe with fine carved chamois on the carved horn lid. The pipe head is made ...
Wood, Antler
Collection of 12 Early Black Forest Roe Mounts, Priced Per Mount.
Located in Buchanan, MI
Collection of 12 early Black Forest roe mounts very nicely carved and great color and patination. Priced per mount. Check with us as our antler mount inven...
Wood, Antler
Swiss Casted Bronze Cattle Bell ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Swiss Casted Bronze Cattle Bell ca. 1900s Item e7311 An antique cast bronze cattle bell, made in Switzerland around 1900. The bell comes with its original brown leather strap with bu...
Bronze
19th Century Black Forest Carved Wood Fish Trophy Wall Plaque
Located in Austin, TX
Oversize and spectacular 19th century Black Forest carved wood trophy wall plaque with a large fish. Beautiful carved border with acanthus leaves. Measur...
Wood
Black Forest Antique Roe Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque 1940s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Black Forest Antique Roe Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque 1940s A vintage roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) trophy on a wooden carved plaque. The trophy was shot in the 1940s in Germany. G...
Antler, Wood
Early 20th Century Hand Crafted Black Forest Tabletop Dresser Mirror
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous hand carved and hand crafted Black Forrest table top shaving mirror from the late 19th century early 20th century. In excellent antique condition with minimal wear all looks...
Mirror, Walnut
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
Black Forest Vintage Roe Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque 1940s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Black Forest Vintage Roe Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque 1940s An antique roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) trophy on a wooden carved plaque. The plaque is decorated with carved oak leave...
Antler, Wood
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
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
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
Stately Black Forest Antler Mount on Carved Walnut Plaque
Located in Buchanan, MI
Stately Black Forest antler mount on carved walnut plaque. We have a large selection of both large and small antler mounts on Black Forrest plaques. Ca...
Antler, Walnut
Black Forest Porcelain Bowl with 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
Antique Black Forest Chairs with Carved Animal Inlay, Germany, 1840
Located in Miami, FL
In walnut, the chairs are delicately carved with interesting inlayed of animal figures. Sold as is to refinish.
Walnut
20th Century Black Forest Style Deer Head Wall Brackets, Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Black Forest style Deer head wall shelves or brackets. Made in a Faux Bois design.
Composition
Vintage Wooden Walking Bear Handcarved in Brienz ca. 1930s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Wooden Walking Bear Handcarved in Brienz ca. 1930s A vintage statue of a Black Forest walking bear. Made of lindenwood, finely handcarved with na...
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
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
Black Forest Porcelain Bowl with Fox Figure Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Completely handmade porcelain bowl with a hands-free natrualistic painted fox figure in brown colors. The fox is sitting in the middle of the bowl for decor...
Porcelain
$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
Rustic German Oak & Horn Cabinet
Located in Queens, NY
Rustic German (19th Century) oak cabinet with horn trim & carved medallions with flip seat bench base and upper section with 2 large stained glass doors and...
Oak, Horn, Stained Glass
Swiss Black Forest Carved Wood Owl With Glass Eyes, Early 1900s
Located in London, GB
A delightful decorative carved wood owl. This finely hand carved Black Forest owl sculpture demonstrates incredible workmanship and attention to detail, along with his/her beautiful...
Wood
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Light Oak Mirror with Foliage Motifs
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a powder room, a study or hallway with this heavily carved antique mirror. Created in France circa 1880 and carved of oak, the Black Forest frame features a tree branch knot...
Mirror, Oak
$5,560Sale Price|37% Off
Monumental 19th Century Black Forest Carved “Spoils of the Hunt” Wall Clock
Located in Atlanta, GA
One of the most impressive masterfully carved German or Swiss black forest wall clocks I have ever had in my possession circa 1880. The shear size and quality of the carvings is incredible. Adorned with several duck and bird forms to the clock, a rifle, catch bag, powder horn and bird call...
Brass
A Victorian Black Forest Rustic Drinking Goblet, Germany 1860s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A Victorian Black Forest Rustic Drinking Goblet, Germany 1860s A beautiful antique drinking goblet made of real deer horn featuring relief carvings of stag and deer ornaments around...
Antler
Antique Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Green Plaque - Salem Germany 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Green Plaque - Salem Germany 1900 An antique trophy of a 6-pointer red deer (Cervus elaphus) from Salem Castle in southern Germany. Shot by a...
Antler, Wood
Vintage Stainless Steel and Horn Tableware Set for 6 Germany, 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Stainless Steel and Horn Tableware Set for 6 Germany, 1900s A rustic tabelware set consisting of six knives and six forks. The handles are made of genuine deer horn and feat...
Metal
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
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
Antique Black Forest Carved Bear Chair, Brienz, circa 1880s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Black Forest Carved Bear Chair, Brienz, circa 1880s An exceptional hand-carved Black Forest bear chair dating to around 1880. Crafted ...
Wood
Exquisite 19th Century antique Swiss fully hand carved Black forest Jewelry box
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
A true masterpiece, this fully hand-carved 19th-century Black Forest jewelry box from Switzerland is a remarkable work of art. Nearly 150 years old, the wood has developed an extraor...
Velvet, Wood
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
Black Forest Hand Carved Cut Board Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Completely hand carved cut board in Black Forest style with two goat heads on top. The cutboards are cut by hand in solid oakwood with our SOFINA brand logo ...
Oak