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
Black Forest German Porcelain Bowl with Deer Figure Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Completely handmade porcelain bowl with a hands-free painted bambi in the center of the bowl. The charming bambi figure is hand painted in black and sits in the middle of the dish. T...
Category
2010s German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Black Forest Canterbury
Located in New York, NY
Intricately carved Black Forest Canterbury or magazine rack. Designed in a swirled leaf pattern with horned grotesque figures on each corner.
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
$2,500
19th Century Swiss Carved
Black Forest
Cattle Group
Located in London, GB
A black forest cattle group
Carved in lindenwood, the naturalistically carved swiss cow, calf and bull stand on an elliptical base of grass and rocky outc...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Black Forest Cushion Handmade Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Handmade cushion in brilliant green colors in cotton and linen fabric with a bird in the style of Black Forest. The fringe all around is made by hand in the style of the Austrian dir...
Category
2010s Austrian Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Velvet
Black Forest Hand-Painted Porcelain Bambi Figur Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
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
Black Forest
Carved Clock with Hunter and Hound
Located in London, GB
A black forest carved hunt clock
Constructed from native Swiss Lindenwood, the clock movement denoting the hours in enamelled Roman numerals and housed w...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Black Forest Wood Carving of a Mountain Goat
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A charming small ‘Black Forest’ wood carving of a mountain goat and her kids.
Category
1890s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Black Forest Crystal Latern Red with Hunting Decor Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Handblown crystal vase/lantern in brillant red with hand-edged hunting decor with deers and trees decor all around.
Completely handmade in Bavaria/German...
Category
2010s German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Black Forest Carved Scottie Dog
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Black Forest Carved Scottie Dog
A Charming piece, our little dog has a lovely face with whiskers and amber brown glass eyes, he is in good Vintage condition, slight shrinkage to the...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Rare Cigar Holder Bavarian 19th Century Terracotta
Located in Hudson, NY
Rare victorian terracotta and pipe clay cigar holder, late nineteenth century. Produced by the J&C China company of Bavaria.
Made for holding cig...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Terracotta
$1,350 Sale Price
25% Off
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
Rare 1880 American Eagle Black Forest Wood Carved Coat Hat
Umbrella Rack Stand
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to this very rare original Black Forest wood hand carved coat hat and umbrella rack finished with large American eagle
A very rare and collectable piece, I’ve onl...
Category
1880s German Antique Black Forest Furniture
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 Furniture
Materials
Walnut, Antler
$495 / item
ANTiQUE GERMAN BLACK FOREST CARVED RAMS HEAD ANTLER SUPPER TABLE PART OF A SUITE
By Black Forest
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this very rare original German late 19th century black forest antler supper cafe side table which is part of...
Category
Early 1900s German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Original Antique Grape Vine Carved Black Forest Wood Music Box Needs Service
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this antique original circa 1880 Black Forest Wood music box with grape vine carving to the top
A very good lookin...
Category
1880s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Folk Art Chair, Black Forest In Branches
Located in Charmes, FR
chair made from branches, folk art from the Alemannic region in good condition, made in the late 19th, early 20th century
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Early 20th Century French Carved Walnut Wine Bottle Holder Clog with Vine Decor
Located in Dallas, TX
Impress your guests with this interesting antique wine bottle holder shaped as a clog shoe; crafted in France, circa 1920, the unique, hand ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
19th century Swiss limewood carving of a man playing an instrument circa 1880
Located in Central England, GB
A Black Forest hand-carved limewood figure portrays a young man from the medieval period dressed in a cloaked tunic and open-toed boots playing a set of traditional Swiss bagpipes ca...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Fruitwood
Father Wind Spinning Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This wooden chair was made in the late 1800s and was used for spinning yarn; hence the name "Spinning Chair". Made with strong oak wood; elegant, rich hand-carvings cover the chair head to toe. As the tail would tell us, these chairs were made in the Black Forest of Germany--the Father of the Wind is depicted as the back. He is taking a deep breath in of fresh air and new possibilities, as each season passes he is there to support the changing of the wind. Each season calls for different winds and temperatures, which meant new clothes, and Father Wind...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood, Oak
$1,600 / set
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 Furniture
Materials
Antler, Wood
Black Forest Carved Bear with Pen Inkwell
By Black Forest
Located in Coeur d
Alene, ID
Walking bear pen holder and inkwell. Published in "Black Forest Bears and Swiss Woodcarvings," plate 92a. Book included.
In the 1800’s the wood carving industry of Switzerland started in the town of Brienz. By the end of the 1800’s it had become the driving force for this industry. Swiss wood carvers became world renown and featured at many international exhibitions.
Period: 1900
Origin: Switzerland
Size: 4" H x 7" W
Family Owned & Operated
Cisco’s Gallery deals in the rare, exceptional, and one-of-a-kind pieces that define the history of America and the Old West. Our pieces range from American Indian to Cowboy Western and include original items of everyday life, commerce, art, and warfare that tamed America’s frontier. Our 14,000 square foot gallery opened in 1996 in beautiful Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
Personal Service
Cisco’s operates on old fashioned values – honesty and integrity, and all of our items are backed by our money back guarantee. We appreciate the opportunity to earn your business. Whether you desire assistance with a jewelry purchase, choosing a gift, identification, or even selling – we hope to be your trusted source.
Black Forest, Brienz Collection, Carvings, Bears, Inkwells, Desk Accessories...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
French 19th century Black Forest st. Walnut mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A unique and most handsome French 19th century Black Forest st. Walnut mirror. This stunning oval Black Forest mirror with its original mirror plate is wonderfully decorated by berri...
