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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 1900s Hand Carved Wooden Buck Head Mounted on Shield Plate
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swiss Black Forest hand carved wooden buck head wall sculpture from the turn of the century, with shield plate. Born in the early years of the 20th century...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Antique Musical circa 1880 Black Forest Hand Carved Fox Whip Hook Glass Eyes
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
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

19th Century Swiss 'Black Forest' Carved Game Trophy Plaques
Located in London, GB
A Pair of Carved Black Forest Game Plaques Expertly carved in Lindenwood, the shaped plaques, carved with oak leaves, depicting a chamois, deer, bird, fox and hunting accoutrements,...
Category

19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures

Materials

Wood

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

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

Black Forest Marquetry Table Top
Located in Savannah, GA
A Black Forest marquetry hunt scene table top wall-hanging, 19th century. 36 ¼ by 27 ¼ inches
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Pair Black Forest Carved Hanging Game Plaques
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

Abnorm White Tailed Deer Trophy Mount on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Abnorm White Tailed Deer Trophy Mount on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s A large abnorme white tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) trophy on a wooden plaque with black finish. The trophy w...
Category

Early 20th Century German Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures

Materials

Antler, Wood

Black Forest Vintage Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque 1943
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Black Forest Vintage Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque 1943 A large vintage deer (Capreolus capreolus) trophy on a wooden carved plaque. The plaque fea...
Category

Mid-19th Century German Antique Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures

Materials

Wood, Antler

Mid 19th Century Bear Head Wall Sculpture - Black Forest - Hand Sculpted
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A rare Black Forest wall sculpture with a bear head, hand sculpted from chestnut wood. Polychrome painted head, on a wood sculpted rococo-style frame with scrolls with a gold leaf fi...
Category

1850s German Antique Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures

Materials

Gold Leaf

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

19th Century Carved Swiss 'Black Forest' Life-Sized Stag's Head Wall Mount
Located in London, GB
A Rare Life-Sized Black Forest Stag's Head Carved from Lindenwood, the deer head with realistic fur effect, patination, and glass inset eyes in conjunction with the real three-tined...
Category

19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Monumental wood carved Black Forest Monk Statue Vintage 1960s Germany
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A great looking hand carved original wooden Folk Art Monk Statue. A great piece for a suitable ambiance in a Cabin room or Library. More than likely one of the Folk Art items made in...
Category

1960s German Vintage 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 century, this wooden Black Forest plaque draws our attention with its chamois head emerging from an oval medallion, surrounded by scrolling leaves wrapped around a branch. The lower section showcases a petite oval mirror...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures

Materials

Mirror, 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

Black Forest Carved Bird Plaque
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

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

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 French Black Forest Barometer Thermometer Hound Dogs Birds Carved Oak
Located in Tyler, TX
Very Nice Antique French Oak BLACK FOREST Barometer Thermometer Beautifully carved hound and birds~~outstanding craftsmanship of the era Black Forest furniture and decorative pie...
Category

Early 20th Century French Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures

Materials

Oak

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

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 shooting club...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Black Forest Folk Art Carved Wood Deer Head with Glass Eyes, 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

Glass, Wood

Monumental Black Forest Rooster Statue wood carved, Germany Nuremberg
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A great looking hand carved original wooden Folk Art Rooster Statue. A great piece for a suitable ambiance in a Cabin room or the office of a Hunter or Woodsman. More than likely one...
Category

1960s Austrian Vintage Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Set of Two Hand Carved Folk Art Deer Head with Real Antlers, 19th Century
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A great looking set of two hand carved original wooden Folk Art deer head wall decorations. A great piece for a suitable ambiance in a trophy room or the office of a Hunter or Woodsm...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique 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

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

19th Century German Black Forest Style Ebonized Walnut Thermometer-Barometer
Located in Chicago, IL
This 19th-century hand-carved German ebonized walnut thermometer-barometer is an exquisite instrument designed to measure atmospheric pressure and forecast weather, while also provid...
Category

19th Century German Antique Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures

Materials

Walnut

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 black finish. The trophy was shot...
Category

Early 20th Century German Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures

Materials

Antler, 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

Black Forest Carved Deer or Stag Head and Antlers on Plaque, Germany, 1900
Located in Richmond, Surrey
Black Forest carved deer or stag head & antlers mounted on shield plaque, Germany, 1900 Early 20th century Black Forest carved wood stag head with an...
Category

1910s German Vintage Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures

Materials

Hardwood

Collection of Black Forrest Mounts Including One Stag, Ten Roe and One Chinois
Located in Buchanan, MI
Collection of Black Forrest mounts including one stag, ten roe and one chinois, ranging in size roe 12" high 7" wide, Stag 24" high, 23" wide. Check in with us as our inventory is c...
Category

19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures

Materials

Antler, Walnut

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

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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