Skip to main content

Black Forest Carved Shelves

Antique Wooden Wall Shelf with Vine Leaf Carvings - Brienz / Black Forest
By Black Forest, Brienz Switzerland
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship typical of the Brienz region or the Black Forest. The decorative side
Category

Antique 1890s German Black Forest Shelves

Materials

Wood

Black Forest Style Wall Shelves Featuring Stag Heads and Acorns
Located in Essex, MA
Pair of Black Forest Stag Wall shelves decorated with vines, leaves and acorns. 11.0" W x 8.5" H x
Category

20th Century Unknown Black Forest Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Circa 1860-1880 Black Forest Carved Eagle Wall Shelf
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
A boldly carved eagle wall shelf, c.1860-80, Black Forest. Carved from linden wood. Beneath the
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Swiss Black Forest Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Circa 1860-1880 Black Forest Carved Eagle Wall Shelf
Circa 1860-1880 Black Forest Carved Eagle Wall Shelf
$760 Sale Price
49% Off
H 24 in W 20.63 in D 9.25 in
19th Century Hand Carved Bracket Shelf
Located in High Point, NC
19th century hand carved bracket shelf from Holland, made from fruitwood. The shelf is shaped and
Category

Antique 19th Century Dutch Black Forest Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Fruitwood

19th Century Hand Carved Bracket Shelf
19th Century Hand Carved Bracket Shelf
$795
H 9.75 in W 10.5 in D 6.5 in
A C19th Carved Giltwood Wall Bracket
Located in London, GB
A 19th Century Carved Giltwood Wall Bracket A beautifully decorative wall shelf with larger
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Black Forest Shelves

Materials

Beech

A C19th Carved Giltwood Wall Bracket
A C19th Carved Giltwood Wall Bracket
$1,159
H 24.02 in W 20.87 in D 10.24 in

Recent Sales

Antique German Black Forest Carved Walnut Monk Musician Shelf, circa 1900
By Black Forest
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique figural Black Forest walnut carved sconce offers clipped corner display surmounting carved
Category

20th Century German Shelves

Materials

Wood

Antique German Black Forest Figural Hand Carved Wall Shelf, circa 1890
By Black Forest
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique German Black Forest hand carved narrow wall shelf depicts male mask with flanking
Category

Antique Late 19th Century German Shelves

Materials

Wood

Pair of 19th Century Black Forest Carved Ibex Shelves
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Pair of 19th century black forest carved ibex shelves. Excellent attention to carved detail on
Category

Antique 19th Century German Black Forest Shelves

19th Century Pair of Black Forest Bracket Shelves
Located in High Point, NC
Pair of 19th century hand carved bracket shelves from the Black Forest region of Europe. The
Category

Antique 19th Century Swiss Black Forest Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Fruitwood

19th Century Black Forest Carved Wall Shelf
Located in High Point, NC
19th century Black Forest hand carved wall shelf from Switzerland with three shelves, all with hand
Category

Antique 19th Century Swiss Black Forest Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Fruitwood

Antique Black Forest Foliate Carved Wall Shelf C1890
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique Black Forest Foliate Carved Wall Shelf C1890 Measures- 29.25"H x 21"W x 7"D
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Black Forest Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Antique Late 1800s Black Forest Handcrafted Walnut Hanging Wall Shelves / Rack
Located in Lisse, NL
Top quality, hand carved wall shelf with amazing patina, 1890s. This unique and all hand-crafted
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Black Forest Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Antique Black Forest Hand Carved Wood Stag Wall Shelves, Circa 1895
Located in Pasadena, CA
Accent any wall with this pair of handsome antique Black Forest hand carved wood stag wall shelves
Category

Antique 1890s German Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Antique European Black Forest Carved Wall Shelf Plate Display Rack German
Located in Shreveport, LA
Antique European Black Forest Carved Wall Shelf Plate Display Rack German. Direct from Europe
Category

Antique 1890s German Black Forest Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Hardwood

Antique Carved Wood Black Forest Cow Wall Shelf Bracket Corbel Swiss
Located in Shreveport, LA
Antique carved wood Black Forest cow wall shelf bracket corbel Swiss ~Direct from Europe~ ~One
Category

