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 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
Beautiful Vintage Gypsy Oriental Embroidery Pillow Cushion, 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Gorgeous oriental pillow, cushion or seat pillow. Original vintage cushions made from Oriental rugs. Estimated to date from the 1950s-1960s, the cushi...
Wool
Beautiful Vintage Gypsy Oriental Embroidery Pillow Cushion, 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Gorgeous oriental pillow, cushion or seat pillow. Original vintage cushions made from Oriental rugs. Estimated to date from the 1950s/1960s, the cushi...
Wool
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
$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
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
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
$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
$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
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
$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
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
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
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