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.
$276Sale Price|35% Off
Antique Deer Antlers Trophy on Wood Board
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Antique Black Forest style deer antlers on handcarved wood board.
Antler
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Oak Mirror with Floral Crest
Located in Dallas, TX
Enhance your home with this finely carved French Black Forest wall mirror, crafted circa 1880. Originally conceived as a clock housing, the piece has since been refitted with a round...
Mirror, 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 Six Roe Deer Trophies on Wooden Slices Germany ca. 1950s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Set of Six Roe Deer Trophies on Wooden Slices Germany ca. 1950s A vintage set of six large Black Forest roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) trophies mounted on wooden slices. The trophie...
Antler, Wood
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
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
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
Antique Swiss Black Forest Carved Wood Bear Head Lidded Tobacco Box
Located in San Francisco, CA
Of large scale, the well-delineated and intricately carved head of a dog with hat motif lid; the expressive face with glass eyes and large snout; most likely from the Black forest ar...
Walnut
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
Large Pendant Light Fixture with Carved Climber Figure and Lantern, Germany
Located in Barntrup, DE
Large Pendant Light Fixture with Carved Climber Figure and Lantern, Germany This impressive German figural pendant lamp features a masterfully han...
Metal
Marvelous and Antique Pair of 19th Century Black Forest Hand-Carved Wood Frames
Located in Lisse, NL
*Note l: Our pricing reflects the free shipping, rarity, craftsmanship, and pristine condition of this piece. Automated estimates on the platform may not accurately reflect these fa...
Nutwood, Walnut
Rustic Antler Lamp with Elk Antlers
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Rustic antler lamp with elk antlers A large antler chandelier made of three joined elk antlers. The lamp comes with 3 spouts and vintage glass...
Blown Glass, Antler
Black Forest Set of Six Wine Glasses Hunting Decor Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Set of six hand blown wine glasses in green crystal with a hand-edged black forest hunting scene all-around. The decor is an antique hunting scene...
Crystal
Rustic Black Forest Walnut Library Ladder with Carved Branch Design
Located in Queens, NY
Rustic Black Forest (19th Cent) walnut 3 step library ladder with carved branch design. (late 19th cent.)
Walnut
19th Century Swiss Black Forest Carved Walnut Tilt-Top Table with Village Scene
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in Switzerland circa 1860, this exquisite Black Forest occasional table features a round, tilt-top surface set over a carved twist stem and a sculptural tripod base ending in...
Walnut
19th Century French Black Forest Walnut Cave à Liqueur with Gilt Crystal Service
Located in Dallas, TX
Elevate a bar, library, or gentleman’s study with this exceptional antique Cave à Liqueur from France, crafted circa 1870. Executed in richly patinated walnut in the Black Forest tas...
Glass, Walnut
Late 19th-Early 20th Century Carved and Inlaid Black Forest Table with Stags
Located in Richmond, VA
Great sized late 19th-early 20th century black forest carved and inlaid table with scenes of stags.
Wood
Rare Black Forest Alpine Ibex Wood Box, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Rare and unusual Black Forest box in the shape of wood log with a large wood carved Alpine ibex or bouquetin, circa 1890. The carved bouquetin is 5" height and the box is 8".
Wood
Swallow Nest Black Forest Catchall Holder Wall Mount Antique Folk Art 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A lovely catchall made of hand carved wood, made in the black forest area in Germany. Found at an estate sale in Nuremberg, Germany. It is not marked. A nice addition to your collect...
Wood
Black Forest Red Deer Trophy Abnorm on Carved Plaque Germany 1930s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Black Forest Red Deer Trophy Abnorm on Carved Plaque Germany 1930s A large 6 pointer red deer (Cervus elaphus) trophy with abnorm and unequal antlers from Germany mounted on a carve...
Antler, Wood
Large Hand-Carved Statue of an Eagle, Black Forest ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Hand-Carved Statue of an Eagle, Black Forest ca. 1900 An expressive naturalistic carved large eagle sculpture. The eagle is sitting on a rock and has spread its wings. The win...
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
Black Forest Set of Six Schnapps Glasses Green Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Set of six hand blown schnapps glasses in green crystal with a hand-edged hunting decor. The decor is an antique Black Forest style scene, showing a dee...
Crystal
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
Abnorm White Tailed Deer Trophy Mount on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Abnorm White Tailed Deer Trophy Mount on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s A large abnorme white tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) trophy on a wooden plaque with black finish. The trophy w...
Antler, Wood
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
Charming Bavarian Girl and Sunflower, Black Forest Nursery Wall Decoration
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Absolutely charming, large wood carving of a young Bavarian girl and sunflower wall decoration This substantial wall hanging is two feet in length, ...
Wood
19th Century French Black Forest Style Carved Oak Mirror with Hunt Motifs
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a study, hunting lodge, or rustic interior with this richly carved antique French oak mirror, crafted circa 1860 in the Black Forest style. The sculptural frame is densely o...
Mirror, Oak
Zabihi Collection Beautiful Colorful Vintage Inspired Suzani Embroidery
Located in New York, NY
Hand-embroidered Suzani textile made in the last quarter of the 20th century. Glowing vibrant colors executed by the weave giving it an old world look and vintage feel. Measure...
