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Black Forest Furniture

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
Hand Carved Black Forest Bear Sculpture Hand or Vanity Mirror with Beveled Edge
Located in Lisse, NL
Finer quality carved, wooden Black Forest hand mirror, circa 1890-1910 If you are a collector of only the finer quality Black Forest bear antiques then this hand mirror could be the perfect addition to your collection. This antique bear is balancing on a wooden tree trunk and he is holding the beveled mirror for you. His right hand, at some point in time, has been 'reconstructed' and that probably was done at the same time when the excellent condition and beveled oval mirror was replaced. This rare antique has the most wonderful patina and with at least 100 years of age it is incredible to be in this condition still. The original glass eyes and the original red painted tongue and white teeth are the perfect finish to this skillfully carved and intricate bear mirror...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood, Glass, Paint

Black Forest Crystal Latern Red Hunting Decor Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Hand blown crystal latern in red crystal glass from Bavaria Germany. The decor is hands-free engraved by glass artists all around with a hunting scen...
Category

2010s German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Crystal

Black Forest Set of 6 Hand-Painted Tumbler Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Set of six hand blown tumbler hands-free painted in Black Forest style. Each glass is handsfree painted with different rims and trees in red. Can b...
Category

2010s German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Crystal

Vintage Hand Carved Mountain Climber or Mountaineer Pendant Light
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautifully crafted light fixture for Black Forest and mountaineering enthusiasts. This beautifully executed and sculptural light fixture will look great at your home, but it can a...
Category

1970s German Vintage Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Metal

Antique Casted Bronze Cow Bell Made in Switzerland, ca. 1930
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A large and heavy casted bronze cow bell manufactured in Switzerland around 1930. The antique bell features high relief motifs of farm animals, human heads and foliages. The bell com...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Black Forest Style Carved Lamp Table
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Black Forest Style Carved Lamp Table was carved from solid sycamore to depict a thick canopy of flowers and leaves, hand-crafted for the L...
Category

Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Sycamore

Hand Carved Mountaineer Sculpture Pendant Light w. Brass Arts & Crafts Lantern
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare and beautifully crafted light fixture for Black Forest and mountaineering enthousiasts. This beautifully hand carved and sculptural light fixture is in superb condition. A ligh...
Category

20th Century Austrian Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Iron, Brass, Metal

Black Forest Set of Six Hand Painted Crystal Tumbler Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Set of six hand blown tumbler hands-free painted in Black Forest style. Each glass is handsfree painted with different rims and trees in green colo...
Category

2010s German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Crystal

Set of 4 Antique Black Forest Style Sycamore Armchairs ~ Game Table Chairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Set of 4 Antique Black Forest Style Sycamore Armchairs ~ Game Table Chairs were hand-carved for the Liberty & Company of London in the final years of the 19th century! Sculpted from...
Category

Early 20th Century French Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Walnut

A Large Black Forest carved limewood study of a monk, Swiss, circa 1900
Located in Central England, GB
This most impressive large scale Black Forest limewood figure is beautifully carved and depicts the full standing figure of a portly monk dressed in a simple habit cheerfully enjoyin...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Monumental 19th Century Black Forest Carved “Spoils of the Hunt” Wall Clock
Located in Atlanta, GA
One of the most impressive masterfully carved German or Swiss black forest wall clocks I have ever had in my possession circa 1880. The shear size and quality of the carvings is incredible. Adorned with several duck and bird forms to the clock, a rifle, catch bag, powder horn and bird call...
Category

Mid-19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique Black Forest Carved Wooden Pug Inkwell, 19th Century Dog Carving
Located in Bristol, GB
Antique Carving in the Form of a Dog Raised up on his hind legs, the head with original glass eyes tilts back to reveal the original glass inkwell ins...
Category

19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Fantastic Oak Wood Gun Cabinet with Horn Decoration ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Fantastic oak wood gun cabinet with horn decoration ca. 1900 An antique Black Forest oak wood cabinet. Richly decorated with several antlers from the stag and fallow deer, wild boar...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Antler, Wood

Black Forest Handmade Cushion Hunting Scene Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Handmade cushion in brilliant green colors in cotton and linen fabric with a hunting scene in the style of Black Forest. The fringe all around is made by hand in the style of the Aus...
Category