Antique 19th Century German Black Forest Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Carved Shelves with Roe Deer Set/2
Located in Evergreen, CO
Male roe deer are featured on these petite wall shelves. Their stately buck profiles depict elegant
Category

Early 20th Century German Black Forest Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Carved Shelves with Roe Deer Set/2
Carved Shelves with Roe Deer Set/2
H 7.25 in W 7 in D 4 in
19th Century Black Forest Carved Walnut and Leather Wall Vitrine Cabinet
Located in Dallas, TX
shelf and five small drawers underneath for ultimate storage. The narrow Black Forest cabinet is in
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Black Forest Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Walnut, Leather

Antique German Black Forest Figural Carved Walnut Game Bird Corner Shelf, 19th C
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique German Black Forest corner shelf offers carved walnut in shield form with central
Category

Antique 19th Century German Black Forest Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

Late 19th Century Carved Oak Black Forest Bookends
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Fine quality carved oak book ends, circa 1890. Carved with owls standing over its prey. Quality
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Black Forest Shelves

Materials

Oak

French Carved Oak Wall Cabinet Shelf Box Black Forest, Brittany, 19th Century
Located in Shreveport, LA
~Direct from France~ ~A fabulous antique French dark oak wall cabinet, loaded with hand carved
Category

Antique 19th Century French Black Forest Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Oak

Black Forest Walnut Carved Etagere
Located in Queens, NY
Rustic Black Forest Aesthetics Movement style (19th Century) walnut filigree carved three shelf
Category

Early 20th Century Aesthetic Movement Shelves

Materials

Walnut

Black Forest Walnut Carved Etagere
Black Forest Walnut Carved Etagere
H 46 in W 32.5 in D 8.5 in
Antique Black Forest Hanging Cabinet with Carved Flowers and Oak Leaves
Located in Round Top, TX
Exquisite carving is seen throughout this enchanting Black Forest hanging wall cabinet. The floral
Category

Antique Late 19th Century German Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Antique German Black Forest Figural Bird Wall Shelf, Birds in a Nest, 1890
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique German Black Forest figural wall shelf offers shaped display over carved birds and nest
Category

Antique Late 19th Century German Black Forest Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Pair of 19th Century Black Forest Carved Oak Hanging Hunting Trophy Shelves
Located in Chonburi, TH
This exquisite 19th-century Black Forest carved oak hanging hunting trophy shelf is a testament to
Category

Antique 19th Century Dutch Black Forest Wall-mounted Sculptures

Materials

Oak

Pair of Antique 19th Century Carved German Black Forest Wall Shelves
Located in Round Top, TX
Each shelf is intricately hand carved with a pair of birds clinging to vines covered in leaves and
Category

Antique Late 19th Century German Black Forest Sculptures and Carvings

Pair of 19th Century French Black Forest Carved Walnut Hanging Shelves with Dog
Located in Dallas, TX
This beautifully antique wall brackets were carved in the Alps Mountains of France, circa 1870
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Black Forest Wall Brackets

Materials

Walnut

19th century French Carved Corner Cabinet Black Forest Open Shelves Bookcase
Located in Shreveport, LA
19th century French Carved Corner Cabinet Black Forest Open Shelves Bookcase. Direct from
Category

Antique 1890s French Renaissance Corner Cupboards

Materials

Oak

Carved Oak Bookcase Display Cabinet With Adjustable Shelves, Belgium circa 1890
Located in Round Top, TX
carved accents including figures, faces, lion heads, fruit, nuts, leaves and more. The upper cabinet has
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Belgian Black Forest Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Oak

1900 Black Forest Owl Carved Wood Extending Bookshelf Sir Walter Scott Books
By Black Forest
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Black forest wood hand carved Owl bookshelf with suite of Sir Walter Scott books This is a very good
Category

Antique Early 1900s German Black Forest Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Wood, Paper

Black Forest Carved Self with Nesting Kestrels
Located in Evergreen, CO
A nesting pair of Kestrels is perched on this carved Black Forest shelf. The quality of the piece
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Swiss Black Forest Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Black Forest Carved Walnut Hanging Hunting Trophy Shelf
Located in Stamford, CT
Carved Swiss Black Forest walnut hanging shelf showing a game bird hunt trophy hanging upside down
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Swiss Black Forest Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

