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.
Set of Six Black Forest Hand Painted Breakfast Plates Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Set of six completely handmade and hand painted underglaze porzelain breakfast plates. The decor shows a Black Forest hands-free painted oak leaf with ...
Porcelain
Swiss Brienz Black Forest Hand-Carved Wood Candle Holder
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Black Forest hand-carved linden-wood hand carved candle holder/candlestick, circa 1900. Black Forest sculptural art originates from the small mountain town Brienz, Switzerland co...
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 Handforged Cattle Bell Made in Switzerland ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Handforged Cattle Bell Made in Switzerland ca. 1900s Item e7310 An antique handforged cattle bell, made in Switzerland around 1900. The bell comes with its original brown lea...
Metal
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
$1,713Sale 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
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
Antique Swiss Casted Bronze Cattle Bell ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Swiss Casted Bronze Cattle Bell ca. 1900s Item e7313 An antique cast bronze cattle bell, made in Switzerland around 1900. The bell comes with its ...
Bronze
Black Forest Porcelain Bowl with Wild Boar Figure Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Completely handmade porcelain bowl with a hands-free natrualistic painted wild boar figure in grey colors. The fox is sitting in the middle of the bowl for decorating nuts or sweets ...
Porcelain
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
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
Stunning Original Antique Hand Carved Black Forest Wood Cigar Box Humidor House
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this rather lovely antique original circa 1880 Black Forest Wood musical Cigar box Humidor with built in music box A very good looking and well ...
Wood
Pair Great Black Forest Wall Sconces with Deer Horns, Germany ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Pair Great Black Forest Wall Sconces with Deer Horns, Germany ca. 1900 An antique pair of Black Forest sconces for candles. Each made of original deer horns which are mounted on a t...
Antler, Wood
Large Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Turned Plaque - Germany 1935
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Turned Plaque - Germany 1935 A large 6 pointer red deer (Cervus elaphus) trophy from Germany mounted on a turned dark brown plaque. The trophy ...
Antler, Wood
19th Century Sewing Accessory – Black Forest – Carved Wooden Bear
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A charming 19th century Black Forest carved wooden sewing accessory in the form of a bear. This nice piece combines sculptural folk art with practical functionality, characteristic o...
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 French Black Forest Carved Walnut Hand Mirror with Mercury Glass
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a vanity, powder room, or dressing table with this elegant antique French hand mirror, crafted circa 1870 in the Black Forest tradition. The Louis XV–inspired form features ...
Mercury Glass, Walnut
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
Rustic Black Forest Walnut Trunk
Located in Queens, NY
Rustic Black Forest walnut floor trunk with a folding rounded top and supported on "X" form side legs with faux wood, straps, and floral carved design.
Walnut
19th Century Swiss 'Black Forest' Carved Game Trophy Plaques
Located in London, GB
A Pair of Carved Black Forest Game Plaques Expertly carved in Lindenwood, the shaped plaques, carved with oak leaves, depicting a chamois, deer, bird, fox and hunting accoutrements,...
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
Black Forest Carving "The Hunter" Attributed to Johann Huggler
By Black Forest
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
The Hunter attributed to the Huggler's (1834-1912) Of Brienz - a small town in Bernese Oberland, Canton Bern Switzerland. A carving of a huntsman holding a cock pheasant. This appear...
Walnut
$760Sale Price|49% Off
Circa 1860-1880 Black Forest Carved Eagle Wall Shelf
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
A boldly carved eagle wall shelf, c.1860-80, Black Forest. Carved from linden wood. Beneath the shelf a spread eagle above a festoon of fruits & leav...
Wood
Late 19th Century Black Forest Farm House Chair Wood Painted Germany
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Hand-painted wooden farm house chair in the style of Black forest in blue-green color with a medaillon showing two sheeps. Original color and paintin...
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
Large Black Forest 8 Pointer Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque - Germany ca. 1940
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Black Forest 8 Pointer Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque - Germany ca. 1940s A large 8-pointer red deer trophy (Cervus elaphus) from South Germany, mounted on a brown wooden pl...
Antler, Wood
Late 19th Century Black Forest Bronze Decorative Box by Leopold Oudry & Cie.
