Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
BLACK FOREST STYLE
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.
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Style: Black Forest
Black Forest Period 19th Century German Oak Wall Carving with Hunting Trophy
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Black Forest period German wall carving from the 19th century depicting a hunting trophy. A striking relic from the 19th century, this Black Forest period German wall carving serve...
Category
19th Century German Antique Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Oak
Capital Black Forest 16 Pointer Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Capital Black Forest 16 Pointer Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque
A very large 16 pointer deer (Cervus elaphus) trophy from the Black Forest. The trophy was ...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Antler
Black Forest 12 Pointer Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Black Forest 12 Pointer Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s
An antique 12 pointer deer (Cervus elaphus) trophy from the Black Forest. The trophy was shot around 1900. The large a...
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Antler
Capital Black Forest Uneven 32 Pointer Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Capital Black Forest Uneven 32 Pointer Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque
A massive uneven 32 pointer deer (Cervus elaphus) trophy from the Black Forest. The trophy was shot around 1950s....
Category
Mid-20th Century German Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Antler
Pair of Black Forest Carved Walnut Bird Nest Wall-Mounted Consoles, ca. 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
Pair of Black Forest style carved walnut wall-mounted consoles or shelves, birds nest, Germany, ca. 1920.
An adorable pair of wall-mounted consoles with beautifully and masterfully c...
Category
1920s German Vintage Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Black Forest Carved Fox Whip Holder or Wall Hook
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Black Forest Carved Fox Whip Holder or Wall Hook
A handcarved cabin decor style coat hook or whip holder showing a fox with a gun. With genuine chamois ant...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Antler
Large Folk Art Wood Carved Deer Head with Real Antlers, Austria 19th Century
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A great looking hand carved original wooden Folk Art deer head wall decoration. A great piece for a suitable ambiance in a trophy room or the office of ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Black Forest Sika Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque - Germany ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Black Forest Sika Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque - Germany ca. 1900s
An antique 6 pointer sika deer (Cervus nippon) trophy from the Black Forest. The trophy was shot around 1900. The ...
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Antler
Antique Carved Wooden Deer's Head Wall Decoration, Germany, ca 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
Antique Carved Wooden Deer's Head Wall Decoration, Germany, from ca. 1920
A beautiful antique wall decoration - entirely from linden wood carved dee...
Category
1920s German Vintage Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Black Forest 8 Pointer Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Black Forest 8 Pointer Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s
A great antique 8 pointer deer (Cervus elaphus) trophy from the Black Forest shot in Germany around 1900. The large ant...
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Antler
White Tailed Deer Trophy Mount on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
White Tailed Deer Trophy Mount on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s
A large antique white tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) trophy on a wooden plaque with da...
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Antler, Wood
Large Black Forest 12 Pointer Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Black Forest 12 Pointer Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque
An antique uneven 12 pointer deer (Cervus elaphus) trophy from the Black Forest. The trophy was shot around 1900. The larg...
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Antler
Antique Wooden Carved Black Forest Game Plaque with Fox
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique wooden carved black forest game plaque with fox.
An antique wooden hunting game plaque with impressive carving of a fox and hunting accessoires. Black Forest, executed ca. 1900. Very good condition. This plaque is a splendid addition to every rustic wall decoration.
The tradition of wood carving in Brienz dates back to mid of the 19th century. People in the region were looking for new employment opportunities. They used their skills from traditional crafts, carving everyday objects and sculptures, and created a new business. Many woodcarvers where trained in the 'School of Wood Carving, Brienz' which was established in 1884. Around 1900 the woodcarving industry counted ca. 2000 woodcarvers. Brienz woodcarvings were presented on several worlds fairs with great success. With the Gran Tour Tourism wealthy people from all over the word visited the area and took their woodcarving souvenirs home. Today some companies, like 'Huggler Holzbildhauerei' still exist and build traditional sculptures.
Measures:
Width: 13.78" (35 cm)
Height: 18.5" (47 cm)
Depth: 2.76" (7 cm)
Literature Reference:
Peter F. Blackman, Black Forest Woodcarvings, Atglen 2009.
