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.
Black Forest Style Carved Walnut Barometer, Germany, 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
Black Forest-style carved walnut barometer, Germany, ca. 1920. An impressive carved walnut barometer with masterfully carved flowers and leaves. A small mirror on the top of the roun...
Glass, Mirror, Walnut
Antique German Barometer, Hand-Carved Oak Leaves & Acorns, 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
German Black Forest-style barometer with fine hand-carved oak branches, leaves, and acorns. Dimensions: height 30 cm / 11.81 in; width 24 cm / 9.44 in; depth 5 cm / 1.96 in. In good ...
Metal
Monumental European Carved Wood Barometer And Thermometer
Located in Bradenton, FL
Large 19th Century Black Forest Thermometer Barometer combo featuring mounted in a wooden case, intricately hand-carved with a crowned face above the barometer, and beneath a buttres...
Wood
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Walnut Wall Barometer Thermometer
Located in Dallas, TX
This striking antique French Black Forest–style barometer thermometer was crafted in France circa 1880 from richly carved solid walnut. Designed as a vertical wall-mounted piece, the instrument showcases exuberant naturalistic carving characteristic of the Black Forest tradition, including finely detailed game birds, acorns, oak leaves, scrolling foliage, and a carved dog’s head crest at the top. The sculptural relief carving is deep and expressive, demonstrating a high level of craftsmanship and artistry. The central circular aneroid barometer is set behind a glazed dial with French weather indications, framed by an intricately carved surround. Above, the original thermometer is housed within a rectangular opening fitted with a gilt scale plate. The walnut surface throughout displays a warm, well-developed patina, enhancing the depth of the carving and emphasizing the dramatic silhouettes and layered foliage. The reverse retains its original wooden backing and mounting configuration. This antique barometer...
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...
Walnut
19th Century Rustic Black Forest Walnut Barometer with Carved Bird
Located in Queens, NY
Rustic Black Forest (Late 19th Century) walnut wall barometer/thermometer with carved bird, deer and floral carving.
Metal
19th Century French Forest Carved Oak Barometer and Thermometer with Dog Motif
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant antique wall hanging barometer and thermometer was crafted in France, circa 1890. The carved oak weather and temperature reader features impressive, high-relief carvings of acorn and leaf motifs throughout; it is further embellished with a dog head sculpture at the pediment. The thermometer and weather forecast are operational to a degree but do not provide accurate readings; the piece nevertheless serves as a great decorative accent and conversation piece.The Black Forest weather...
Oak
Large Wooden Carved Black Forest Weather Station with Deer
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Wooden Carved Black Forest Weather Station with Deer A large Black Forest antique wall barometer with an ornate carved wooden frame featuring detailed hunting motifs. The desi...
Wood
French 19th Century Black Forest Barometer
Located in Stockbridge, GA
French 19th century black forest barometer.
Mahogany
Finely Carved 'Black Forest' Pipe Stand
Located in Forest Row, East Sussex
A finely carved "Black Forest' pipe stand. Carved Lindenwood with a single bear standing over a naturalistic base with the pipe holders and astray to fron...
Wood
Victorian Marquetry Wall Barometer and Thermometer
Located in London, GB
Victorian marquetry wall barometer and thermometer. English, 19th century Measures: height 98cm, width 25cm, depth 7cm. This elegant piece is a fin...
Wood
$4,084Sale Price|20% Off
H 10.83 in W 8.67 in D 1.78 in
Rare Hand Carved 1587 Fighting Scots City of York Coat of Arms Armoiral Crest
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely hand carved wall plaque coat of arms for the city of York Fighting Scots dating from 1587 This is a very good looking and well made ...
Wood
19th Century Italian Carved Louis XVI Style Giltwood Barometer
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous late 19th century gilt wood barometer thermometer made in Italy in the Louis XVI or baroque taste. The large barometer features a large carve...
Metal, Brass
Antique Hand-Carved Wooden Eagle Mirror with Crescent Glass
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Hand-Carved Wooden Eagle Mirror with Crescent Glass Item e8168 This decorative wall mirror features a finely hand-carved wooden eagle, captured in a dynamic pose with outstre...
Glass, Wood
$2,250
H 38.2 in W 11.4 in D 3 in
Louis XVI Painted and Gilded Barometer and Thermometer by Viard and Blanchard, 1
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Louis XVI period barometer and thermometer, French, 18th century, in carved wood painted verdigris green and parcel gilt, the engraved dial marked for Viard and Blanchard, optician...
Wood
19th Century Bronze Skeleton
Located in Round Top, TX
A sensational 19th century skeleton in bronze originating from the Louvain University Of Medicine - Belgium. An excellent addition to any doctor...
Bronze
$2,562
H 25.8 in W 15.8 in D 3.7 in
Large Hand-Carved Oak Modernist Crucifix with Stylized Youthful Christ, ca 1940
Located in Lisse, NL
Meaningful and highly expressive hand-carved wooden crucifix, dating from approximately 1930–1950. The beautifully stylized figure of Christ is entirely hand carved from solid oak a...
Oak, Wenge
$660
H 17 in W 10.5 in D 2.5 in
Small Size Antique Handcrafted and Carved Pine and Oak Home Wall Christ Crucifix
Located in Lisse, NL
Another finely detailed early 1900s carved crucifix and corpus of Christ. This sacred and religious work of art is a hand-carved out of pinewood Christ mounted on an oak cross and t...
