Black Forest Furniture
BLACK FOREST STYLE
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.
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Style: Black Forest
19th Century German Black Forest Chip-Carved Suite Desk with Drawer and Chair
Located in Vero Beach, FL
19th century German black forest chip-carved suite desk with drawer and chair.
Impressive and extremely rare Black Forest desk and chair. The rectangul...
Category
19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Pine
Vintage Black Forest Porcellaine Tobacco Pipe with King Ludwig II
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Black Forest Porcellaine Tobacco Pipe with King Ludwig II
A vintage Black Forest porcellaine tobacco pipe with a picture of King Ludwig II on the pipe head. The pipe is exec...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Porcelain, Wood, Antler
Antique Black Forest Mirror with Rustic Bear Carvings, ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique black forest mirror with rustic bear carvings ca. 1900
A large crescent vanity mirror in a handcarved wooden frame featuring two ...
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Exquisite 19th century Swiss Black Forest Chamois wall shelf / bracket / console
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Gorgeous 19th century Swiss hand carved Black forest wall shelf / bracket.
Displaying a gorgeous chamois decorated with carved tree trunk, multiple leaves and acorns. All carved by ...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Swiss Black Forest Carved Wood Bear Nutcracker
Located in San Francisco, CA
the hand-carved walnut bear with expressive gaze fitted with glass eyes; most likely from the Black forest area in the Swiss city of Interlagen
Category
1890s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Black Forest Beer Glass Skier Decor Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
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...
Category
2010s German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Crystal
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Antler, Wood
Antique 19th century Swiss Black Forest jelwery box with 3 birds hand carved
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
This stunning 19th-century Black Forest jewelry box from Switzerland is a true masterpiece. Nearly 150 years old, the wood has developed a rich patina that enhances its beauty and ch...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Set of Rustic Hunters Knives with Chamois Horn Handles
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Set of Rustic hunters knives with Chamois Horn handles
A rare antique set of six knives. The handles are made of genuine chamois horn and feature a decorated silver knob on ...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Metal
Rustic Wooden Black Forest Wall Mirror, Austria, circa 1900
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
From circa 1900, the turn of the century in Austria comes this lovely wooden black forest wall mirror. A simple but elegant design was created out of hand carved basswood, showing th...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Softwood
Eagle Crescent Mirror 1890 Black Forest Carving
Located in Hastings, GB
Fantastic hand carved Eagle gripping a crescent bevelled mirror, dating to the late 19th century, Swiss Black Forest. The carving still has its’ original glass eye and is in exceptio...
Category
1890s European Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Large 19th Century Carved Black Forest Mantel Clock
By Black Forest
Located in London, GB
A Large Black Forest Mantle Clock
Constructed in carved linden wood, fitted with a two train eight day striking clock; mounted on a shaped...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Set of Rustic Carter Cutlery with Carved Horn Handles 18th
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Set of Rustic Carter Cutlery with Carved Horn Handles 18th
A rare antique set of knife and fork as serving cutlery. The handles are made of deer horn with handcarved heads o...
Category
Mid-18th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Metal
Black Forest Rustic Wall Mirror Hand Carved, Austria, circa 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Another fantastic rustic wooden wall mirror in our highly demanded Black Forest mirror collection. Out of Austria circa 1880 comes this unique artfully hand carved frame with protrud...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Softwood
19th C Black Forest Hand-Carved Swiss Brienz Bear with Brass Holder
Located in Savannah, GA
This whimsical hand carved seated wooden brown bear holds a brass cup suitable for cigarettes, matches or even a small bouquet of flowers. Very detailed carving with tiny teeth and a...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
$375 Sale Price
40% Off
19th Century French Oval Black Forest Game Plaque with Bark Trompe L’Oeil
Located in Dallas, TX
Hand-carved in France during the 1800s, this oval game plaque has amazing detail that includes a textured bark trompe l’oeil ground. Trompe l’oeil is a technique (loosely meaning “de...
Category
19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
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...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Great Lodge Style Antler Mantel Clock 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Great Lodge Style Antler Mantel Clock 1900
A rare antique lodge style mantel clock. Oakwood case, richly decorated with antlers from the deer and fallow deer, mountain goat antlers ...
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood, Antler
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...
Category
Mid-19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Brass
$7,160 Sale Price
20% Off
Black Forest Crystal Latern Hand Blown Hunting Decor Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Hand blown crystal latern in grey glass from Bavaria. The votiv is hand blown and the decor is hands-free engraved by glass artists all around with a hunting scene with trees and dee...
