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.
Zabihi Collection Colorful Vintage 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 weaver giving it an old-world look and vintage feel. Measures:...
Cotton
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
Buck Deer Animal Needlepoint Wall Art W/Birdseye Maple Frame Black Forest Style
Located in New York, NY
A buck deer animal needlepoint artwork wall art with Birdseye maple frame, circa 20th century, Europe. Dimensions: 10.13" Width x 8.94" Height....
Glass, Birdseye Maple
Vintage Embroidered Suzani Textile
Located in Chicago, IL
This vintage late 20th-century Suzani textile bursts with color, symbolism, and intricate craftsmanship. Hand-embroidered medallions depict baskets brimming with large-scale flowers ...
Cotton
19th Century Uzbek Silk Embroidered Suzani Tapestry
Located in New York, NY
19th century Uzbekistani hand spun linen Suzani with silk embroidered floral motif and silk ikat border. Reverse side has original antique Fine hand printed cotton backing.
Linen, Silk
19th Century Persian Kerman Termeh Silk Embroidery Suzani
Located in Barrington, IL
This exquisite 19th Century Persian Kerman Termeh Suzani is a rare and richly detailed example of traditional Persian textile artistry. Hand-embroidered in the mid-1800s in the his...
Wool, Cotton, Silk
Antique Birdseye Maple Picture Frame. English, 19th Century
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful birdseye maple frame With gilt slip. Original patina. A delightful colour The measurement given below is the outside of the frame Internally it measures 7.25 x 7.75 inc...
Birdseye Maple
Framed Large Scale Antique Embroidered Panel
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A striking framed collection of Antique Beadwork. Antwerp label on verso. Group of individual antique neoclassical embroidered pieces- swags with fruits, bows, a flaming heart with s...
Fabric, Wood, Beads, Ribbon, Glass
$7,800Sale Price|35% Off
H 100 in W 61.5 in D 0.3 in
Rare Large Format Antique Suzani Silk Embroidery, 19th C.
Located in Harrington Park, NJ
This large 19th century Suzani embroidery is an exceptional example of Central Asian textile artistry, originating from Uzbekistan. Composed of silk embroidery on a cotton ground, th...
Cotton, Silk
Single Hand Embroidery Persian Suzani Pillow
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Beautiful fine hand embroidery front pillow made of antique Persian Kermonsha province textile. Very detailed vivid floral motifs. Fresh insert ,fine cotton backing.
Wool, Cotton
English Charles II Silk Needlework with Figures and Animals
Located in Milford, NH
A fine example of an English Charles II silk needlework picture framed under glass with figures and animals in its border, and foliate decoration throu...
Silk
Pair of Black Forest Style Wall Plaques Circa 1880
Located in Bernville, PA
Pair of Black Forest style wall plaques C.1880’s. Each plaque displays beautifully detailed wood carvings, first photo consists of a fish carving and the other plaque consists of a b...
Oak
Antique Suzani Embroidery on Brown Ground
Located in Harrodsburg, KY
A suzani silk embroidery on brown ground. In a brightly colored pattern of scrolling flowers and berries. The wide boarder is outlined inside and out by a smaller border of flowers o...
Silk
Silk Brocade Vintage Indian Sari, Mid 20th Century
Located in New York, NY
A lavish sari from India, hand-crafted out of a single piece of silk brocade. Mid 20th Century, circa 1970. Gold Paisley brocade on burgundy / deep red silk, with blue, green and gol...
Silk
$5,795
H 56 in W 53 in D 0.05 in
Antique European Needlepoint Tapestry Panels with Courtiers Reveling, circa 1900
Located in New York, NY
Antique European Needlepoint Tapestry Panels with Courtiers Reveling, circa 1900 An interconnected set of three European Needlepoint Tapestry Panels, antique, circa 1900, size 4'5"H...
Wool, Canvas
Colorful Vintage 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 weaver giving it an old-world look and vintage feel. Measur...
Cotton