2010s Austrian Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Linen

Black Forest Carved Large Terrier Inkwell, Hinged Lid, Exceptional Carving
Located in Banner Elk, NC
Black Forest Breinzware Large Inkwell, carved as begging terrier with tongue protruding, with inset glass eyes, the hinged head concealing a glass inkwel...
Category

1880s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Softwood

Black Forest Crystal Latern Green Hunting Decor Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Hand blown crystal latern in green crystal glass from Bavaria Germany. The decor is hands-free engraved by glass artists all around with a hunting scene with trees in the style of Bl...
Category

2010s German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Crystal

Black Forest Cushion Handmade Fringe Hunting Scene Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Handmade cushion in brilliant blue and green colors in cotton and linen fabric with a hunting scene in the style of Black Forest. The fringe all around is made by hand in the style o...
Category

2010s Austrian Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Linen

19th Century Swiss Inlaid Tilt-Top Center Table
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century Swiss inlaid tilt-top center table is a fascinating work of art in wood, crafted by master artisans to be a miniature showcase piece for all to admire! The marquetry on ...
Category

1880s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Walnut, Satinwood

Black Forest Porcelain Vase Hunting Decor Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Hands-free painted porcelain vase with a hunting design with deers and trees all around. Lined with a green line and rimmed with a 24 carat gold line. Completely hand painted in Bava...
Category

2010s German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Black Forest Hand-Painted Porcelain Bambi Figur Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Hand painted porcelain bambi figure. Hand painted in a naturalistic style. The bambi figure is completely handmade in Bavaria. About Sofina porcelain: Sofina porcelain was found 20...
Category

2010s German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

19th Century German Black Forest Chip-Carved Suite Desk with Drawer and Chair
Located in Vero Beach, FL
19th century German black forest chip-carved suite desk with drawer and chair. Impressive and extremely rare Black Forest desk and chair. The rectangul...
Category

19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th Century Black Forest Extending Book Rack
Located in Martlesham, GB
19th Century black forest extending book rack, with finely a carved bear at either end standing on carved logs, when fully extended the total length is ...
Category

1880s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Carved Ebonized Black Forest Painting Easel
Located in Milford, NH
A fine example of an ebonized Black Forest hand carved easel with foliate crest and faux bois supports, a hinged rear support leg, and adjustable painting ...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Business Card Tray with Deer Antler Decorations, Germany, ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Business card tray with deer horn antler decorations, Germany ca. 1900 A rustic business card tray, made of turned nut wood with deer antle...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Set of Three 19th Century Black Forest Carvings
Located in Martlesham, GB
A set of three 19th century black forest carvings of bears in different poses, all three bears are in very good condition and having lovely crisp carving. Circa 1880.  
Category

1880s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Early 20th Century French Carved Black Forest Hunting Barometer and Thermometer
Located in Birmingham, AL
A stunning early 20th century French black forest barometer with thermometer, circa 1900. Found in a hunting lodge in Lyon, this antique weather station...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Black Forest Wall Shrine with St. Anthony of Padua & Jesus
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century Black Forest Wall Shrine with Porcelain St. Anthony of Padua & Jesus will make a splendid devotional for any room, and features sculpted wood combining the Renaissance and Classical styles in a lovely oval form upon which has been placed burgundy velvet, making the painted porcelain figurine of St. Anthony cradling the infant Jesus...
Category

1880s German Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Porcelain, Velvet, Oak

Original Antique Print After Heinrich Leutemann, Reynard the Fox and Merknau
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image by Heinrich Leutemann. From the Reynard The Fox series. Fine steel engraving. Published by A.H. Payne C.1850. Unframed.
Category

1850s English Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Paper

Black Forest Porcelain Bowl with Fox Handpainted Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Completely handmade porcelain bowl with a hands-free natrualistic painted fox figure in brown colors. The fox is sitting in the middle of the bowl for decorating nuts or sweets aroun...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Black Forest Pottery Dish Hand-Painted Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel Austria
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Large hands-free painted pottery dish in the style of black forest. Decorated with a handpainted green decor with trees and a hands-free painted garlande ....
Category

2010s Austrian Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Pottery, Ceramic

