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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
Capital Black Forest 16 Pointer Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Capital Black Forest 16 Pointer Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque A very large 16 pointer deer (Cervus elaphus) trophy from the Black Forest. The trophy was ...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood, Antler

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

Charming folk art wooden gueridon circa 1900
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Charming folk art wooden gueridon circa 1900
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Black Forest Jewelry Box
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Black Forest Jewelry Box Origin: Germany, Circa 1900 Hand-carved wooden box Excellent condition and recently polished It has two doors and two drawers on the front Its original lock ...
Category

Early 1900s German Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Vintage Wooden Walking Bear Handcarved in Brienz ca. 1930s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Wooden Walking Bear Handcarved in Brienz ca. 1930s A vintage statue of a Black Forest walking bear. Made of lindenwood, finely handcarved with na...
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

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

19th Century 'Black Forest' Bear
Located in London, GB
A 'Black Forest' Bear In naturalistically carved lindenwood, having glass eyes, head tilted aloft, prowls on all fours. From the Brienz Area. Brienz, in the Bernese Oberland, Sw...
Category

Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Abnorm Siberian Deer Trophy Mount on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Abnorm Siberian Deer Trophy Mount on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s Item e6941 A large abnorm Siberian deer (Capreolus pygargus) trophy on a wooden turned plaque with black finish. The trop...
Category

Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Antler, Wood

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 alps....
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

19th Century Black Forest Carved Cordial Set
Located in High Point, NC
Lovely 19th century drink or condiment caddy hand carved in the Black Forest region of Europe. The central stem handle of the caddy is hand carved to look like a branch, and follows...
Category

19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood

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...
Category

Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Antler, 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...
Category

Early 20th Century Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Walnut Black Forest Footstool Attributed to Matthijs Horrix for Horrix
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and ultra rare Black Forest footstool. Design attributed to Matthijs Horrix for the famous Dutch cabinet makers Horrix Den Haag. Striking Dutch design from the 1880s. Solid hand-carved walnut base and re-upholstered with a quality velvet fabric. This wonderful Black Forest footstool attributed to 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 considered new. The company also made Rustic style furniture that was very popular in the Northern Countries and England. These unusual objects...
Category

1890s Dutch Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

Large Chamois Trophy on Carved Plaque, Austria 1948
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Chamois Trophy on Carved Plaque, Austria 1948 A antique chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) trophy mounted on a wooden carved plaque which features acorns, oak leaves and a handwrit...
Category

1940s Austrian Vintage Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Antler, Wood

Walnut Black Forest Armchair by Matthijs Horrix for Horrix Den Haag, 1880s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and ultra rare Black Forest armchair. Design by Matthijs Horrix for the famous Dutch cabinet makers Horrix Den Haag. Striking Dutch design from the 1880s. Solid hand-carved walnut base and re-upholstered with a quality white fabric. This wonderful Black Forest armchair 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 considered new. The company also made Rustic style furniture that was very popular in the Northern Countries and England. These unusual objects entered the interiors of upper class houses especially popular in Biedermeier styles in Germany and Black Forest styles in Switzerland. Horrix enjoyed highly acclaimed success and thanks to their good reputation, they were asked in 1883 to built the Royal throne of King William III...
Category

1880s Dutch Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Antique Cheese and Butter Knives with Deer Handles, circa 1950s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Cheese and Butter Knives with Deer Handles, circa 1950s A rustic serving set consisting of cheese knife and butter knife. The handles are made of genuine deer feet. The blad...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Metal

19th Century Black Forest Walnut Wood Cave A Liqueur from France
Located in Dallas, TX
This large Black Forest walnut cave a liqueur is from 19th century France. The box has a working lock and key and the interior contents are visible through the beveled glass sides. I...
Category

19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Crystal

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...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Fur

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

Great Carved Black Forest Horn Lithophany, Germany ca. 1840
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Great Carved Black Forest Horn Lithophany, Germany ca. 1840 Museal rustic lithophany depicting finely carved chamoise in a mountain landscape. The f...
Category

