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.
Antique Oil Print with Bear Hunt Scene After Heinrich Buerkel, 19th Century
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Oil Print with Bear Hunt Scene after Heinrich Buerkel 19th cetntury A colorful oil print depicting an alpine bear hunt scenery in the Bava...
Glass, Wood
Lovely Antique Roe Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque, Germany ca.1930s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Lovely Antique Roe Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque, Germany ca.1930s A lovely antique 6 pointer roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) trophy from the Black Forest mounted on a wooden turned p...
Antler, Wood
Original Antique Print After H. Leutemann, Reynard the Fox Relating Adventures
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.
Paper
Original Antique Print After H. Leutemann, Reynard the Fox-Isegrim And Monkeys
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.
Paper
Black Forest Vintage Roe Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque 1940s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Black Forest Vintage Roe Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque 1940s An antique roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) trophy on a wooden carved plaque. The plaque is decorated with carved oak leave...
Antler, Wood
Antique Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Green Plaque - Salem Germany 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Green Plaque - Salem Germany 1900 An antique trophy of a 6-pointer red deer (Cervus elaphus) from Salem Castle in southern Germany. Shot by a...
Antler, Wood
Large Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque - Germany ca. 1935
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque - Germany ca. 1935 A large unequal 6-pointer red deer trophy (Cervus elaphus) from South Germany, mounted on a brown wooden plate...
Antler, Wood
Set of Three Vintage Chamois Trophies on Carved Plaques, Germany
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Set of Three Vintage Chamois Trophies on Carved Plaques, Germany A decorative set of three large vintage trophies of the chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra), mounted on a black carved woo...
Antler, Wood
Pair Great Black Forest Wall Sconces with Deer Horns, Germany ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Pair Great Black Forest Wall Sconces with Deer Horns, Germany ca. 1900 An antique pair of Black Forest sconces for candles. Each made of original deer horns which are mounted on a t...
Antler, Wood
Large Chamois Trophy on Turned Plaque, Austria 1950s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Chamois Trophy on Turned Plaque, Austria 1950s An vintage chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) trophy mounted on a wooden turned plaque with seperate carved oak leafes mounted on the...
Antler, Wood
Large Chamois Trophy on Carved Plaque, Austria 1955
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Chamois Trophy on Carved Plaque, Austria 1955 An vintage chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) trophy mounted on a wooden carved plaque which features acorns, oak leaves and a handwri...
Antler, Wood
Antique Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque ca. 1930s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque ca. 1930s An antique 6 pointer red deer (Cervus elaphus) trophy from the Black Forest mounted on a carved and stained plaque. T...
Antler, Wood
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Walnut Hunt Scene Wall Panel
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in France, circa 1870, this antique Black Forest wall panel presents a richly detailed hunting scene rendered in high relief and set within a geometric marquetry frame. The c...
Walnut
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...
Walnut
Antique Chamois Trophy on Carved Plaque, Germany ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Chamois Trophy on Carved Plaque, Germany ca. 1900 Antique chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) trophy mounted on a wooden carved plaque. The trophy was shot arround 1900 in Germany...
Antler, Wood
Antique Oil Print with Dramatic Poacher Scene after Josef Ringeisen
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Oil Print with Dramatic Poacher Scene after Josef Ringeisen A colorful oil print depicting a dramatic poaching scenery in the Bavarian alps....
Glass, Wood
Vintage Chamois Trophy on Carved Plaque, Germany 1960s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Chamois Trophy on Carved Plaque, Germany 1960s A vintage chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) trophy mounted on a wooden carved plaque. The plate is decorated in dark green, reddis...
Antler, Wood
Antique Black Forest Deer Trophy on Plaster Plaque, ca. 1920s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Black Forest Deer Trophy on Plaster Plaque, ca. 1920s This piece features a six-point red deer antler (Cervus elaphus) mount attached to an elaborately designed plaster plaq...