Black Forest Porcelain Bowl with Bambi Figure Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Completely handmade porcelain bowl with a hands-free naturalistic painted bambi figure in brown. The bambi is sitting in the middle of the bowl for decorating nuts or sweets around. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Swiss Samuel Troll Fils Key Wind Cylinder Music Box
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Made in Switzerland in approximately 1850, this key wind brass cylinder music box is set in a burled walnut case with an inlaid shield in the top and has a gl...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Metal

Original Antique Print After Heinrich Leutemann, Reynard The Fox, Wolves On Ice
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image by Heinrich Leutemann From the Reynard The Fox series Fine steel engraving Published by A.H. Payne C.1850 Unframed.
Category

1850s English Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Paper

Carved Wooden Horse, Black Forest, 19th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Horse in front of a trough, carved wood, work of great finesse and delicacy Good condition, restorations (almost invisible!) on the legs Black Forest, similar to the work of Huggle...
Category

19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Original Antique Print After Heinrich Leutemann, Reynard the Fox and Grimbart
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image by Heinrich Leutemann. From the Reynard The Fox series. Fine steel engraving. Published by A.H. Payne C.1850 Unframed.
Category

1850s English Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Paper

Black Forest Carved & Intricately Inlaid Musical Chair, Swiss, ca. 1900
Located in Banner Elk, NC
A Black Forest Carved Walnut Chair, the seat and seatback with intricately inlaid cartouches each depicting an alpine chamois, with carved edelweiss and leaves, with the working musi...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Satinwood, Walnut

19th Century French Carved Oak Black Forest Plant Stand Jardinière Flower Box
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Gorgeous fully hand carved Black Forest 19th century plant stand / jardiniere in hand carved Fruitwood. The stand body has outstanding carvings with the center a dimensional carved...
Category

1880s French Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood

Black Forest Wall Light Shade Wallpaper with Hunting Scene Sofina Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Large handmade lampshade made of wallpaper with a hunting scene in red and beige in the style of black forest. Made by hand in Austria. Fixed with green and red paspol. Two handmade iron angles to supply electricity will be delivered with the shades. See last picture. To be used as wall lightning.
Category

2010s Austrian Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Paper

Black Forest Crystal Latern Amber Hunting Decor Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Hand blown crystal latern in amber crystal glass from Bavaria Germany. The decor is hands-free engraved by glass artists all around with a hunting scene with trees in the style of Bl...
Category

2010s German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Crystal

Black Forest Porcelain Figure Fox Handpainted Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Completely handmade porcelain figure with a hands-free naturalistic hand-painted fox in brown colors in the style of Black Forest. Handmade in Bavaria/Germany by Sofina Boutique Kitz...
Category

2010s German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Black Forest Set of Six Glass Plates Red Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Set of six crystal plates in brillant red color with an country style decor all around. The charming black forest decor is hand.-engraved and shows ...
Category

2010s German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Glass

Black Forest Set vof Six Hand-Engraved Crystal Plates Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Set of six plates in colored blue crystal with a hands-free engraved winter decor all around. The charming hand-engraved decor shows different trees and mountains in the style of Bla...
Category

2010s German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Crystal

Large Vintage German Christmas Jumping Jack
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Large vintage christmas jumping jack in wood. The front covered in paper with a beautiful vintage decoration Handmade in the area of Erzgebirge Germany. T...
Category

1950s German Vintage Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Black Forest Mirror in Lindenwood Hand Carved Tree Branches in the Folk Style
Located in London, GB
This is one of a pair of incredibly skilfully carved beautiful mirrors, that replicate a border of branches wrapping around a curved bevelled original mirror. The carving is in very good original condition, with the mirror showing no signs of chips or cracks. The mirror carries all the age related wear you would want and expect to see with very slight delicate and decorative foxing as shown in the images. A very rarely seen and accomplished crafted collectible item that will work well, juxtaposed within a timeless and modern interior. Black Forest carvings usually depict forest animals, particularly bears, and also trees and foliage. A common misconception is that they originate from the Bavarian Black...
Category

