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.
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
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
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
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
$2,950
H 0.25 in W 74.5 in D 51.5 in
Large Woven Wool Rug / Wall Art-Tapestry "Essence of Absurd #2" by Calman Shemi
By Calman Shemi
Located in San Diego, CA
Large soft painting woven wool rug / wall art-tapestry "Essence of Absurd #2" by Argentinian-Israeli artist Calman Shemi, circa 1984. This a vibrant and expressive tapestry that sho...
Natural Fiber, Textile
$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
$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
$695
H 32 in W 56 in D 1 in
French 19th Century Framed Needlepoint Tapestry with Ribbon and Floral Décor
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French framed needlepoint tapestry from the 19th century, with ribbon and floral motifs. Set inside a simple yet elegant gilded frame with matting and gilt rim, this lovely horizon...
Giltwood, Tapestry
Vintage Swedish Bed Cover/Tapestry by Malmöhus Läns Hemslöj, 1927
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Swedish bed cover/tapestry Sweden, circa 1927 A dark brown ground with poly-chrome vases, red lions, birds, gentry and flowers. A blue mela...
Wool
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
Black Forest Vintage Roe Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque 1950s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Black Forest Vintage Roe Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque 1950s A vintage roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) trophy on a wooden carved plaque. The plaque features big fir branches and fir c...
Antler, Wood
Antique "Suzani" Embroidery 'DK-110-39'
Located in New York, NY
An exquisite example of the wonderful silk embroideries of Uzbekistan, probably made in Bukhara a century and a half ago, worthy of a serious collection.
Silk
Large Naturalistic Black Forest Carved Deer Trophy, ca. 1920s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Naturalistic Black Forest Carved Deer Trophy, ca. 1920s Item e8157 A rare antique wooden carved Black Forest red deer head handcarved in naturalistic style and fitted with real...
Antler, Wood
Antique Little French Embroidery
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Beautiful late 19th century French embroidery with silk, originally, seat cover element. Take a look at other Bobyrug items! , search by "Bobyrug" !
Silk
$1,699
H 76.78 in W 70.87 in D 0.4 in
Large Vintage Uzbek Suzani Needlework Textile Blanket or Tapestry
Located in Antwerp, BE
Large vintage Suzani Uzbek Samarkand textile, Suzani means needlework and these embroideries are some of the most characteristic forms of tex...
Silk, Cotton
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