Antler, Wood
Antique Hand Painted Advertising Poster for a Hemoglobin Fabrication in Munich
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Handpainted Advertising Poster for a Hemoglobin Fabrication in Munich A large antique handpainted advertising poster for a hemoglobin fabrication in the 19th century in Muni...
Wood
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...
Wood
Moose Trophy from a Noble Estate in Germany Shot in Oeland 1956
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Moose Trophy from a Noble Estate in Germany Shot in Oeland 1956 An impressive moose (Alces alces) trophy from a noble estate, shot in Oeland 1956 by a member of the lordly family of...
Wood, Antler
Vintage Deer Trophy Spain Toledao 1983 uneven Twelve Ends
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Deer Trophy Spain Toledao 1983 uneven Twelve Ends A great uneven 12 pointer Black Forest deer (Cervus elaphus) trophy from the palace of Salem in South Germany. It was shot ...
Wood, Antler
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...
Wood
Early 20th Century German Hand Painted Ceramic Hunt Scene Wall Platter
Located in Dallas, TX
This large, richly colored ceramic platter was crafted in Germany circa 1920 and captures the rustic charm of a traditional Black Forest hunt scene. Round in shape, the hand-painted ...
Ceramic
Antique Framed Oil Painting on Canvas signed A. Heins
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique Framed Oil Painting on Canvas signed A. Heins is a wonderful depiction of a charming cottage in the woods, rendered with a deft brush on a soft, earth toned palette. The col...
Canvas, Paint
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...
Wood
$12,450Sale Price|32% Off
Felix Possart Large Oil on Canvas "A Spring Alpine Journey"
By Felix Possart
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Felix Possart (German, 1837-1928) a large oil on canvas "A Spring Alpine Journey". The elongated painting depicting a mountain scene, possibly set in the Austrian or Swiss Alps, of a young man hiking in the Alps during springtime wearing Lederhosen and carrying a bucket and a water drum...
Giltwood, Canvas
Black Forest Carved Bird Plaque
By Black Forest
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...
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...
Mirror, Wood
Antique Chamois Trophy on Carved Plaque, Germany 1913
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Chamois Trophy on Carved Plaque, Germany 1913 An antique chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) trophy mounted on a wooden carved plaque which features acorns, oak leaves and a handw...
Antler, Wood
Vintage Set of Six Roe Deer Trophies on Wooden Plaques Germany ca. 1960s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Set of Six Roe Deer Trophies on Wooden Plaques Germany ca. 1960s A collection of six vintage roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) antler trophies from the 1960s, each mounted on a...
Antler, Wood
Collection of Nine Black Forest Antler Mounts on Hand-Carved Wood Plaques Priced
Located in Buchanan, MI
Collection of nine black Forest antler mounts on hand-carved wood plaques, great color and patina. Priced per mount.
Antler
Antique Circa 1880 Pair of Super Rare Black Forest Hand Carved Dwarf Whip Hooks
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this exceptionally rare pair of stunning, original circa 1880 Swiss made Black Forest wood, whip hooks of two Dwarfs These are a very very rare...
Wood
Big Black Forest 12 Pointer Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque - Germany 1930
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Big Black Forest 12 Pointer Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque - Germany 1930 A capital 12 pointer red deer (Cervus elaphus) trophy from Germany, shot arround 1930. The large antlers ...
Antler, Wood
Black Forest Mantle Carving "Antler's Clash"
By Black Forest
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Swiss Black Forest mantle carving of two fighting stags. Great mangle carving piece. Part of the Brienz Collection but not published. Period: circa 1920 ...
Wood
Original Antique Print After H. Leutemann, Reynard the Fox's Treasure
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.
Paper
Red Deer Trophy by Franz Joseph, Prince of Thurn and Taxis, 1969
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Red Deer Trophy by Franz Joseph, Prince of Thurn and Taxis, 1969 This hunting trophy features a roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) with abnormal antlers, mounted on a finely carved wood...