1860s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Other

Black Forest Cushion Birds Decor Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Handmade cushion in blue, red and green colors in cotton and linen fabric with a bird sitting in the middle in the style of Black Forest. Backside light blue velvet. Filled with downs. Perfect to combine with other cushions like fur and wool quicker to create a fantastic mountain or country chic. Completely made in Kitzbuehel Austria. Current production by Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel.
Category

2010s Austrian Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Linen

Antique PAIR Set 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 Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Top Quality Carved Black Forest Style Knitting Farmer's Wife Sculpture
Located in Lisse, NL
One of the best ever hand carved, black forest of Southern Germany sculptures. This unique antique is for the collectors and connoisseurs, because the quality in the details of th...
Category

Early 20th Century European Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Black Forest Cushion Handmade Fringe Hunting Scene Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Handmade cushion in brilliant dark blue, red and green colors in cotton and linen fabric with a hunting scene in the style of Black Forest. The fringe all around is made by hand in ...
Category

2010s Austrian Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Linen

large scale 19th century carved walnut Black Forest dog tobacco box, circa 1860
Located in Central England, GB
This brilliant hand carved walnut tobacco or pipe smokers stand is the best I have ever seen. It dates to circa 1860 and was made in the Black Forest region of Switzerland which is r...
Category

19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Walnut

"The Alpine River Torrent" by Josef Thoma
Located in Wiscasset, ME
Oil on canvas, signed lower right featuring a swift moving river down the side of a mountainous landscape. Josef Thoma, son of Josef Thoma father (Vien...
Category

19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Paint

19th Century Highly Carved French Oak Sculpture of a Man Harvesting Wine Grapes
Located in Dallas, TX
This beautiful sculpture has been carved from solid French oak during the latter half of the 19th century. The style is that of Black Forest, with realistic depictions of branches, leaves, grapes, and more. Originally a French clock, most of the timing mechanisms have long been removed. The elaborate carving depicts a man harvesting wine grapes on rocky terrain dotted with vegetation. Our gatherer, who is clad in an overcoat and large brimmed hat, is carrying a hod (hotte in French) full of freshly picked grapes. A large wooden bucket...
Category

19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Black Forest Oval Porcelain Plate with Wild Boars Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Completely handmade and hands-free painted large oval porcelain plate for decoration. Two natural moulded porcelain figures wild boars are sittin...
Category

2010s German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Very Rare Pair of Original Early 20th Century Black Forest Wood Bear Armchairs
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning and exceptionally rare pair of original hand carved in Black Forest wood very large Bear armchairs A collectable and signature pai...
Category

1920s Swiss Vintage Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Black Forest Carved & Intricately Inlaid Walnut Musical Chair, Swiss, Ca. 1900
Located in Banner Elk, NC
A black forest carved walnut chair, the seat and seatback with intricately inlaid cartouches each depicting an alpine chamois, with carved edelweiss and leaves, with the working musi...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Satinwood, Walnut

Black Forest Cushion Hunting Scene Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Handmade cushion in blue, red and green colors in cotton and linen fabric with a hunting scene in the style of Black Forest. Backside brown velvet. Filled with downs. Perfect to combine with other cushions like fur and wool quicker to create a fantastic mountain or country chic. Completely made in Kitzbuehel Austria. Current production by Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel.
Category

2010s Austrian Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Linen

Large Hall Mirror with Cow Horn Decorations and Console Table, Austria, 1870
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large hall mirror with cow horn decorations and console table, Austria 1870 A great wall mirror with console table from a noble villa in the Austri...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Antler, Glass, Wood, Fur

Antique Black Forest Mirror with Rustic Bear Carvings, ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique black forest mirror with rustic bear carvings ca. 1900 A large crescent vanity mirror in a handcarved wooden frame featuring two ...
Category

Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Original Antique Print After Heinrich Leutemann, Reynard the Fox, Bruin in Trap
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image by Heinrich Leutemann From the Reynard The Fox series Fine steel engraving Published by A.H. Payne C.1850 Unframed.
Category

1850s English Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Paper

Black Forest furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Black Forest furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, more furniture and collectibles, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, glass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Black Forest furniture 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 furniture, popular names associated with this style include Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel, Black Forest, Sofina Porzellan, and Horrix. 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 furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $30 and tops out at $150,000 while the average work can sell for $1,550.

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