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
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
$224Sale Price|20% Off
H 12.25 in W 11.75 in D 2 in
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
$4,603
H 107.49 in W 105.12 in D 0.4 in
Antique Yellow Ground Central Asian Square Lakai Suzani Silk Embroidery
Located in Milan, IT
Suzani silk embroideries from Uzbekistan represent the most refined and elegant manifestation of the Central Asian textile art tradition. Exquisite embroideries such as this one were...
Cotton, Silk
$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
Heavy Embroidered Suzani
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This antique Suzani consists of all hand-embroidery work, with vibrant colored silk threading.
Cotton, 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
$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
Textile Wall Hanging Handwoven Framed Wall Art Blue
Located in Istanbul, TR
SIN, is a handwoven textile wall piece, named after the ancient Mesopotamian Goddess of the Moon. It is handwoven in Turkey, by the women weavers of Anatolia. The 50% of the income ...
Metal
19th Century Antique Suzani Wall Hanging, Hand Embroidered Cotton
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Antique Suzani textile made of hand embroidery intricate scrolling of eight large flowers motifs on a handwoven cotton background. Professionally cleaned and backed with fine textile...
Wool, Cotton, 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
$3,600 / set
H 96 in W 43 in D 0.07 in
Vintage Venetian Renaissance Style Brocade Panels, 100% Silk, Italy, C.1970's
Located in Chatham, ON
Rare and grand Venetian Renaissance style silk brocade panels (two panels per length - total of three sets available as one continuous length or sold separately) - opulent woven patt...
Silk
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
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