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
Period: 19th Century
Swiss Black Forest Carved Wooden Planter Box/Jardinière, circa 1880
Located in Evergreen, CO
Graceful and elegant, this beautiful wooden planter box features a pierced front carving of a floral basket flanked by scrolled grape vines. The bac...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
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...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Carved Inkwell, Swiss Milk Cow, Late 19th Century
Located in Dallas, TX
This intriguing Black Forest inkwell has been meticulously hand carved from wood and dates to 19th century Switzerland.
The piece depicts two men attempting to milk a cow. The man wearing a hat is struggling to control the cow by pulling on the bovine’s tail; his bespectacled partner is situated next to the cow in an attempt to milk it.
The ground immediately beneath these three figures is a rocky formation of varying height. Below this is a wooden terrain that also has quite a lot of depth. Among the forest-like environment, there are two indentations that house the colored and cut glass inkwells. The colored portions of the mushroom-shaped wells are a rustic orange that ties in nicely with the dark brown wood used in the carving. The wells are then capped with silvered lids. One of the glass containers has a perforated top, which would have held the pounce or sand (pounce pot). This would have permitted the writer to sprinkle the sand on the paper before inking to aid in the drying process. Excess pounce was often poured back into the container.
The milk cows...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Cut Glass, Wood
Antique Wooden Mantel Clock with Eagle, Swiss 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Wooden Mantel Clock with Eagle, Swiss 1900
A great carved linden wood mantel clock with a very detailled carved eagle sitting on a rock with foliage decorations. The porcelaine clockface has handpainted numerals, handcarved in Switzerland - Brienz ca. 1900. The clockwork was overworked by a clockmaker and is in working order. It comes with original key.
Measures:
Width 14.17" (36.0cm)
Height 24.8" (63.0cm)
Depth 5.12" (13.0cm)
Soberly considered mantel clocks are small pendulum clocks...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Large German Black Forest Carved Mirror with Bird Motif from the 19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
This large late 19th century French mirror is set within a rectangular carved Black Forest style crested wooden frame. The intricate decor is composed of beautifully detailed openwork intertwined vines with leaves and grapes while a bird with its spread wings just landed on the crest. The artistically distributed foliage is highly decorative and the very naturalistically carved bird brings an unexpected and charming presence to the piece. This wooden German Black Forest style mirror...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood
Black Forest Wall Mirror Basswood, Austria, circa 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Decorative rustic Black Forest wall mirror from the late 19th century circa 1880 in Austria. A unique lovely hand carved frame impressing with an unusual "Black Forest" tree trunk design and protruding corners. Stained in a super dark brown almost black tone, this unusual late 19th century wooden...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Softwood, Mirror
Pair of Large Scale Swiss Black Forest Carved Couchant Hunting Dogs
Located in London, by appointment only
Loyal and watchful, this fabulous pair of Black Forest hounds, of excellent size and quality, are patiently waiting for their new home.
The Black...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
German Black Forest Oak Side Table with Turned Bobbin Legs, Late 19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
This German Black Forest side table / desk from the late 19th century features a rectangular top with molding. The top sits on a richly carved apron, adorned with foliage motifs. The...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood, Oak
Black Forest Wall Mirror Tree Trunk Design, Austria, circa 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
From Austria around 1880 comes this unusual rustic small Black Forest mirror, impressing with its extraordinary old tree trunks design. The artfully hand carved basswood frame with p...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Softwood, Mirror
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
Black Forest Rustic Wall Mirror with Center Top Carving, Austria, circa 1890
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Outstanding rustic Black Forest wall mirror from the late 19th century in Austria. Hand carved out of fine basswood circa 1890 this rural mirror shows an absolute mesmerizing design....
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Softwood
Rustic Black Forest Wall Mirror Hand Carved, Austria, circa 1870
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Out of Austria from circa 1870 comes this unique artfully hand carved Black Forest mirror, impressing with an unusual "Black Forest" de...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Softwood
Black Forest Rustic Wall Mirror Hand Carved, Austria, circa 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Unique Black Forest wall mirror from the late 19th century in Austria. Around 1880 this rustic wooden mirror has been elaborately hand carved out of basswood showing a very uncommon ...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Softwood
Hand Carved Antique Black Forest Trunk / Chest for Keeping Fireplace Wood & Wine
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning late 19th century trunk with wine theme carvings.
If you are looking for rare, stylish and good quality antiques to decorate your home or lodge, but you do want them to have a purpose as well, then this all handcrafted trunk from the late 1800's could be perfect. It was made for keeping wood or peat by the fireplace and it can still do that perfectly, because this quality Black Forest antique is as strong and stabile as the day it was made. However, because of the hand carved decor of grape branches, grape leafs and grape bunches, this good size trunk will also make a highly decorative 'dry bar...
Category
19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Antique Black Forest Armchair or Reading Chair by Horrix with Perfect Upholstery
Located in Lisse, NL
Unique and impressive armchair with green upholstery.