Antler, Wood
Pair of Carved Lime Wood Pictures
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A pair of Swiss carved lime-wood pictures one showing a hunter being attacked by an eagle as he attempts to raid its nest, the other a climber rescuing a g...
Wood
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...
Antler, Walnut
Antique Black Forest Sika Deer Trophy on Black Plaque - Salem Germany 1870s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Black Forest Sika Deer Trophy on Black Plaque - Salem Germany 1870s Item e8189 An antique trophy of a spike buck sika deer (Cervus nippon) from Salem Castle in southern Germa...
Antler, Wood
Original Antique Print After H. Leutemann, Reynard the Fox's Triumph
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.
Paper
Black Forest Stag Mount on Carved Wood Plaque
Located in Buchanan, MI
Monumental Black Forest stag mount on carved wood plaque.
Antler, Wood
Original Antique Print After H. Leutemann, Reynard the Fox-Isegrim And The Bells
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.
Paper
Original Antique Print After H. Leutemann, Reynard the Fox- The Envious Horse
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.
Paper
Original Antique Print After H. Leutemann, Reynard the Fox And The Coney
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.
Paper
Original Antique Print After H. Leutemann, Reynard the Fox-Hintze As Messenger
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.
Paper
Original Antique Print After H. Leutemann, Reynard the Fox- King Stork And Frogs
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.
Paper
Original Antique Print After H. Leutemann, Reynard the Fox And Lampe
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.
Paper
Original Antique Print After H. Leutemann, Reynard the Fox-Isegrim And The Crane
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.
Paper
Original Antique Print After H. Leutemann, Reynard the Fox's Trial
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.
Paper
Six Large Roe Deer Trophies on Carved Plaques Germany Late 20. Century Item e715
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Six Large Roe Deer Trophies on Carved Plaques Germany Late 20. Century Item e7152 A set of six large Black Forest roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) trophies mounted on wooden plaques. T...
Antler, 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...
Wood
Antique 6 pointer Siberian Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque, ca. 1940s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique 6 pointer Siberian Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque, ca. 1940s This piece shows an antique trophy made from a six-point Siberian deer antler (Cervus elaphus), which is mounted o...
Antler, Wood
Antique Collection of Six Roe Deer Trophies on Turned Plaques, Germany ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Collection of Six Roe Deer Trophies on Turned Plaques, Germany ca. 1900s A great collection of six antique roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) antler trophies, shot arround 1900,...
Antler, Wood
Vintage Set of Six Chamois Trophies on Shaped Plaques, Germany ca. 1960s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Set of Six Chamois Trophies on Shaped Plaques, Germany ca. 1960s A collection of six vintage chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) skull trophies, dating to the 1960s, each mounted ...
Antler, Wood
Set of Six Vintage Chamois Trophies on Wooden Plaques, Germany ca. 1980s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Set of Six Vintage Chamois Trophies on Wooden Plaques, Germany ca. 1980s A set of six vintage chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) skull trophies from the 1980s, each mounted on a dark, sh...
Antler, Wood
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.
Antler, Wood
Set of Six Roe Deer Trophies on Turned Plaques Germany ca. 1910s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Set of Six Roe Deer Trophies on Turned Plaques Germany ca. 1910s An antique set of six antique Black Forest roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) trophies mounted on turned wooden plaques,...
Antler, Wood
Vintage Collection of Six Chamois Trophies on Wooden Plaques, Germany ca. 1960s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Collection of Six Chamois Trophies on Wooden Plaques, Germany ca. 1960s A collection of six vintage chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) trophies, each mounted on a wooden plaque. ...
Antler, Wood
Antique Set of Six Chamois Trophies on Turned Plaques, Germany ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Set of Six Chamois Trophies on Turned Plaques, Germany ca. 1900 Antique set of six great chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) trophies mounted on turned wooden plaques. The trophie...
Antler, Wood