Mid-19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood, Antler

Antique French Black Forest Carved Inkwell with Oak Leaves and Birds, Circa 1890
Located in Dallas, TX
More information coming soon… Hand-carved in France, circa 1890, this Black Forest inkwell is incredibly detailed with motifs of oak leaves and a pair of birds. The two birds (a fl...
Category

1890s French Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

19th Century Swiss 'Black Forest' Carving a Dog Family
By Walter Mäder
Located in London, GB
A 'Black Forest' Dog Group The naturalistically carved limewood group shows the bitch couchant and her three playful pups; glass eyes are used in all the figures, in the manner of Walter Mäder...
Category

Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

Black Forest Decanter Set in Carved Box with St Louis Crystal Decanters/Stems
Located in Houston, TX
This cave a liqueur set is truly special because the box is exquisitely Carved and has the original beveled glass. The decanters and stem Ware are by St. Louis and the original la...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Crystal

1950s German Alpine Pendant Light Carved Wood Climber with Lantern
Located in Barntrup, DE
Charming 1950s German Carved Wood Mountaineer Pendant Lamp with Yellow Glass Lantern This delightful German figural pendant lamp from the 1950s f...
Category

1950s German Vintage Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Metal

A Swiss Alpine Folk Art Escabelle Chair
Located in London, GB
A Delightful Swiss Alpine Folk Art Escabelle Chair. This charming antique features a beautifully carved backrest adorned with a pair of Alpine chamois...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Pine

Antique Oil Print with Bear Hunt Scene After Heinrich Buerkel, 19th Century
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Oil Print with Bear Hunt Scene after Heinrich Buerkel 19th cetntury A colorful oil print depicting an alpine bear hunt scenery in the Bava...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

A Wooden Carved Black Forest Bear with Glass Vase ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A Wooden Carved Black Forest Bear with Glass Vase ca. 1900s A finely carved standing Black Forest bear holding an Art Nouveau glass vase in his hands. Executed in Brienz, Switzerlan...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood, Blown Glass

Antique Daumenglas German Forest Glasses Thumb Finger Glass
Located in Hyattsville, MD
We do not have any information on these glasses, like exact origin or age. The estate where these were purchased was filled with fine 19th century furnishings.
Category

19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Blown Glass

19th Century, Black Forest Ceremonial Armchair in Walnut and Carved Wood
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
19th century, Black Forest ceremonial armchair in walnut and carved wood.
Category

1850s European Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Large 19th Century Carved Black Forest Mantel Clock
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

Black Forest Bear Side Table, Late 19th Century
Located in Brighton, Sussex
An amusing late 19th century Black Forest carved wood bear side table, originally intended as a smoking compendium. Having two small bears lying on ...
Category

Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Softwood

Black Forest Carved Walnut Jewellery Box
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Black Forest Carved Walnut Jewellery Box A beautiful looking, well made piece, it is hand carved all over with woodcock and fauna decorations. B...
Category

1880s Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Sculpture - Bronze - Running Hare on Marble Base
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A lively and expressive 19th-century bronze sculpture of a hare in motion, caught mid-step with its ears alert and body turned as if pausing mid-leap. The surface is richly textured,...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

19th Century Black Forest Carved Fan Case
Located in High Point, NC
Late 19th century hand-carved fruitwood fan case from Switzerland. This is a lovely and interesting little piece which would look great on a dresser, or in a bookcase for display. ...
Category

Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood

Pair of Late 19th C. French Carved Oak Monks with Goblets, Black Forest Style
Located in Dallas, TX
Carved in France circa 1890, this expressive pair of antique oak monk figures blends Gallic charm with the rustic spirit of the Black Forest tradition. Each cheerful friar is shown m...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Oak

19th Century French Black Forest Carved Walnut and Glass Complete Liquor Box
Located in Dallas, TX
Create an elegant bar area with this complete antique "Cave à Liqueur"! Created in France, circa 1870 and shaped as a wood log cabinet, the rectangular Black Forest Tantalus is decor...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Glass, Walnut

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

Rustic Black Forest Walnut Center Table
Located in Queens, NY
Rustic Black Forest style (20th Century) walnut center table with carved figure of bear sitting on floor holding round top.
Category