Jay Arenski, Simon and Michael Daniels, Swiss Carvings...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Nice Carved and Painted Tyrolian Carnival Fasnet Mask
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Nice Carved and Painted Tyrolian Carnival Fasnet Mask
A handcarved pine wood, hand painted, antique wooden carved carnival mask from the region of South Tyrol. Excecuted in the firs...
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Folksy Hand Carved Tyrolian Carnival Fasnet Mask
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Folksy Hand Carved Tyrolian Carnival Fasnet Mask
A folksy wooden carved carnival mask from the region of South Tyrol. These masks are used in Austria, South Germany and Italy at the...
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Black Forest 1900s Carved Wooden Plaque with Chamois Motif, Foliage and Mirror
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Black Forest period carved wooden plaque from the early 20th century, with chamois motif, foliage and petite mirror. Hand-Carved in Switzerland during the early years of the 20th c...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Mirror, Wood
Sculptural Antique Wooden Carved Black Forest Baroque Deer Head
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Sculptural Antique Wooden Carved Black Forest Baroque Deer Head
An antique wooden carved Black Forest baroque deer head. Carved in typical abstract style of the 18th century. It features a large real deer antler trophy and rests of its original gilded finish. A great individual piece which enhances every wall decoration.
A special way to present hunting trophies is to attach them to carved animal heads. This tradition exists since the Middle Ages. Even after intensive investigations, it is not yet possible to explain exactly how this happened. The carved heads are often colored and mounted on cartouches that are also carved and painted. They follow a naturalistic representation and one could think that in this way they are symbolically brought back from the abstraction of dead antlers into liveliness. Famous artists to be named are Madl in Ichenhausen, Germany and Heissl in Ebensee, Austria. Around 1900, the antler collection...
Category
Early 18th Century German Antique Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Antler
Modern Black Forrest Carved Walnut 6, Point Deer Shoulder Mount
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Modern Black Forrest Carved Walnut 6 -Point Deer Shoulder Mount
Switzerland, Circa 1960s
Enhance your space with the timeless elegance of this Modern Black Forest Carved Walnut 6-Point Deer Shoulder Mount. Originating from Switzerland and dating back to the 1960s, this piece represents a fine example of the revered Swiss Black Forest carving...
Category
20th Century Swiss Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Rope, Glass, Walnut
Black Forest 1880s Carved and Painted Wooden Bear's Head Wall Hanging Sculpture
Located in Atlanta, GA
A black forest carved wooden bear head from the late 19th century, with oak leaves and green, yellow and red accents. Created during the last quarter of the 19th century, this Black Forest wall...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Black Forest Chamois Horns Hunting Trophy Mount
Located in Pearland, TX
A fine antique petite chamois antler horns hunting trophy on a hand carved black forest plaque. The plaque is hand carved with oak leaves and crossed branches. It's perfect for a stu...
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Horn, Wood
Early Deer Antler Mount on Black Forest Carved Wood Plaque
Located in Buchanan, MI
Early Deer Antler Mount On Black Forest Carved Wood Plaque.
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Antler, Wood
Antique circa 1880 Collectable Black Forest Hand Carved Fox Whip Hook Glass Eyes
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this exceptionally rare, stunning, original circa 1880 Swiss made Black Forest wood, Fox whip hook with glass eyes
Thes...
Category
1880s Swedish Antique Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Antique Musical circa 1880 Black Forest Hand Carved Fox Whip Hook Glass Eyes
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this exceptionally rare, Musical, original circa 1880 Swiss made Black Forest wood, Fox whip hook with glass eyes
These...
Category
1880s Swedish Antique Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Antique hand carved Walnut Wall Plaque Fruits and Vegetables, Early 20th Century
Located in Barntrup, DE
Antique hand carved walnut wall plaque fruits and vegetables, Germany, early 20th century.
This absolutely gorgeous masterfully carved wall decoration from the early 20th century fe...
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Walnut
Antique Swiss Black Forest Carved Antelope & Eagles Wall Mounted Letter Holder
Located in Pearland, TX
A rare antique Swiss Black Forest carved antelope and eagles wall mounted letter rack, circa 1900. This fine letter holder is a nice large size and has...
