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
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
$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
Vintage Pastel Coloured Central Asian Suzani Embroidery
Located in Milan, IT
The Suzani textiles from Uzbekistan represent the most refined and elegant manifestation of the Central Asian textile art tradition. Exquisite emb...
Cotton
$245
H 11.62 in W 7.09 in D 6.7 in
Antique Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque, Black Forest, Germany 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque, Black Forest, Germany 1900 Item e8315 A great antique 6 ponter red deer (Cervus elaphus) trophy with unequal antlers mounted on a carved woo...
Antler, Wood
$245
H 13.78 in W 5.52 in D 5.12 in
Black Forest Antique Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque Germany 1930s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Black Forest Antique Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque Germany 1930s Item e8305 An antique red deer (Cervus elaphus) trophy from Germany mounted on a carved wooden plaque with elabora...
Antler, Wood
$1,125
H 16.13 in W 13.25 in D 0.63 in
Aubusson - Vintage Silk & Wool Floral Tapestry - Signed - France - 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Aubusson - Vintage silk and wool floral tapestry - mounted to the original stretcher along the edges - unframed - signed lower right - France - early/mid 20th century. Good vintag...
Wool, Silk
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
Folk Art Suzani Embroidery from 1970s, Uzbekistan
Located in Istanbul, TR
Uzbek Suzani, a captivating textile art form originating from Central Asia, embodies a rich tapestry of culture and craftsmanship. The word "suzani" translates to "needlework" in Per...
Cotton
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
Early 19th Century Tashkent Suzani Fragment
Located in London, GB
Charming Suzani fragment from either Tashkent or Pishkent. Could be mounted onto a fabric covered stretcher or made into cushion covers. circa 1900
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
$245
H 13.19 in W 6.5 in D 4.73 in
Black Forest 6 Pointer Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque Germany 1930s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Black Forest 6 Pointer Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque Germany 1930s Item e8304 An antique 8 pointer red deer (Cervus elaphus) trophy from Germany mounted on a carved wooden plaque ...
Antler, Wood
19th Century Light Floral Suzani Embroidered Textile Rug
Located in Dublin, NH
This distinctive Central Asian Suzani balances classicism with a true sense of artistic freedom. The majority of the border is comprised of alternating floral bursts; the first deriv...
Wool
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