Category
2010s German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Large Heavy Cast Iron 3 Bulb Flush Mounts - Matching Pair
Located in Peekskill, NY
I can'y believe we have a pair of these amazing flush mounts. Also these can hang from pipe to be chandeliers. The floral ring is heavy iron with a deep cast details. It has the feel of a carved Black Forrest Coo Coo clock...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Iron
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...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Glass, Bone, Walnut
$1,520 Sale Price / set
41% Off
Nutwood Edelweis Marquetry Chair Swiss Brienz 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Nutwood Edelweis Marquetry Chair Swiss Brienz 1900
A wonderful inlayed nutwood chair decorated with inlayed and painted sceneries depicting chamois, stag and edelweis flowers. Surro...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Nutwood
Black Forest Carved Wood w Original Fabric Side Chairs, Pair
Located in North Miami, FL
These side chairs are magnificent example of Southern Germany/ Austrian carved wood with amazing details including mythological dragons and flora....
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Brocade, Fruitwood
Antique Antler Mirror with Console Table, Austria, ca. 1860
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Antler Mirror with Console Table, Austria, ca. 1860
A large antler mirror with console table, made in Austria ca. 1860. The mirror is de...
Category
19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Antler, Glass, Wood, Stucco
Vintage Black Forest Porcellaine Tobacco Pipe with Capercaillie
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Black Forest Porcellaine Tobacco Pipe with Capercaillie
A vintage Black Forest porcellaine tobacco pipe with a capercaillie picture on the pipe head. The pipe is executed in...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood, Porcelain
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...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood
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 ...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Brass
$1,400 Sale Price
20% Off
Rustic Wall Mirror Black Forest Hand Carved, Austria, circa 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Rustic Black Forest wall mirror from the late 19th century in Austria. Beautifully hand carved out of basswood circa 1880, this unusual wall mirror...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Softwood
19th Century German Black Forest Candlestick
Located in Chicago, IL
A charming 19th century German Black Forest wood candlestick hand carved with ivy growing over rocks.
Category
19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
$262 Sale Price
25% Off
Black Forest Music Box Chair
Located in New Orleans, LA
A music box hidden inside this beautifully carved Swiss chair will activate when the chair is sat upon. A remarkable example of the intricate craftsmanship and artistic innovation ch...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Rustic Wooden Wall Mirror with Golden Bars Hand Carved, 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 protruding corners. ...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Softwood
Antique Black Forest Sofa with Pair of Chairs (3) Pieces Photoshopped with Linen
Located in Chicago, IL
Linen version 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 1...
Category
1890s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
19th Century Black Forest Carved & Inlaid Salon Chair
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century Black Forest carved & inlaid salon chair is a masterpiece of the furniture maker's art! Sumptuous walnut was artfully carved to resemble naturalistic wood as it would appear in the forest, yet constrained into the form of a shield-back chair with boldly scrolled legs. The seat back is particularly intricate, with a combination of straight timbers combined with vine motif. Centered is an oval plaque with inlaid saw-tooth border around an Alpine Horn...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Satinwood, Walnut
Antique Musical circa 1880 Black Forest Hand Carved Fox Whip Hook Glass Eyes
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this exceptionally rare, Musical, original circa 1880 Swiss made Black Forest wood, Fox whip hook with glass eyes
These...
Category
1880s Swedish Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
$3,918 Sale Price
20% Off
Black Forest, Bear Umbrella Stand, Late 19th Early 20th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Large Black Forest umbrella stand, a bear standing on a tree stump, arms forming a circle
Very beautiful work from the Black Forest, late 19th early 20th century: the sculpture is o...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Green Vintage Anatolian Turkish Rug
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Anatolian Turkish Yastik rug mat in pretty green and reds.
1'5'' x 3'5''
Category
20th Century Asian Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wool
$199 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Stainless Steel and Horn 12 Pieces Tableware Set, Germany 1930s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Stainless Steel and Horn 12 Pieces Tableware Set, Germany 1930s
A rustic tabelware set consisting of six knives and six forks. The handles are made of genuine deer horn. The...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Metal
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...
Category
Mid-19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Antler, Wood
ANTiQUE GERMAN BLACK FOREST CARVED RAMS HEAD ANTLER SUPPER TABLE PART OF A SUITE
By Black Forest
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this very rare original German late 19th century black forest antler supper cafe side table which is part of...
Category
Early 1900s German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
$3,078 Sale Price
20% Off
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...
Category
Early 20th Century Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
German Black Forest Antler Tray with Decanter and Glasses
Located in San Mateo, CA
Unusual decanter set with a tray made of antlers. The set has a cut glass decanter with matching glasses. One glass is missing. Great display piece for a cabinet of curiosities, cabi...