Black Forest Carved Wall Cabinet, Apothecary, Antique Swiss, 19th Century
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Black Forest carved wall cabinet, Apothecary, Antique Swiss, 19th Century Gorgeous little Black
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Swiss Black Forest Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Black Forest Carved Deer Trophy Wall Bracket Shelf, Swiss, ca. 1900
Located in Banner Elk, NC
Black Forest Carved Linden Wood Deer Head, mounted on a carved and molded oak plaque, with a shaped
Category

Antique Early 1900s Swiss Black Forest Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Softwood

Black Forest Adjustable Book Rack with Carved Owls
Located in London, GB
A whimsical black forest book rack Of adjustable form, constructed in carved Lime wood, having
Category

Antique 19th Century Swiss Black Forest Shelves

Materials

Wood

Antique Swiss Black Forest Carved Wall Cabinet 19th Century Bird Hunt Style
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Lovely Swiss 19th century hand carved Black Forest wall cabinet. Fully hand carved with gorgeous
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Swiss Black Forest Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Wood

19th Century Black Forest Carved Chamois Head Wall Shelf with Foliate Detail
Located in Cincinnati, OH
This beautifully carved late 19th century Black Forest wall shelf features a highly detailed
Category

Antique 1880s German Black Forest Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Glass, Wood

Antique and Hand-Carved Black Forest Medicine Wall Cabinet with Oval Mirror
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare and beautifully detailed wall cabinet. This unique Black Forest wall cabinet may initially
Category

Antique Late 19th Century German Black Forest Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Antique Black Forest Hanging Wall Shelf with Carved Red Deer Floral Decoration
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
approximately 1900 in the Black Forest style. The shelf is composed of a softwood and features a large and
Category

Early 20th Century German Black Forest Shelves

Materials

Softwood

Early 20th Century Black Forest Linden Wood Ibex Corner Shelf
Located in Evergreen, CO
, supported by a black forest carved ibex, depicts the goat like head. Linden wood, that lends itself so well
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Glass, Wood

Carved Black Forest Towel Rail with Deer, Germany Ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A carved black forest towel rail with deer, Germany ca. 1900 An antique Black Forest towel rail
Category

Early 20th Century German Rustic Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Exquisite 19th century Swiss Black Forest Chamois wall shelf / bracket / console
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Gorgeous 19th century Swiss hand carved Black forest wall shelf / bracket. Displaying a gorgeous
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Swiss Black Forest Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Antique 19th Century Swiss Black Forest Hanging Cabinet / Small Cabinet Oak Bird
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Stunning 19th century Swiss black forest hanging cabinet / small cabinet carved from solid oak
Category

Antique 1870s Swiss Black Forest Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Oak

Black Forest Fox Dog Magazine Rack Wall Board Antique German Folk Art, 1880s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A lovely wall board made of hand carved wood, made in the black forest or brienz area in Europe
Category

Antique 1880s German Black Forest Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Antique Hand Carved Black Forest Wooden Wall Shelf, Circa 1880
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique hand carved black forest wooden wall shelf, circa 1880.
Category

Antique 1880s Shelves

Materials

Walnut

Stunning Little Black Forest Wall Keys Cabinet w. Oval Glass and Needlework
Located in Lisse, NL
heaven. This antique is like an ode to the craftsman of the Black Forest region, because it is both very
Category

Antique 19th Century Swiss Black Forest Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Victorian Wooden Shelve with Polychromic Painted Birds, circa 1920
Located in Berghuelen, DE
is an owner-managed trading company dealing in Black Forest woodcarvings, antler furniture and an
Category

Early 20th Century German Black Forest Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Wood

A 19th Century Black Forest Wall Shelf in Carved Linden Wood
Located in Salt Lake City, UT
A monumental Black Forest wall shelf with full-relief carved linden wood sculpture of stag heads
Category

Antique 19th Century Black Forest Shelves and Wall Cabinets

A Black Forest bracket shelf with stags head
Located in Salt Lake City, UT
A beautifully carved shelf with Gothic-Revival shaped top and large stag head with antlers, backed
Category

Antique 19th Century Black Forest Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Black Forest Gun Rack with Carved Deer Head with Antlers
Located in Northfield, IL
Beautifully detailed carved wood gun rack with carved deer head with antlers. Includes two brass
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Wood, Antler