Category
Early 1900s Swiss Antique Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Pair 19th Century Carved Black Forest Game Trophy Wall Plaque Swiss Pheasant Owl
Located in Shreveport, LA
Pair 19th century carved Black Forest game trophy wall plaque Swiss pheasant owl.
A matched pair of large Black Forest hanging game plaques.
Beautifully d...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Antique Black Forest Hand-Carved Deer or Elk Head Wall Plaque or Sculpture
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This well executed antique wall sculpture is unsigned, but presumed to have been done in Switzerland in approximately 1890 in the period Black F...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Softwood
Stately Black Forest Antler Mount on Carved Walnut Plaque
Located in Buchanan, MI
Stately Black Forest antler mount on carved walnut plaque. We have a large selection of both large and small antler mounts on Black Forrest plaques. Ca...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Antler, Walnut
Antique Hand-Painted Marksman King Target Plaque 1892
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Hand-Painted Marksman King Target Plaque 1892
A rare and beautiful wooden hand-painted shooting target plaque with inscriptions. This rare kings plaque was issued by the sho...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Wood
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...
Category
Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Oak
Antique Hand Carved Oak & Walnut Swiss Barometer w. Hunting Gear & Hound Carving
Located in Lisse, NL
Fabulous antique Black Forest wall barometer and thermometer.
This good size and finest quality carved barometer could be the perfect Black Forest antique to grace your home or lodge. The details in all of the hunting related sculptures reveal the workmanship of the artisan who created this one of a kind 'wall plaque barometer'. The oval wall plaque itself is made of solid oak and all of the finely carved hunting gear and dog are all hand carved out of solid nutwood. Have you also noticed the hanging bird prey underneath the perfectly carved hunter's hat and next to the rifle and hunting bag? For an artist to be able to hand-carve all these hunting elements in such details and with such perfection is something that never ceases to amaze us. What makes this particular antique even more special is the fact that, after one hundred years, it still is in mint condition.
With a perfect working barometer...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Black Forest Carved Bird Plaque
By Black Forest
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Swiss carved walnut plaque with game bird and two chicks with vine and leaf design. Part of the Brienz Collection but not published.
Period: circ...
Category
1920s Swiss Vintage Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Traditional Handcarved and Painted Tyrolian Carnival Mask
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Traditional handcarved and painted tyrolian carnival mask
An nice antique wooden carved carnival mask which comes from the region of South Tyrol. Made of handcarved and handpainted ...
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Antique Circa 1880 Pair of Super Rare Black Forest Hand Carved Dwarf Whip Hooks
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this exceptionally rare pair of stunning, original circa 1880 Swiss made Black Forest wood, whip hooks of two Dwarfs
These are a very very rare...
Category
1880s Swiss Antique Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Large Pair of Carved Black Forest Trophy Plaques depicting Deer, a Hare, and Fox
Located in London, GB
A pair of large black forest game plaques
Expertly carved in lindenwood, the shaped plaques, carved with oak leaves, depict a buck and a r...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Antique German Barometer with Hand-Carved Oak Leaves and Acorns, 1920s
Located in Barntrup, DE
German Black Forest style barometer with fine hand-carved oak branches, leaves, and acorns.
Dimensions: height 30 cm / 11.81 in; width 24 cm / 9.44 in; depth 5 cm / 1.96 in.
In good ...
Category
1920s German Vintage Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Relief Woodcarving by Hermann Steiner Meran 19th Century
By Hermann Steiner
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Relief Woodcarving by Hermann Steiner Meran 19th century
The wooden carved relief shows a grandfather with grandson on his lap. The granddaughter is sitting on the chair and hides a...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Collection of Nine Black Forest Antler Mounts on Hand-Carved Wood Plaques Priced
Located in Buchanan, MI
Collection of nine black Forest antler mounts on hand-carved wood plaques, great color and patina. Priced per mount.
