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.
Zabihi Collection Animal Human Pictorial Textile Embroidery
Located in New York, NY
Hand-embroidered large Suzani textile made from the middle of the 20th century featuring a wild animal human pictorial motif on a pink ground Me...
Cotton
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
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
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
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
Early 20th Century German Handcrafted Stag Antler Chandelier
Located in Hannover, DE
An exceptional early 20th century handcrafted stag antler chandelier, most likely German or Austrian, circa 1900–1930. This remarkable chandelier represents a particularly refined a...
Iron
Antique Chamois Trophy on Carved Plaque, Germany ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Chamois Trophy on Carved Plaque, Germany ca. 1900 Antique chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) trophy mounted on a wooden carved plaque. The trophy was shot arround 1900 in Germany...
Antler, Wood
German Pendant Light with Hand Carved Mountain Climber Sculpture and Lantern
Located in Barntrup, DE
This wonderful German pendant lamp or Lüstermännchen features a hand-carved figure of a mountain climber in beautifully hand-painted Bavarian traditional clothing in brown, green, wh...
Metal
Lovely Black Forest Carved Whip Holder with Bear ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Lovely Black Forest Carved Whip Holder with Bear ca. 1900s A very rare hand-carved coat hook or whip holder depicting a bear klimbing on a three. Hand carved in Brienz, Switzerland,...
Wood
19th Century Black Forest Wall Mirror With Gilt Bars, Austria, ca. 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Amazing looking, rustic Black Forest mirror from the late 19th century in Austria. Elaborately handcrafted around 1880 this rural wall mirror shows an absolute unique design: a handc...
Mirror, Softwood
$1,692Sale Price / set|20% Off
Late 20t Century Set of Six Pewter Stirrup cups Forst Italy
By E.M. Forster 1
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Set of six stirrup cups in pewter. Made in Italy by compny Forst. The original boxes are available. Finely modeled heads showing two horses and four stags. Stamped at the rim 95 for ...
Pewter
Hand Carved Black Forest Brienz Wooden Bear with an Engraved Glass Vase or Flute
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic late 1900s Black Forest Brienz work of art. This small and hand carved bear sculpture is a great example of the Black Forest craftsm...
Cut Glass, Wood
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Bleached Oak Buffet Cabinet
Located in Dallas, TX
Make a statement in a dining room, wine cellar, or mountain retreat with this exceptional antique Black Forest buffet cabinet. Crafted in France circa 1860, the richly carved two-doo...
Oak
$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
Early 1900s French Black Forest Style Champagne Bucket, Signed Boutillon
Located in Dallas, TX
More information coming soon… Hand-carved in the early 1900s, this Black Forest-style champagne bucket is adorned with meandering grapevines on textured ground set between three ban...
Metal, Copper, Steel
Antique Print with Humoristic Scene Featuring Wild Boars and a Painter
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Print with Humoristic Scene featuring Wild Boars and a Painter A colorful antique oil print depicting a humoristic scene in the Black Fore...
Glass, Wood
Country Style Hand-Painted Pottery Dish Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel Austria
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Hands-free painted pottery rectangular dish in blue from Austria in Country style. Decorated with a hands-free painted pomegrante and a garland in white all around. Showing trees in the bottom and a handpainted green garland...
Ceramic
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
$25,250
Bavarian Antler Settee
Located in New York, NY
Rare late 19th century Bavarian deer antler settee. A three-section settee with large fallow deer antler-shaped backs and natural red deer antler arms. Expertly crafted with interloc...
Antler, Leather, Ivory
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
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
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
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
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
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
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Walnut Wall Sculpture with Mirror
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a wall with this beautiful antique carved mirror. Crafted in France circa 1880 and built of solid walnut wood, this elegant wall sculpture features an intricately carved ped...
Mirror, 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
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
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
Antique Handforged Cattle Bell Made in Switzerland ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Handforged Cattle Bell Made in Switzerland ca. 1900s An antique handforged cattle bell, made in Switzerland around 1900. The bell comes with its original brown leather strap...
Metal
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
$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
$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
$1,316Sale Price|20% Off
Table Lamp Black Forest Handcrafted Dwarf and Magic Mushrooms, Germany, 1920s
Located in Hannover, DE
Take a look at this unique and extremly beautiful table lamp, which is a rare masterpiece of German craftsmanship and design. Age does nothing to its beauty. The lamp base was elabor...
Brass
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
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
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
Antique Black Forest White-Tailed Deer Trophy on Plaque - Salem 1860
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Black Forest White-Tailed Deer Trophy on Plaque - Salem 1860 Item e8188 Aa antique trophy of a large white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) from Salem Castle in southern ...
Antler, Wood
19th Century Black Forest Carved Humidor
Located in High Point, NC
19th century black forest humidor hand-carved in the shape of a dog's head. His hat lifts to reveal storage for tobacco or cigars. The carving on this piece is wonderfully detailed a...
Fruitwood
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
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
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
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
Black Forest Crystal Latern Green Hunting Decor Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Hand blown crystal latern in green 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 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
$900Sale Price|25% Off
Antique Black Forest Candle Holder, Antler & Boar Tusks, Germany, 1920
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Antler and boar tusks candle holder centerpiece This antique centerpiece candle holder is made of genuine deer antlers and Boar Tusks. It holds 5 candle...
Antler
19th Century Black Forest Hanging Wall Box
Located in High Point, NC
19th century Black Forest small hanging wall box. The entire piece is hand carved to have the appearance of boards with hand carved appearance of gra...
Fruitwood
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
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
Late 19th Century Black Forest Farm House Chair Wood Painted Germany
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Farmhouse chair in the style of Black Forest. Painted in green-blue with a white swan in the medaillon. Original painting, No restaurations. A second matching chair is available.
Wood
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
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
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
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
$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
Large Black Forest Lamp Mountain Goats, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
Large black forest lamp with two mountain goats on a rack, circa 1880. Electrified and wired for US, include shade.
Metal
Large Antique 19th Century Hand-Carved Black Forest Firescreen with Birds Nest
Located in Lisse, NL
Beautifully crafted screen with the original beveled mirror. For the collectors of top quality Black Forest home accessories we also have this stunning and one of a kind fire-place screen. The incredibly detailed frame consisting of very realistic branches and leafs is an absolute joy to own and look at. The deeper meaning of this work of Black Forest craftsmanship, we think, can be found in the birds nest in the centre of the top. There the little bird is creating a warm home too for the three offspring she is expecting (hence the three eggs...
Mirror, Walnut
$3,055Sale Price|20% Off
Black Forest Center Table by Matthijs Horrix for Horrix Den Haag, 1890s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and ultra rare Black Forest center table. Design by Matthijs Horrix for the famous Dutch cabinet makers Horrix Den Haag. Striking Dutch design from the 1880s. Solid hand-carved walnut base with original hand-carved and inlaid top. This wonderful Black Forest center table by Matthijs Horrix for Horrix Den Haag is in very good original condition with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. The Horrix company was established in Den Haag or The Hague and gained fame during the so-called eclectic period during the 19th Century. Their work was inspired by older styles of furniture but with fashionable features that was then...
Walnut
Black Forest Austrian Cushion Red Deer Fur Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Cushion red deer fur with white spots. Backside grey wool. The fur comes from the Kitzbuehel alps. Made in Kitzbühel, Austria.
Fur
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