Carved German Coatrack with Wall Storage Dated 1842
Located in Charlevoix, MI
A wonderfully carved hanging storage with hooks and locking door with 'skeleton' key. Carved with a
Category

Antique 1840s German Black Forest Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Oak

Pair of Black Forest Carved Wall Brackets or Shelves
Located in Chamblee, GA
A beautiful pair of carved Black Forest brackets. The large bird is standing under leaves which
Category

Antique 19th Century Austrian Black Forest Wall Brackets

Materials

Wood

Antique French Carved Oak Hunt Buffet with Interior Shelves
Located in Houston, TX
This antique French carved oak hunt buffet features carvings on three sides, decorated with images
Category

Antique 19th Century French Black Forest Buffets

Materials

Oak

Carved Oakwood Wall-Mounted Shaving Mirror with Flip-Up Shelves, circa 1890
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
Exceptional carved wood wall shelf with mirror for shaving. Two wonderful monkeys and a pair of
Category

Antique 1890s German Black Forest More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Wood

People Also Browsed

Antique Louis XVI French Mirror
Located in Austin, TX
Mirror from France in the Louis XVI period. This piece is made of stuccoed hand-carved wood with a fronton that features birds, floral motifs, and laurel wreath. The 24 carat gold le...
Category

Antique 1790s French Louis XVI Wall Mirrors

Materials

Gold Leaf

Antique Louis XVI French Mirror
Antique Louis XVI French Mirror
$2,850
H 23 in W 14 in D 1.5 in
Milo Baughman Chesterfield Style Tufted Sofa
By Milo Baughman
Located in Dallas, TX
Milo Baughman Chesterfield style tufted sofa with wood plinth base. In good vintage condition, circa 1980s Dimension: 84" long 32" deep 26" tall seat height 14".  
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Milo Baughman Chesterfield Style Tufted Sofa
Milo Baughman Chesterfield Style Tufted Sofa
$4,800 Sale Price
26% Off
H 26 in W 84 in D 32 in
19th Century black forest centre piece
Located in Martlesham, GB
A lovely quality 19th Century black forest centre piece, having an ornate carved trunk at the centre with a removable glass stem with out swept scalloped edge, a large hunting dog st...
Category

Antique 1880s Swiss Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Walnut

19th Century black forest centre piece
19th Century black forest centre piece
$1,364 Sale Price
20% Off
H 20 in W 8.5 in D 4 in
Qing Dynasty Antique Chinese Red Coral Specimen
Located in London, GB
This red coral specimen, with flowing lines and organic form, is a beautiful example of how the work of nature can be, and has been, celebrated as art. The coral has been mounted on ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Coral

Qing Dynasty Antique Chinese Red Coral Specimen
Qing Dynasty Antique Chinese Red Coral Specimen
$10,230
H 19.3 in W 11.42 in D 1.97 in
Antique 19th Century Gold Leaf Gilt French Louis Philippe Mirror
Located in Casteren, NL
This beautiful and tall antique French mirror is completely gold leaf gilt and is made in Louis Philippe style with it's typical rounded upper corners. The mirror frame has a classic...
Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis Philippe Wall Mirrors

Materials

Gold Leaf

Antique 19th Century Gold Leaf Gilt French Louis Philippe Mirror
Antique 19th Century Gold Leaf Gilt French Louis Philippe Mirror
$3,401 Sale Price
20% Off
H 59.85 in W 33.86 in D 1.97 in
Antique 19th-century French black and gold leaf gilt Louis Philippe mirror
Located in Casteren, NL
Presented here is an exquisite antique Louis Philippe mirror, adorned with 19th-century French craftsmanship and elegance. Originating from southern France and dating back to approxi...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis Philippe Mantel Mirrors and Firep...