This stunning chair is as strong and stabile as the day it was made and the woodwork is in excellent condition also. The solid...
Category
Mid-19th Century Dutch Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Brass
Black Forest Wall Mirror Hand Carved, Austria, circa 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Mid-sized rustic Black Forest wall mirror from Austria, circa 1880. Beautifully hand carved out of basswood this late 19th century wall mirror shows a tree branch styled frame combin...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Softwood
Pair of Rustic Black Forest Walnut Bear Side Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Rustic Black Forest (19th Cent) walnut side chairs with floral carving and bear figure on back with faux wood carved seat and legs (1 having...
Category
19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Black Forest Wall Mirror Rustic Style Hand Carved, Austria, circa 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Outstanding Black Forest wall mirror out of Austria from circa 1880. This rustic style wooden mirror has been elaborately processed out of basswood and impresses with its artfully ca...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Softwood
Important 19th Century Black Forest Hall Stand
Located in Dallas, TX
Magnificent rare Swiss Black Forest carved deer form hall stand with mirror. Having impeccably detailed deer and eagle carvings above rock form base and ...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th Century Swiss Black Forest Carved Dowry Chest or Trunk with Needlework
Located in Haarlem, NL
Charming hand carved mid-sized wooden Folk Art dowry chest from the Black Forest area of Switzerland, made circa the turn of the century.
It features a beautifully hand carved flor...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
Black Forest Wall Mirror Basswood Hand Carved, Austria, circa 1890
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Very decorative rural Black Forest wall mirror from the late 19th century from circa 1890 in Austria. The beautiful hand carved frame impresses with an unusual "Black Forest" tree trunk design and shows slightly protruding corners. Stained in a very dark brown almost black tone, this unusual late 19th century wooden mirror...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Softwood
19th Century Black Forest Clock
By Black Forest
Located in London, GB
A late 19th century walnut clock, very finely carved with four deer flanking the carved clock with roman numerals.
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
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...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut, Fabric, Upholstery
Black Forest Rustic Wall Mirror Hand Carved, Austria, circa 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Mesmerizing rustic Black Forest wall mirror from the late 19th century out of Austria. Handcrafted out of fine basswood, this charming mirror shows an extrordinary rural design: a do...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Softwood, Mirror
Antique Wooden Carved Crib Figurine of a Shepherd
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Wooden Carved Crib Figurine of a Shepherd
A large antique wooden carved statue of a shepherd, probably from a Christmas crib. Handcarved in Germany in the second half of the...
Category
Mid-19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Rustic Black Forest Wall Mirror Light Brown, Austria, circa 1890
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Unusual rustic Black Forest wall mirror out of Austria. From circa 1890 comes this lovely hand carved Black Forest wall mirror with a simple but elegant design, created out of basswo...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Softwood, Mirror
Light Brown Black Forest Wall Mirror with Blackened Accents, Austria, circa 1890
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Unusual Rustic Black Forest wall mirror out of Austria. From circa 1890 comes this lovely hand carved black forest wall mirror with a simple but elegant design, created out of basswo...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Softwood
19th Century Black Forest Bear
By Black Forest
Located in London, GB
A large Black Forest bear in the form of stick stand on a rocky base with roaring expression, stained red tongue.
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Rare 1880 American Eagle Black Forest Wood Carved Coat Hat & Umbrella Rack Stand
Located in GB
We are delighted to this very rare original Black Forest wood hand carved coat hat and umbrella rack finished with large American eagle
A very rare and collectable piece, I’ve onl...
Category
1880s German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Black Forest Walnut Library Ladder
Located in New York, NY
Rustic Black Forest (19th Cent) walnut 3 step library ladder with carved branch design. (late 19th cent.)
Category
19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Rare 19th Century Black Forrest Carved Hall Chair Hand-Carved Hawk Bobbin Turned
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning Black Forrest Oak hand carved hall chair with bobbin turned legs and a large Hawk in the back...
Category
19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
French 19th Century Black Forest Barometer
Located in Stockbridge, GA
French 19th century black forest barometer.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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.
Category
1880s French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Metal
19th Century Carved Wood 3rd Station of the Cross, 'Jesus Falls’, Switzerland
Located in Buffalo, NY
19th century carved wood 3rd station of the cross, 'JESUS FALLS’ carved in Switzerland, recently acquired from Holy Angels Church located in Buffalo New Yo...
Category
1880s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Austrian Majolica Dressed Bear Candelstick, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Austrian Majolica candelstick with a dressed bear holding a cone pine circa 1890.
Category
1890s Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Black Forest Wall Mirror Hand Carved Rustic Design, Austria, circa 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Great rustic wooden wall mirror in our high demanded Black Forest mirror collection. From Austria circa 1880 comes this unique artfully hand carved frame with protruding corners and ...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Softwood
Black Forest Walnut Bear Umbrella Stand
Located in New York, NY
Rustic Black Forest (19th Century) walnut carved bear umbrella stand holding leaf shaped dish
Category
19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Rustic Black Forest Walnut Barometer
Located in New York, NY
Rustic Black Forest (Late 19th Century) walnut wall barometer/thermometer with carved bird, deer and floral carving.