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Antler, Glass
Monumental wood carved Black Forest Monk Statue Vintage 1960s Germany
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A great looking hand carved original wooden Folk Art Monk Statue. A great piece for a suitable ambiance in a Cabin room or Library. More than likely one of the Folk Art items made in...
Category
1960s German Vintage Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Four Antique Bull Horn Chairs ca. 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...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood, Antler
$7,880 / set
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Bleached Oak Buffet with Love Birds
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a den or game room with this richly carved antique buffet! Created in France, circa 1860, and built of oak wood, the cabinet sits on small feet over a carved base plinth, an...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Oak
Antique Oil Print with Dramatic Poacher Scene After Josef Ringeisen
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Oil Print with Dramatic Poacher Scene after Josef Ringeisen
A colorful oil print depicting a dramatic poaching scenery in the Bavarian for...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood
19th Century black forest carving of a fox
Located in Martlesham, GB
A lovely ornate 19th Century black forest carving of a fox, sitting cross legged reading a book, the fox wearing a jacket and seems to be sitting on a rock with various foliage and a...
Category
1880s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Large Antique Antler Standing Mirror, Germany, ca. 1890
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large antique antler standing mirror, Germany, ca. 1890
A great antique Black Forest antler standing mirror manufactured in Germany around 1890. An oval wooden frame richly decorate...
Category
19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Antler, Glass, Wood
Black Forest 1880s Carved and Painted Wooden Bear's Head Wall Hanging Sculpture
Located in Atlanta, GA
A black forest carved wooden bear head from the late 19th century, with oak leaves and green, yellow and red accents. Created during the last quarter of the 19th century, this Black Forest wall...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
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...
Category
Mid-19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Antler, Fur, Wood
Black Forest Set of Six Hand Painted Crystal Tumbler Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Set of six hand blown tumbler hands-free painted in Black Forest style. Each glass is handsfree painted with different rims and trees in green colo...
Category
2010s German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Black Forest Carved Walnut Cabinet
Located in Queens, NY
Rustic Black Forest (19th Century) carved walnut cabinet on stand with birds and floral filigree apron.
Category
19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Black Forest Style Carved Wall Bracket Shelf
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Black Forest style carved wall bracket shelf
This is a delightful item, the bracket has a carved stag’s head decorated with leaves and trees fro...
Category
Early 20th Century Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Vintage Boho Black Forest Monumental Carved Cabinet
Located in west palm beach, FL
This exquisite Black Forest cabinet is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, featuring richly detailed hand-carved wood panels and stately architectural elements. The grand scale and impre...
Category
Early 20th Century American Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood
$7,160 Sale Price
20% Off
Rustic Black Forest Style Walnut Gnome Hatrack
Located in Queens, NY
Rustic Black Forest-style (19th Century) carved walnut hatrack/umbrella stand with gnome figure holding tree form with birds in upper branches.
Category
19th Century European Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Antique Set of Rustic Hunters Cutlery with Chamois Horn Handles
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique set of rustic hunters cutlery with chamois horn handles
A rustic set of six knives and forks. The handles are made of genuine chamois horn and feature a decorated silver kno...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Metal
Large Group of Carved Cattles with Glass Vase Inset, Brienz ca. 1890
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Group of Carved Cattles with Glass Vase Inset, Brienz ca. 1890
A rare group of naturalistically carved cattles - bull, female cattle and young cattle standing around a stump. ...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Cut Glass, Wood
19th Carved Wood Black Forest Bears Tree Umbrella Cane Hat Stick Coat Stand Rack
Located in Wijnegem, BE
"Black Forest, Bear Coat Rack, Late 19th Century "
Very beautiful work from the Black Forest, late 19th century: the sculpture is of very high quality, ...
Category
1890s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th Century Black Forest Carved Bear Chair
By Black Forest
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Black Forest Swiss carved chair having bear on fallen log. Carved bear on lifting seat which once had a music box. Part of the Brienz collection pla...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th Century French Black Forest Cave A Liqueur with Etched Glass Hunting Motifs
Located in Dallas, TX
It is rare to find a 19th-century tantalus box with a complete set of glassware, but this immaculate Black Forest-themed French cave a liqueur has all of the original receptacles, de...
Category
19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood
Black Forest furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Black Forest furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, more furniture and collectibles, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, glass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Black Forest furniture made in a specific country, there are Europe, Germany, and Switzerland pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original furniture, popular names associated with this style include Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel, Black Forest, Sofina Porzellan, and Horrix. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $30 and tops out at $150,000 while the average work can sell for $1,550.