Black Forest Planters and Jardinieres
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.
1880s Swiss Antique Black Forest Planters and Jardinieres
Tin
Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Planters and Jardinieres
Mahogany
1880s French Antique Black Forest Planters and Jardinieres
Fruitwood
1870s French Antique Black Forest Planters and Jardinieres
Walnut
1880s French Antique Black Forest Planters and Jardinieres
Fruitwood
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Planters and Jardinieres
Wood
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Planters and Jardinieres
Wood
19th Century French Antique Black Forest Planters and Jardinieres
Bronze
Late 19th Century Scandinavian Antique Black Forest Planters and Jardinieres
Metal
19th Century French Antique Black Forest Planters and Jardinieres
Copper
Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Planters and Jardinieres
Cherry
19th Century French Antique Black Forest Planters and Jardinieres
Copper
17th Century French Antique Black Forest Planters and Jardinieres
Stone, Limestone
Early 20th Century French Black Forest Planters and Jardinieres
Oak
19th Century French Antique Black Forest Planters and Jardinieres
Brass
20th Century English Black Forest Planters and Jardinieres
Hardwood
1890s French Antique Black Forest Planters and Jardinieres
Majolica
19th Century French Antique Black Forest Planters and Jardinieres
Iron
18th Century and Earlier French Antique Black Forest Planters and Jardinieres
Bronze
Mid-19th Century French Antique Black Forest Planters and Jardinieres
Oak
19th Century French Antique Black Forest Planters and Jardinieres
Oak
1890s Swiss Antique Black Forest Planters and Jardinieres
Wood
Mid-20th Century German Black Forest Planters and Jardinieres
Iron
19th Century French Antique Black Forest Planters and Jardinieres
Zinc
Mid-20th Century German Black Forest Planters and Jardinieres
Metal
Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Planters and Jardinieres
Pine
Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Planters and Jardinieres
Oak
Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Planters and Jardinieres
Tôle
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Planters and Jardinieres
Copper
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Planters and Jardinieres
Wood