Materials

Gold Leaf

Antique 19th-century French black and gold leaf gilt  Louis Philippe mirror
Antique 19th-century French black and gold leaf gilt  Louis Philippe mirror
$2,824 Sale Price
20% Off
H 42.52 in W 28.55 in D 1.58 in
Art Deco PAIR of Period Photo Frames Handmade in Oak with Fan Sides, circa 1930
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a beautiful PAIR of photo frames from the Art Deco period, handmade from oak having a fan design and with glass inserts, which we date to circa 1930. Finding a genuine pair ...
Category

Early 20th Century English Art Deco Picture Frames

Materials

Oak, Glass

19th Century Black Forest Carving
Located in Martlesham, GB
19th century walnut Black Forest carving of a eagle perched on a rock with a deer below, lovely crisp carving and fabulous quality, circa 1880.
Category

Antique 1880s Swiss Animal Sculptures

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Black Forest Carving
19th Century Black Forest Carving
$2,455 Sale Price
20% Off
H 22 in W 8 in D 8 in
Georg Jensen, Sigvard Bernadotte, Modern sterling silver bowl
Located in København, Copenhagen
Georg Jensen. Sigvard Bernadotte (1907-2002). Modern sterling silver bowl, dessin no. 823 Sterling silver bowl with round fluted feet, designed by Sigvard Bernadotte. Made in ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sterling Silver

Antique French Gold Gilt Rococo Mirror With Bevelled Plate
Located in London, GB
An antique mid 19th century French Rococo style gold gilt crested mirror. The original bevelled plate still intact and relatively fox free. The frame with warm worn gilt work and bea...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Rococo Wall Mirrors

Materials

Mirror

Antique Walking Stick Cane Sterling Silver Duck Head 20th Century
Located in London, GB
An antique ebony and horn-mounted walking cane, with silver duck head handle and glass eyes, bearing hallmarks for London 1924 This charming walking cane features a finely cast ster...
Category

Early 20th Century English Sports Equipment and Memorabilia

Materials

Sterling Silver

French 1890s Oil on Canvas Painting Featuring Playing Kittens in Giltwood Frame
By Laroche
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French oil on canvas animal painting signed Laroche from the late 19th century with giltwood frame. This French oil on canvas painting features two lovely kittens playing with a st...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

19th Century Gold Louis Philippe Mirror
Located in Dallas, TX
Lovely 19th century gold Louis Philippe mirror. Featuring a bar pattern and a beaded inner border. This mirror has a slightly red patina as well. Pretty! Circa 1870. 38w x 54h
Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis Philippe Wall Mirrors

Materials

Giltwood

19th Century Gold Louis Philippe Mirror
19th Century Gold Louis Philippe Mirror
$3,400
H 54 in W 38 in D 2 in
A Swiss Carved Black Forest Hunting Wall Plaque, Early 20th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Swiss Carved Black Forest Hunting Wall Plaque, Early 20th Century Provenance: Private New South Wales Collection. Description: The shield surround centred by a hi...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Wall-mounted Sculptures

Materials

Wood

A Swiss Carved Black Forest Hunting Wall Plaque, Early 20th Century
A Swiss Carved Black Forest Hunting Wall Plaque, Early 20th Century
$2,275 Sale Price
35% Off
H 38.59 in W 23.63 in D 4.73 in
1830s Louis Philippe Wall Giltwood Mirror
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This elegant Louis-Philippe period mirror dates to the 19th century and is a fine example of French craftsmanship from the period. The frame features the classic rounded top typical ...
Category

Antique 1830s French Wall Mirrors

Materials

Mirror, Giltwood, Gesso

1830s Louis Philippe Wall Giltwood Mirror
1830s Louis Philippe Wall Giltwood Mirror
$1,260
H 24.02 in W 19.3 in D 1.19 in
Solid Brass Ships Onion Lantern
Located in Norwell, MA
Large size glass globe onion lamp from a ship well made european style oil lantern with original burner and chimney shade. The Glass globe is protected by Brass bars. There is a vent...
Category

Vintage 1920s European Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Black Forest Carved Shelves", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Black Forest Carved Shelves For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are several options of black forest carved shelves available for sale. Each of these unique black forest carved shelves was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, oak and glass. Find 123 antique and vintage black forest carved shelves at 1stDibs now, or shop our selection of 4 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished furniture. There are all kinds of black forest carved shelves available, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. Black forest carved shelves are generally popular furniture pieces, but Baroque and folk art styles are often sought at 1stDibs. Many black forest carved shelves are appealing in their simplicity, but Hebanon Fratelli Basile, Hebanon Studio and Black Forest produced popular black forest carved shelves that are worth a look.

How Much are Black Forest Carved Shelves?

Prices for black forest carved shelves start at $280 and top out at $75,000 with the average selling for $3,150.

A Close Look at Black-forest Furniture

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.