Cotton
Antique Figural Black Forest Nutcracker c.1900
Located in Bath, GB
A fabulous late Victorian Black Forest Nutcracker beautifully carved with a fabulous rich dark colour and good bright patina. The Monkey still...
Glass, Wood
$927Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Walnut
Large Antique Photo Album with Wooden Carved Cover, Brienz ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Antique Photo Album with Wooden Carved Cover, Brienz ca. 1900 A lovely antique photo album featuring a lindenwood carved cover depicting a hunte...
Wood
$1,302Sale 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
A Swiss Black Forest gnome matchstick holder/striker made in 1916
Located in Central England, GB
This superb small Black Forest hand-carved lime wood novelty match holder features a standing gnome wearing a tall peaked hat, tunic, and long beard. This little fellow is standing ...
Wood
Antique Black Forest Hand-Carved Deer or Elk Head Wall Plaque or Sculpture
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This well executed antique wall sculpture is unsigned, but presumed to have been done in Switzerland in approximately 1890 in the period Black F...
Softwood
Country Style Pottery Dish Hand-Painted Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel Austria
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Large hands-free painted pottery dish in Country style. Glazed in ice blue and handsfree painting in white. The decor shows a hands-free painted pomegranate with butterflies and a ha...
Ceramic
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
Dog Handle Brienz Black Forest Wood Carved Umbrella Cane Austria Antique, 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1910s Black Forest Brienz wood carved umbrella with handle in form of a dog. The dog has glass eyes. Nice addition to your collection or just for use. Made of hand carv...
Metal
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
19th C. French Black Forest Carved Walnut Wall Hunting Panel with Center Mirror
Located in Dallas, TX
Bring character and storytelling to a study, lodge-style living room, or entryway with this impressive antique Black Forest wall piece, carved in France circa 1880 and later converte...
Mirror, Walnut
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
19th Century Rustic Black Forest Mirror, Hand Carved, Austria, circa 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Extraordinary rustic Black Forest wall mirror from the late 19th century in Austria. Elaborately handcarved out of fine basswood, this exceptional antique mirror shows an amazing rur...
Mirror, Softwood
Pair of Child's Size Black Forest German Carved Wood Chairs, 20th Century
Located in Southampton, NY
Pair of Black Forest German Carved Wood Chairs for an older child. Heavily carved wood with typical Black Forest motifs including tree branches, stag on center of back, carved bear ...
Wood
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
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
Antique Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque - Germany 1932
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque - Germany 1932 An antique red deer (Capreolus capreolus) trophy on a wooden carved plaque with dark brown finish. The trophy wa...
Antler, Wood
Pair of Antique Hand-Carved Black Forest Bear Chairs
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Antique Swiss Black Forest carved bear chairs. Intricately hand-carved with chair backs featuring bear climbing branches of oak leaves with acorns. Carved seats and bear heads on fro...
Wood
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
Pair of Black Forest 1880s Carved Wooden Chamois Coat or Hat Racks with Foliage
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of Black Forest carved wooden chamois heads hat or coat racks from the late 19th century, with foliage accents. Created during the last quarter of the 19th century, each of this pair of racks features a chamois head with glass eyes, emerging from an oval backplate connected to three hoof leg hangers. Boasting a dark brown patina, this pair of Black Forest carved chamois...
Wood
Vintage Anri The Wine Taster (Bacchus), ca. 1950
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Anri The Wine Taster (Bacchus), ca. 1950 This is a finely detailed figurine by Anri, believed to be titled The Wine Taster from the Little Folks of Salvan series. The charac...
Wood
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
19th Century Black Forest Rustic Mirror, Handcarved, Germany ca. 1870
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Exceptional crafted rustic Black Forest wall mirror from the period around 1880 in Germany. Artfully hand carved out of basswood, this fantastic rural mirror impresses with its elabo...
Mirror, Softwood
Black Forest Set of Six Tumbler Red Hunting Decor Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Set of six handblown tumbler in red crystal with a hand-edged hunting scene in the style of black forest. The decor is an antique hunting scene showing deers, trees and bambis all-ov...
Crystal
19th-C. French Green Painted Black Forest Carved Side Chair In Dog Toile Linen
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a 19th century French carved oak Black Forest carved oak chair upholstered in a dog toile that is attributed to Brunschwig & Fils. The back depicts a series of woven branches...
Upholstery, Oak
"Bavarian Sonnenaufgang" by Erwin Kettemann
Located in Wiscasset, ME
Oil on canvas, signed lower right. Erwin Kettemann (1897–1971) was a landscape painter from Munich. He was a representative of late Impressionism as well as the 19th century “Karlsr...
$3,548Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century Black Forest Mantel Clock
Located in Martlesham, GB
A lovely quality 19th century black forest mantle clock, the clock dial located at the centre within a farmyard scene consisting of a cockere...
Walnut
A ‘Black Forest’ linden wood long case clock by Spring of Interlaken
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A ‘Black Forest’ linden wood long case clock by Spring of Interlaken, the square silvered dial enclosed behind a glazed door within an ornate case, surmounted by a carving of William...
Wood
Set of Six Black Forest Hand Painted Dinner Plates Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Set of six completely handmade and hand painted underglaze porzelain dishes. The decor shows a black forest hands-free painted oak leaf with a green handsfree line and platinum rimme...
Porcelain
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
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