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A refined French lidded box, embelished all around with floral motifs in Black Forest style. Made of casted bronze with the original brown patina finish. The box is marked, L. Oudry & Cie. With key, lock is not working. Léopold Oudry...
Bronze, Copper
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
Antique Powder Flask Made of Horn with Decorations, Germany 19th Century
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Powder Flask Made of Horn with Decorations, Germany 19th Century This beautiful powder flask, crafted from natural horn, features numero...
Antler
Black Forest Set of Six Beer Glasses Skier Decor Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Set of six beer glass called Bierseidl in clear crystal glass. Hand blown in Bavaria and hand-engraved with trees and a skier boy in the style of Black Forest. For 0.7 liter beer. Ca...
Crystal
19th Century black forest walnut casket
Located in Martlesham, GB
A good quality 19th Century black forest walnut casket, having wonderful crisp carving throughout, the hinged top lifting up to reveal a velvet lined interior, the top having a finel...
Walnut
Black Forest Crystal Latern Red Hunting Decor Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Hand blown crystal latern in red crystal glass from Bavaria Germany. The decor is hands-free engraved by glass artists all around with a hunting scen...
Crystal
Black Forest Hand-Carved Wooden Night Watchman Lamp, circa 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Charming Black Forest hand-carved wooden lamp of a night watchman with lantern, circa 1950s. A unique hand-carved Black Forest style wooden lamp depicting a traditional night watchman holding a lantern and a halberd. The sculpture is finely detailed with expressive features, rustic clothing, and a textured hat, showcasing the charm of mid-century Alpine craftsmanship. The lantern has amber glass panels and contains one E14 bulb, casting a warm and atmospheric glow. Both decorative and functional, this lamp makes a striking rustic statement piece for interiors ranging from chalet and lodge style to eclectic and vintage-inspired spaces. Dimensions: Total height: 67 cm (26.3 in) Width: 26 cm (10.2 in) Depth: 13 cm (5 in) Height of figure: 47 cm (18.5 in) Socket: 1 x E14 Condition: Very good vintage condition with a natural patina to the wood. The base shows an age-related crack, which does not affect stability. The lantern retains its original rustic finish, consistent with age and use. Black Forest lamp, Alpine wood carving, rustic table lamp, night watchman lantern...
Metal
Handcarved Wooden Nutcracker, Tyrol ca. 1950
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Handcarved Wooden Nutcracker, Tyrol ca. 1950 This finely carved wooden nutcracker features a detailed, expressive face and traditional attire, likely crafted in East Tyrol. The styl...
Wood
A fine Swiss Carved Linden Wood Black Forest Jardiniere Circa 1890
Located in London, GB
A fine Swiss Carved Linden Wood Black Forest Jardiniere Circa 1890 Dimensions: 108cm by 36.2cm by 39cm
Wood
Antique Carved Wooden Dry Bar with Stained Glass Top
Located in Dekalb, IL
Rustic bar counter with a stained-glass top panel and gothic-inspired corbels. This piece has compartments in the back for storage. The original finish was covered, prior to coming i...
Wood
Pair of Carved Walnut Oval Dark Brown Wall Picture Frames with Flowers, ca. 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
Pair of finely carved walnut oval dark brown wall picture or photo frames with flowers and leaves, Austria, ca. 1920. The impressive pair of frames is masterfully carved throughout w...
Glass, Walnut
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
Large Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque - Germany ca. 1935
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque - Germany ca. 1935 A large unequal 6-pointer red deer trophy (Cervus elaphus) from South Germany, mounted on a brown wooden plate...
Antler, Wood
$7,360Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of rare Antler Parlor Chairs, France ca. 1860
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Pair of rare Antler Parlor Chairs, France ca. 1860 These two very rare antler parlor chairs are made of stag antlers with feet carved as lions claws. Made in France, ca. 1860 - the ...
Antler, Wood
$2,360Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century Swiss Black Forest Carved Thatched Roof Cottage Box
Located in Stamford, CT
Fantastic and rare example of Black Forest folk art, a tour de force of carving by a master woodworker. This lift top box in the form of a thatched cottage has many wonderful details...
