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.
Black Forest Vintage Roe Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque 1940s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Black Forest Vintage Roe Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque 1940s Item e8159 A vintage roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) trophy on a wooden carved plaque. The plaque is decorated with carved ...
Antler, Wood
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
Great Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque - Germany 1954
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Great Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque - Germany 1954 Item e8176 A vintage red deer (Capreolus capreolus) trophy on a wooden carved plaque with oak leaves painted in gre...
Antler, Wood
Great Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque - Germany 1951
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Great Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque - Germany 1951 Item e8175 A vintage red deer (Capreolus capreolus) trophy on a wooden carved plaque with oak leaves painted in gre...
Antler, Wood
Great Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque - Germany 1954
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Great Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque - Germany 1954 Item e8174 A vintage red deer (Capreolus capreolus) trophy on a wooden carved plaque with oak leaves painted in gre...
Antler, Wood
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
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
Pair of French Antique Black Forest Panels in Carved Oak, Late 19th Century
Located in Dallas, TX
A celebration of a traditional French hunt of the late 1800s, this pair of Black Forest-style panels has been hand-carved from oak. In the center of each rectangular panel is a high-...
Wood, Oak
Big Black Forest 12 Pointer Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque - Germany 1930
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Big Black Forest 12 Pointer Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque - Germany 1930 A capital 12 pointer red deer (Cervus elaphus) trophy from Germany, shot arround 1930. The large antlers ...
Antler, Wood
Original Antique Print After H. Leutemann, Reynard the Fox's Triumph
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
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, Hardwood, Teeth
Antique Black Forest Sika Deer Trophy on Black Plaque - Salem Germany 1878
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Black Forest Sika Deer Trophy on Black Plaque - Salem Germany 1878 Item e8161 An large antique trophy of a 6-pointer sika deer (Cervus n...
Antler, Wood
Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Plaque - Salem Germany 1861
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Plaque - Salem Germany 1861 Item e8162 An antique trophy of a 6-pointer red deer (Cervus elaphus) from Salem Castle in southern Germany. Shot by a mem...
Antler, Wood
Antique Mantel Clock with Herdsman Family, Goats and Cattle
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Mantel Clock with Herdsman Family, Goats and Cattle A Black Forest wooden carved mantel clock with a lovely herdsman family with their goats and cattles. A masterpiece of woodcarving which brightens up any chimney piece. The clockwork is replaced by battery driven one - working order. Soberly considered mantel clocks are small pendulum clocks with feet...
Wood
Monumental Black Forest Rooster Statue wood carved, Germany Nuremberg
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A great looking hand carved original wooden Folk Art Rooster Statue. A great piece for a suitable ambiance in a Cabin room or the office of a Hunter or Woodsman. More than likely one...
Wood
$11,840Sale Price|20% Off
Large Black Forest Carved Poacher Sculpture with Chamois, Circa 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Black Forest Poacher with Chamois A very large wooden handcarved poacher statue. The poacher is on his way back from the hunt with a hunted chamois on his back. The hand-made ...
Wood
Set of Six Roe Deer Trophies on Wooden Slices Germany ca. 1960s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Set of Six Roe Deer Trophies on Wooden Slices Germany ca. 1960s Mounted on wooden plaques, this vintage set features six large Black Forest roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) trophies. ...
Antler, Wood
Antique Black Forest Wall Reliefs with Hunting Motifs, a pair
Located in Pearland, TX
A pair of antique 19th century Black Forest hunting trophies, finely carved, featuring partridges, powder horns, rope, acorns and oak lea...
Wood
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
$1,180Sale Price|20% Off
Swiss Brienz Black Forest Hand-Carved Wood Grizzly Bear
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Black Forest hand-carved linden-wood hand-carved grizzly bear with glass eyes and enamel painted mouth with fangs/teeth showing on a thick base, circa 1900. See our other items for m...
Wood
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
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
Black Forest Carved Wooden Standing Bear with an Engraved Glass Vase or Flute
Located in Lisse, NL
Early 20th century Swiss work of art. This small and hand-carved bear sculpture is a great example of the Black Forest craftsmanship in early 20th century, Switzerland. Anyone who i...
Glass, 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
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
Hand-Carved Wooden Inkwell Desk Set with Owl Figures, 1930s
Located in Barntrup, DE
Beautiful Black Forest style hand-carved wooden double inkwell with a majestic owl figure sitting on two books. The owl has glass eyes, and the Stand has a tray for pen and accessori...
Metal
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
Vintage Black Forest 24" Hand Carved Wood Bald Eagle Figure Statue Sculpture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Black Forest Style Large 24" Hand Carved Wood American Bald Eagle Figurine Statue Sculpture, Artist Signed (1987). Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 24" H x 18" W x 12" D.
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
French Boar's Head Trophy, Oak Mounted Taxidermy, 1930
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
French Boar’s Head Hunting Trophy This Large Wild Boar's Head Trophy came from the Perigore region of France There animals are prized not only for their meat but for the ferocity and...
Oak
Antique Black Forest Sika Deer Trophy on Black Plaque - Salem Germany 1870s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Black Forest Sika Deer Trophy on Black Plaque - Salem Germany 1870s Item e8189 An antique trophy of a spike buck sika deer (Cervus nippon) from Salem Castle in southern Germa...