Category
19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Metal
Small Whimsical Pipe Made of Chicken Bones, circa 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A small antique pipe made of chicken bones. The bowl is made in the shape of a face with glass eyes. Executed in Germany, circa 1900.
Measure: Length 5.91" (15cm)
artfour is an own...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Bone
Glazed Ceramic Owl Form Tankard with Pewter Mounts
By Mettlach
Located in Stamford, CT
An extremely charming stoneware tankard in the form of an owl. With a two toned gray and blue glaze and handsome pewter mounts. The thumb lift depict...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Stoneware
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
Softwood, Mirror
Large Antique Black Forest Owl Sculpture Book Rack with Sliding Owl Bookends
Located in Lisse, NL
All hand-carved and adjustable Black Forest books rack.
This rare and magnificently carved bookstand dates from circa 1880 and it is in truly excellent condition. The details in the...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Glass, Oak
Antique Hand Carved & Great Condition Swiss Black Forest Bear Book Rack Bookends
Located in Lisse, NL
Late 19th century Black Forest books rack with folding bear bookends.
This handcrafted and very decorative bookstand with sliding and folding bookends is totally original and in per...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Carved Black Forest Novelty Inkwell, Dog, circa 1880
Located in Bath, GB
A beautifully carved novelty Victorian inkwell from the Victorian era, having been made in the Black Forest region. The dog has the most lovely face,...
Category
1880s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Rare Cabin Decor Antler Humidor, circa 1890-1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Rare Cabin Decor Antler Humidor, circa 1890-1900
An antique turned wooden box with lid, venered with several fine antler slices from the deer and decorated with tips of roe deer antlers. (woodcrack at the lid - see pictures). On top of the lid with hollow turned antler box for matches...
Category
Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood, Antler
19th Century Austrian Black Forest Hunting Trophy with Deer Head
By G. None
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
19th century hughe deer head hand-carved in oakwood with real deer horns. The eyes with real eyelashes. Mounted on a great carved wood plaque with leaves and acorns in the style of ...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Oak, Wood
Pair of 19th Century French Carved Walnut Cabaret Figures Lamp Bases
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a wine cellar or a bar with this pair of antique cabaret lamp bases. Crafted in France circa 1880, each sculpture stands on a round base and fea...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Whimsical Carving of a Dwarf with Snuffbox, 19th Century
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Whimsical Carving of a Dwarf with Snuffbox, 19th Century
A 19th century funny carved and painted dwarf with snuffbox. Unrestored original condition, old wormholes, partly paintloss ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Unknown Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Rare 19th Century Black Forest Walnut Armchair by Horrix with Classy Upholstery
Located in Lisse, NL
Unique, impressively carved and very comfortable chair from circa 1870.
This unique chair is as strong and stable as the day it was made and the woodwork is in good to excellent co...
Category
Late 19th Century Dutch Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
Exceptional 19th Century Black Forest Carving of Basket and Fruit
Located in Buchanan, MI
Exceptional 19th century black forest carving of basket and fruit very detailed and in-depth carving. Can send additional photo's upon request.
Category
19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Set of Three Historical Dragon Head Wood Beams
Located in Berghuelen, DE
This set of three antique massive dragon head wood beams comes from a Bavarian half-timber house in the area of Garmisch Partenkirchen,, Germany. They are ca...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Austrian-German 19th Century Carved Walnut Black-Forest Hunt Credenza Bookcase
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very large and impressive Austrian-German 19th century finely carved walnut figural Black-Forest "Hunting" credenza Bibliothèque (Bookacase). The intricately carved two-part body, ...
Category
19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Glass, Walnut
19th Century Black Forest Carved Monkey Sculpture
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
19th century Black Forest carved monkey sculpture.
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Large Swiss Black Forest Hand Carved Wall Clock Plaque with Pheasant Sculptures
Located in Lisse, NL
This large Swiss masterpiece wall plaque with clock is in perfect condition.
The realistic and detailed carving consists of a pair of pheasant, a bird's nest, fine leafs and branche...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Black Forest Walnut Bird Mantel Clock
Located in New York, NY
Rustic Black Forest (19th Century) walnut carved mantel clock with 1 large bird and several small chicks within a floral environment. (Not working)
Category
19th Century European Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Glass, Walnut
Rustic Black Forest Walnut Carved Dog Pen Holder
Located in New York, NY
Rustic Black Forest (19/20th Century) walnut pen holder and inkwell with carved dog head leaning on log
Category
19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
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...
Category
1890s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Black Forest Wood Carving of an Ibex
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
An imposing ‘Black Forest’ wood carving of an Ibex,
standing on a rocky outcrop with realistically carved ribbed antlers and rippling fur.
Category
1880s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
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.
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