Walnut
Set of Six Black Forest Hand Painted Soup Plates Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Set of six completely handmade and hand painted under glaze porcelain soup plates. The decor shows a black forest hands-free painted oak leaf with a green hands free line and platinu...
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
Handcarved Wood Bear Head Nutcracker, Swiss - Brienz ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Handcarved Wood Bear Head Nutcracker, Swiss - Brienz ca. 1900 A wooden carved nutcracker with a bear head. It is a fine antique Black Forest woodcarving with glass eyes. The nutcrac...
Wood
Mid-20th Century Black Forest Small Taxidermy Fawn on Green Painted Plinth
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
A very rare and very small stuffed real Bambi. Laying on a green painted wooden piece. Eyes in glass. The fur is in excellent condition. One ear has a small fur fault. Great decorati...
Fur
Black Forest 1880s Hand-Carved Coat or Hat Rack with Stag and Grapevines
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Black Forest period hand-carved wall coat or hat rack from circa 1880 depicting a majestic stag with antlers surrounded by grapevines. This Black Forest period hand-carved wall coa...
Wood
Black Forest Carved Walnut Deer Head Trophy Mount
Located in Essex, MA
Well carved with original oval carved back. The head realistically carved with amber colored glass eyes. Antlers are carved walnut as well.
Glass, Walnut
Large Simulated Black Forrest Stag Antler Hanging Chandelier
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large Simulated Black Forrest Stag Antler Hanging Chandelier This is a very realistic looking piece, this chandelier design was first made in the 19th Century, and was a great favourite in Scottish...
Resin
Black Forest Porcelain Figure Fox Handpainted Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Completely handmade porcelain figure with a hands-free naturalistic hand-painted fox in brown colors in the style of Black Forest. Handmade in Bavaria/Germany by Sofina Boutique Kitz...
Porcelain
Vintage Chamois Trophy on Carved Plaque, Germany 1960s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Chamois Trophy on Carved Plaque, Germany 1960s A vintage chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) trophy mounted on a wooden carved plaque. The plate is decorated in dark green, reddis...
Antler, Wood
Black Forest Chamois Trophy on Carved Wooden Plaque, Austria 1951
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Black Forest Chamois Trophy on Carved Wooden Plaque, Austria 1951 A decorative trophy of the chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra), mounted on a carved wooden plaque. The plaque is painted ...
Antler, Wood
Antique Black Forest Deer Trophy on Plaster Plaque, ca. 1920s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Black Forest Deer Trophy on Plaster Plaque, ca. 1920s This piece features a six-point red deer antler (Cervus elaphus) mount attached to an elaborately designed plaster plaq...
Antler, Wood
Vintage Pair of Candle Sticks With Real Chamois Horn, circa 1950s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Pair of Candle Sticks With Real Chamois Horn, circa 1950s A vintage pair of candle holders, made of genuine chamois horns. The spout supports turned wooden tulip-shaped cand...
Antler
Pair of 19th Century Black Forest Escabell Chairs
Located in New Orleans, LA
These remarkable chairs are not just a piece of furniture, they are historical artifacts that bring a touch of rustic elegance and timeless beauty to any space. Crafted from rich, d...
Wood
Black Forest Wall Light Shade Wallpaper with Hunting Scene Sofina Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Handmade lampshade in the style of Black Forest made of wallpaper with a hunting scene in red, blue green colors and a deer in the middle Fixed with a handmade paspol in beige silk....
Paper
Antique Black Forest Tobacco Pipe with Chamois Horn around 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Black Forest Tobacco Pipe with Chamois Horn around 1900 This unique antique Bavarian hunter's pipe with fine carved chamois on the carved horn lid, adorned with natural mate...
Metal
Late 19th Century Black Forest Bronze Dog Collar Wall Rack Sculpture Bulldog
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A refined wall sculpture of a Bulldog coming out of a doghouse with a branch in its mouth. Made of brown patinated bronze. With refined casting details such as the wood grain of the ...
Bronze
$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 Sideboard Signed By Josef Blank
Located in Charmes, FR
Impressive late 19th century "Black Forest" buffet with ibex, good condition, minimal lacks in the sculptures due to fragility, signed by Josef Blank, active in the Czech Republic at...
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