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 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
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
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
Antique Black Forest Fallow Deer Trophy, Germany ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Black Forest Fallow Deer Trophy, Germany ca.1900 An impressive antique fallow deer (Dama dama) trophy dating to around 1900. The wide, palmate antlers display a beautifully ...
Wood, Antler
$2,520Sale Price / set|30% Off
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
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
Heavy Embroidered Suzani
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This antique Suzani consists of all hand-embroidery work, with vibrant colored silk threading.
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
$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
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
$4,628
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
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