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Black Forest Desks and Writing Tables

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
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 Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Oak

Rustic Black Forest Bear Walnut Table Desk
Located in Queens, NY
Rustic Black Forest (19th Century) bear carved walnut table desk with leaf and floral carving and single drawer.  
Category

19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

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Italian Antique Solid Walnut Rustic Table Desk Writing Table
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Antique Italian Walnut Side Coffee Table with Bobbin Turned Legs
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Antique Victorian Oak Bobbin Tripod Side Table, 19th century
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19th Century Black Forest Leather Top Antler Desk and Removable Shelf
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Black Forest desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Black Forest desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage desks and writing tables created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include tables, case pieces and storage cabinets and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, oak and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Black Forest desks and writing tables made in a specific country, there are Europe, Austria, and England pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 desks and writing tables differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,920 and tops out at $48,000 while the average work can sell for $5,000.

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