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Collection Of Twenty Black Forest Roe Mounts
Located in Buchanan, MI
COLLECTION OF TWENTY BLACK FOREST ROE MOUNTS PRICED PER MOUNT
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Walnut, Antler
Very Large Wooden Carved Bull Head from a Butchery ca. 1880
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Very Large Wooden Carved Bull Head from a Butchery ca. 1880
A very large wooden carved bull head. Formerly a shop decoration in a south German butcher's shop. Handcarved ca 1880, ea...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Black Forest Mantle Carving "Antler's Clash"
By Black Forest
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Swiss Black Forest mantle carving of two fighting stags. Great mangle carving piece. Part of the Brienz Collection but not published.
Period: circa 1920
...
Category
1920s Swiss Vintage Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Pair Black Forest Carved Hanging Game Plaques
By Black Forest
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Matched pair of Black Forest linden wood hanging game plaques. One with chamois and grouse, the other red stag and fox. Both complete with rifle and game ...
Category
Early 1900s Swiss Antique Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Collection of Nine Black Forest Antler Mounts on Hand-Carved Wood PlaquesPriced
Located in Buchanan, MI
Collection of nine black forest antler mounts on hand-carved wood plaques. Priced per mount.
Category
19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Antler, Walnut
Top Quality Carved Antique Swiss Black Forest Linden Wood Ibex Corner Shelf
Located in Lisse, NL
All hand carved and amazing condition Black Forest corner shelf.
Looking at the marvelous details of this striking Black Forest ibex, this corner br...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Collection of Four Black Forest Chamois Mounts of Carved Wood Plaques Priced per
Located in Buchanan, MI
Collection of four Black forest chamois mounts of carved wood plaques. Priced per mount.
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Antler, Wood
Collection of Five Black Forest Roe Mounts on Carved Wood Plaques Priced per mou
Located in Buchanan, MI
Collection of five Black Forest roe mounts on carved wood plaques. Priced per mount.
Category
19th Century German Antique Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Antler, Wood
Masterly Crafted w. Edelweiss Flowers Swiss Black Forest Barometer & Thermometer
Located in Lisse, NL
Top museum quality carved Swiss barometer / weather station
This antique barometer is not only about the actuality of the weather, it is also a true work of art and a real pleasure to look at. The attention to detail is incredible and it must have taken a true craftsman weeks rather than days to design and finish the carved frame alone. At a later stage, the handcrafted barometer (in German) and the thermometer (in Celsius & Fahrenheit) were integrated. Notice how the Edelweiss Flowers...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Early 20th Century Hand Carved Wall Plaques
Located in High Point, NC
Early 20th century set of three hand carved wall plaques which have been meticulously carved in the designs of European village landscapes. The...
Category
Early 1900s Swiss Antique Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Fruitwood
Exceptional 19th Century Black Forest Carving of Basket and Fruit
Located in Buchanan, MI
Exceptional 19th century black forest carving of basket and fruit very detailed and in-depth carving. Can send additional photo's upon request.
Category
19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Walnut
Beautiful Folk Art Wood Carved Deer Head with Real Antlers, Germany 19th Century
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A great looking hand carved original wooden Folk Art deer head wall decoration. A great piece for a suitable ambiance in a trophy room or the office of ...
Category
Mid-19th Century German Antique Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Folksy Hand Carved Tyrolian Carnival Fasnet Mask from Tyrol
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Folksy hand carved Tyrolian carnival fasnet mask from Tyrol.
A vintage folksy wooden carved carnival mask from the region of South Tyrol. These masks are used in Austria, South Germ...
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Black Forest Stag Mount on Carved Wood Plaque
Located in Buchanan, MI
Monumental Black Forest stag mount on carved wood plaque.
Category
19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Antler, Wood
Black Forest wall-mounted sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Black Forest wall-mounted sculptures for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage wall-mounted sculptures created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include wall decorations, more furniture and collectibles, folk art and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, bone and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Black Forest wall-mounted sculptures made in a specific country, there are Europe, Germany, and Switzerland pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original wall-mounted sculptures, popular names associated with this style include Black Forest, Black Forrest, and Hermann Steiner. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for wall-mounted sculptures differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $195 and tops out at $28,000 while the average work can sell for $1,200.
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