20th Century Unknown Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Felix Possart Large Oil on Canvas "A Spring Alpine Journey"
By Felix Possart
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Felix Possart (German, 1837-1928) a large oil on canvas "A Spring Alpine Journey". The elongated painting depicting a mountain scene, possibly set in the Austrian or Swiss Alps, of a young man hiking in the Alps during springtime wearing Lederhosen and carrying a bucket and a water drum...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Giltwood, Canvas

Large Exceptional Swiss Black Forest double inkwell desk decoration 19th Century
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Gorgeous most rare Swiss Black Forest 19th century double Inkwell / desk accessory fully hand carved displaying a bird eating nuts & floral leaves / walnuts. Carved by a master carve...
Category

Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

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 ...
Category

1880s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Large Pair of Carved Black Forest Trophy Plaques depicting Deer, a Hare, and Fox
Located in London, GB
A pair of large black forest game plaques Expertly carved in lindenwood, the shaped plaques, carved with oak leaves, depict a buck and a r...
Category

19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Black Forrest Carved Oak Hinged Boar Head Cellarette with Bone Tusk, C. 1870
Located in Charleston, SC
Black Forrest hand carved oak hinged boar head cellarette with bone tusk, carved intertwined branches with oak leaves, and resting on decorative foliate scr...
Category

1870s German Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Iron

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...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

Finely Carved 'Black Forest' Pipe Stand
Located in Forest Row, East Sussex
A finely carved "Black Forest' pipe stand. Carved Lindenwood with a single bear standing over a naturalistic base with the pipe holders and astray to fron...
Category

Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Italy Set of Two Black Faux Horn Bowls in Black Forest Style
Located in Brescia, IT
Italy set of two black faux horn and metal chrome bowls in mountain style contemporary production. Set of two decorative objects in Black Forest style....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate

19th Century Black Forest Carved Cabinet
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Swiss carved china cabinet. Front door has bear paying accordion. Mother and father dancing together as cub plays close by. Two bears supporting shelves. Two drawers for flatware. Be...
Category

Early 1900s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

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

Early 20th Century French Carved Black Forest Hunting Barometer and Thermometer
Located in Birmingham, AL
A stunning early 20th century French black forest barometer with thermometer, circa 1900. Found in a hunting lodge in Lyon, this antique weather station...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Large Hall Mirror with Cow Horn Decorations and Console Table, Austria, 1870
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large hall mirror with cow horn decorations and console table, Austria 1870 A great wall mirror with console table from a noble villa in the Austri...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Antler, Glass, Wood, Fur

Classic Antique Black Forest Carved Bracket with Stag’s Head
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Antique black forest hand-carved stag’s mounted on the support with an oak leaf surround. With a shaped top shelf with canted corners. Excellent detailing ...
Category

19th Century European Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Great Rustic Black Forest Wooden Pulley with Rope
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Great Rustic Black Forest Wooden Pulley with Rope A great rustic Black Forest wooden pulley with rope. It comes from a Bavarian barn, ca. 1900, ol...
Category

Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

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

Antique Hand Carved Black Forest Rustic Cottage Jewelry or Trinket Box
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique hand carved Black Forest jewelry or trinket box is unsigned but presumed to have been made in either Germany or Switzerland in circa 1920 in the signature Black Forest s...
Category

Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Softwood

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 ...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swiss Walnut Liquor Box with Four Decanters and 16 Cordial/Aperitif Glasses
Located in Evergreen, CO
Add a touch elegance and refinement to any dinner party, business meeting, or display shelf with this beautiful, tantalus liquor box. Made from carved walnut and beveled glass panels, it has hinges on the top front and top back, allowing the box to open by folding the top and face of the box together. The glass panels provide visibility to the interior from nearly any angle. The box surrounds a removable base with four etched...
Category

Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Glass, Walnut

Fine Carved Wood Chamois Family by Ernst Heissl, circa 1900
By Ernst Heissl
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A delicately hand-carved wood sculpture of a chamois family. The item is very detailed and a classical natural carving by the Austrian woodcarver Ernst Heissl...
Category

Late 19th Century Austrian 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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