Antler, Wood
Antique Swiss Black Forest Carved Dog Head Bronze Hook Hanger Coat Rack, c. 1900
Located in Pearland, TX
A fine antique black forest Swiss hand carved dog head sculpture plaque coat rack with a gilt bronze hook, circa 1900. It's perfect for your rustic lodge decor in an entryway for han...
Bronze
Antique Swiss Black Forest Carved Walnut Table
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce late 19th century Swiss Black Forest hand carved walnut table with nicely aged warm patina. Hand-crafted in Switzerland, circa 1880, the square tabletop features a relief ...
Walnut
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
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
An Unusual Swiss Carved Black Forest Near Life-Size Figure of a Strolling Bear
Located in London, GB
An Unusual Swiss Carved Black Forest Near Life-Size Figure of a Strolling Bear, Circa 1910 For comparison see page 75 The Art of the Black Forest by Jay Arenski and Simon Daniels ...
Wood
Large Antique Black Forest Novelty Inkwell, Dog, circa 1890
Located in Bath, GB
A superbly carved figural Black Forest inkwell in the form of a Dog's head, with great detail and retaining two large glass eyes. The hinged lid opens to reveal an inner ink chamber...
Antique 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
Antique Collection of Six Roe Deer Trophies on Turned Plaques, Germany ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Collection of Six Roe Deer Trophies on Turned Plaques, Germany ca. 1900s A great collection of six antique roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) antler trophies, shot arround 1900,...
Antler, 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
Large Carved Wood Chamois Sculpture, Black Forest, circa 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Carved Wood Chamois Sculpture, Black Forest, circa 1900 An expressive naturalistic carved large chamois sculpture standing on a rocky base. It is handcarved and stainied linde...
Wood
$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
$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
Set of Three Vintage Chamois Trophies on Carved Plaques, Germany
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Set of Three Vintage Chamois Trophies on Carved Plaques, Germany A decorative set of three large vintage trophies of the chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra), mounted on a black carved woo...
Antler, Wood
Masterly Crafted w. Edelweiss Flowers Swiss Black Forest Barometer & Thermometer
Located in Lisse, NL
Top museum quality carved Swiss barometer / weather station This antique barometer is not only about the actuality of the weather, it is also a true work of art and a real pleasure to look at. The attention to detail is incredible and it must have taken a true craftsman weeks rather than days to design and finish the carved frame alone. At a later stage, the handcrafted barometer (in German) and the thermometer (in Celsius & Fahrenheit) were integrated. Notice how the Edelweiss Flowers...
Wood
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
Set of Six Roe Deer Trophies on Turned Plaques Germany ca. 1910s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Set of Six Roe Deer Trophies on Turned Plaques Germany ca. 1910s An antique set of six antique Black Forest roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) trophies mounted on turned wooden plaques,...
Antler, Wood
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
19th Century Rustic Black Forest Wall Mirror - Hand Carved, Austria, circa 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Fantastic late 19th century wooden Black Forest wall mirror in our highly demanded rustic mirror collection. Coming out of Austria around 1880, this unique artfully handcarved frame ...
Mirror, Softwood
Set of 6 Antler Napkin Rings, Handmade Germany 1960s Rustic Decor Hunting Lodge
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This authentic 1960s set of six napkin rings is handcrafted from real deer antler, showcasing the natural textures, hues, and organic charm of the material. Each ring is unique in its grain and patina, featuring a smooth interior and a naturally rugged exterior, making them a striking addition to any rustic, alpine, or lodge-style table setting. These vintage napkin holders...
Antler
Victorian Miniature Black forest Antler Casket 1860
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Victorian Miniature Black forest Antler Casket 1860 A marvelous antique rustic casket. It is made of wood, veneered with antler pieces. On top an antler plaque...
Antler, Wood
Set of Six Roe Deer Trophies on Wooden Plaques Salem Germany ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Set of Six Roe Deer Trophies on Wooden Plaques Salem, Germany ca. 1900s An set of six antique Black Forest roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) trophies mounted on wooden plaques, painted...
Antler, Wood
Vintage Wooden Base Trophy Mounting Plaque for Deer Skull
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Wooden Base Trophy Mounting Plaque for Deer Skull Item e7559 A carved wooden plaque for trophies with carvings oak leaves. Hand-carved in Germany in the Black Forest region. ...
Wood
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
$1,236Sale 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
19th Century Rustic Black Forest Mirror - Hand Carved, Austria circa 1890
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
From the late 19th century around 1890 in Austria comes this beautiful wooden rustic Black Forest wall mirror. A simple but elegant design was created out of hand carved basswood, sh...
Mirror, Softwood
Antique Black Forest Style Wooden Carved Trinket Box or Bucket Owl, circa 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
Antique Black Forest style oak wood carved trinket box or bucket in a shape of an owl, from circa 1920. An impressive, large, and beautiful German Black Forest style hand-carved wooden trinket box...
Metal
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
19th Century French Carved Oak Black Forest Plant Stand Jardinière Flower Box
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Gorgeous fully hand carved Black Forest 19th century plant stand / jardiniere in hand carved Fruitwood. The stand body has outstanding carvings with the center a dimensional carved...
Fruitwood
A Lovely Carved Black Forest Bear for Sewing Utensils, Pierre Michel, Brienz
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A Lovely Carved Black Forest Bear for Sewing Utensils, Pierre Michel, Brienz Item e7285 A nicely carved Black Forest bear for sewing utensils. It features a pincushion, needle deposi...
Wood