Category
19th Century Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
CARVED BLACK FOREST WOOD SMOKiNG PIPE CABINET BOX LATIN INSCRIBED NIL NISI CRUCE
By Black Forest
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning, hand carved Black Forest wood, smoking pipe cabinet or rack with inscribed top reading "Nil N...
Category
1870s German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th Century Pair of Carved Relief Limewood Shadow Boxes
Located in London, GB
A pair of carved limewood shadow boxes
Finely carved in high relief, and depicting two famous scenes of an eagle attacking a man, and a poacher being shot, housed within rectangul...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
A Black Forest carved wood inkwell with wheat sheafs and poultry
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A Black Forest carved wood inkwell with wheat sheafs and poultry, made of ebonised fruitwood naturalistically carved with a cockerel and hen perched on a rocky outcrop, bundles of wh...
Category
1890s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Black Forest Cushion Deer Loden Stitched Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Cashmere loden cushion "Kitzbühel" made from very soft loden wool in dark grey back side light grey loden wool. Stitched with a large chamois figure in the style of Black Forest.
Fil...
Category
2010s Austrian Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wool
$555 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Black Forest Cushion Deer Leather Stitched Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Deer leather cushion "Kitzbühel" made from dark brown deer leather back side grey wool fabric with a stitched chamois figure in the style of Black Forest.
Filled with real feathers. ...
Category
2010s Austrian Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wool
Black Forest Cushion Deer Leather Stitched Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Deer leather cushion "Kitzbühel" made from dark brown deer leather back side grey wool fabric with a stitched chamois figure in the style of Black Forest.
Filled with real feathers. ...
Category
2010s Austrian Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wool, Leather
A C19th Carved Giltwood Wall Bracket
Located in London, GB
A 19th Century Carved Giltwood Wall Bracket
A beautifully decorative wall shelf with larger proportions. The elegantly contoured shelf is supported by the feathered wings of the eag...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Beech
Black Forest Carved Dog Inkwell
By Black Forest
Located in Coeur d
Alene, ID
Swiss carved black Forest shaggy dog inkwell with pen holder. In the 1800’s the wood carving industry of Switzerland started in the town of Brienz. By the ...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of Swiss 19th Century Carved Wooden Cattle
By Johann Huggler
Located in London, GB
A pair of Black Forest cattle, probably by Johann Huggler
Carved in lindenwood, the naturalistically carved swiss cow and bull stand on elliptical bases.
...
Category
19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
$11,753 / set
Black Forest Carved Bear with Pen Inkwell
By Black Forest
Located in Coeur d
Alene, ID
Swiss bear with log pen rest and inkwell. Published in "Black Forest Bears and Swiss Woodcarvings," plate 93a. Book included.
In the 1800’s the wood carving...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Black Forest Cushion Hunting Scene Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Handmade cushion in
blue, red and green colors in cotton and linen fabric with a hunting scene in the style of Black Forest. Backside green 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
Black Forest Set of Six Beer Glasses Hand Blown Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Black Forest set of six beer glasses made in Germany called Bierseidl in clear crystal glass. Hand blown in Bavaria and hand-engraved with trees ...
Category
2010s German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Crystal
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 Furniture
Materials
Antler, Wood
Black Forest Hand-Crafted Porcelain Dish Bambi Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Completely handmade and hands-free painted large oval porcelain plate in Black Forest style. A natural molded porcelain bambi figure is sitting left hand and three pines are fixed on...
Category
2010s German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Black Forest Carved Jewelry Box, circa 1900
By Black Forest
Located in Coeur d
Alene, ID
Beautiful hand carved Black Forest footed jewelry box with two song birds as finials. Comes with original key. Unique find.
Origin: Switzerland,...
Category
Early 1900s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Black Forest Beer Glass Hand Blown Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Black Forest beer glass German called Bierseidl in clear crystal glass. Hand blown in Bavaria and hand-engraved with trees and a deer for 0.7 liter beer. ...
Category
2010s German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Black Forest Cushion Handmade Fringe Hunting Scene Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
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
C19th Carved Wood and Velvet Black Forest Inkwell with Dog
Located in London, GB
Wonderful German late 19th century carved wood black Forest inkwell. Beautifully carved with a seated dog on a naturalistic base of ferns and foliage, the cut glass inkwells retaining their original leaf carved stoppers...
Category
19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Cut Glass, Wood
Black Forest Crystal Latern Green Hunting Scene Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Handblown crystal vase/lantern in green glass with hunting scene in the style of black forest. The glass is in a first step all around facet...
Category
2010s German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Pair of Swiss 19th Century Carved Wooden Cattle Attributed to Johann Huggler
By Johann Huggler
Located in London, GB
A pair of Black Forest cattle
attributed to Johann Huggler
Carved in lindenwood, the naturalistically carved Swiss cow, calf and bull stand on elliptical bases of grass and rocky...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Extraordinary Hand-Carved from Knot of a Tree, Folk Art Sculpture "Gorilla"
Located in Buffalo, NY
Unusual hand-carved from knot of a tree, Folk Art sculpture depicting a gorilla face, head, amazing life-like image, extremely well executed.
Category
1940s Unknown Vintage Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th Century Black Forest Hand-Carved French Liqueur Stand
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century black forest hand carved liqueur stand with original glass was meant to adorn the library or office, even perhaps the living or drawing room, and provide a top-notch tou...
Category
1880s French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Large 1920s Plaster Figure of the Seated Blacksmith, Le Travail
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large 1920s plaster figure of the seated blacksmith, Le Travail
A charming piece Folk Art, a painted statue of the famous blacksmith, known as “Le Travai...
Category
Early 20th Century Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Plaster
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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