Oak, Pine
19th Century Swiss Black Forest Carved Thatched Roof Cottage Box
Located in Stamford, CT
Fantastic and rare example of Black Forest folk art, a tour de force of carving by a master woodworker. This lift top box in the form of a thatched cottage has many wonderful details...
Walnut
$245
H 8.27 in W 8.27 in D 2.37 in
Large Vintage Wild Boar Tusk Trophy on Wooden Plaque, Germany 1970s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Vintage wild boar tusk trophy on Wooden Plaque, Germany 1970s A large vintage Black Forest wild boar (Sus scrofa) teeth trophy on wooden ...
Antler, Wood
$683Sale Price|50% Off
H 35.44 in W 5.91 in D 3.94 in
Mercury barometer with thermometer; made of Noble Wood - 19th century
Located in Porto, PT
Mercury barometer with thermometer; in Noble Wood - 19th century. English; 19th century; in Noble Wood. Marked 'Bolt Da Wlise'. Height: 90 cm.
Metal
$9,680
H 38.25 in W 21.25 in D 4.5 in
Antique Large Hand Carved Oak Gothic Art Panel, Depicting Christ and 12 Apostles
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning and unique 'sermon on the mount' wall plaque with Jesus and the apostles carved in high relief. This large size work of religious art dep...
Oak
$1,423
H 22.05 in W 16.15 in D 2.17 in
Mid-Century Modern Brass Crucifix with an Hand Carved Teak Jesus Sculpture
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Mid-Century Modern brass crucifix with an hand carved teak Jesus sculpture, 1950s Super elegant, very puristic and imposing Switzerland.
Brass
19th c. Giltwood Barometer
Located in New Orleans, LA
Carved and Giltwood Louis XVI Style Barometer
Giltwood
Brass Framed Monumental Sized Magnifying Glass with Natural Horn Handle
Located in Savannah, GA
This monumental sized horn handled magnifying glass with brass framework and stem, is of heavy weight and fine quality. The horn is quite ...
Brass
Antique 19th c. French Carved Walnut Aneroid Barometer
Located in New Orleans, LA
An antique French Black Forest walnut aneroid barometer having the original thermometer, hand carved game birds, hunting dog, leaves and scrolls. A lovely piece to display in a group...
Brass
Sold
H 20 in W 10 in D 4.25 in
Black Forest Hand-Carved Barometer with Deer Head, Guns, and Game Bag, ca. 1890
Located in Banner Elk, NC
Black Forest Hand-Carved Barometer and Thermometer, the case with crossed shotguns and a hunting game bag, with carved oak leaves, surmounted by a sta...
Walnut
Black Forest Old Barometer and Thermometer Like a Wall Sculpture
By Möller & Sander 1
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
O/5506 - Old German barometer with thermometer from the Black Forest, with beautiful carved roses, like a wall sculpture. Named Moller & Sander - Alto...
Fruitwood
Sold
H 22.45 in W 14.57 in D 5.91 in
Late 19th Century Black Forest Swiss Barometer Hand Carved Hunting Theme and Dog
Located in Barntrup, DE
Swiss wall-mounted barometer richly decorated with elaborate hand-carved hunting trophies, Brienz, late 19th century. This antique barometer features a ...
Metal
Sold
H 25 in W 11.5 in D 4 in
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Walnut Barometer with Foliage Decor
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant antique wall hanging barometer was crafted in France, circa 1880. The carved fruitwood weather and temperature reader features impressive, high-relief carvings of reed and leaf motifs throughout. The thermometer with Celsius and Fahrenheit reading, and the weather forecast are in wonderful working order. The Black Forest wall hanging...
Walnut
Sold
H 27.5 in W 18.5 in D 6 in
HUGE Antique French Carved Oak BLACK FOREST BAROMETER w Grapes Wine Wall Hanging
Located in Choudrant, LA
~Direct from France~ ~Beautiful carved black forest barometer/thermometer! ~Elaborate dimensional relief carvings, excellent Black Forest style~ ~HUGE fruit...
Oak
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Walnut Barometer with Hunt Decor
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant antique wall hanging barometer was crafted in France, circa 1880. The carved fruitwood weather and temperature reader features impressive, high-relief carvings, it has a carved deer with glass eyes at the top, flanked with bird and rabbit on either side and a haversack for the hunt at the bottom. The thermometer with Celsius and Fahrenheit reading is in working order. The Black Forest wall hanging...
Walnut
Sold
H 8.75 in W 6 in D 3.34 in
Swiss Hand Carved Black Forest Figure of a Fox with Thermometer, circa 1880
Located in Banner Elk, NC
Swiss hand-carved Black Forest figure of a fox with thermometer, Brienz, Switzerland, circa 1880 in linden wood, with the original antique thermometer...
Wood
Sold
H 8.75 in W 6 in D 3.34 in
Swiss Hand Carved Black Forest Figure of a Fox with Thermometer, circa 1880
Located in Banner Elk, NC
Swiss hand carved Black Forest figure of a fox with thermometer, Brienz, Switzerland, circa 1880 in linden wood, with the original antique thermometer...
Wood
Sold
H 30.5 in W 17.5 in D 3 in
Antique Carved Wood Black Forest Dog Hound Hunt Barometer Bird Coat Rack
Located in Choudrant, LA
Direct from Europe, a lovely antique Black Forest carved wood barometer -thermometer. Ornate carvings include the huge carved hound at the top and the stunning birds in flight, one on either side. Black Forest ‘faux bois...
Glass, Wood
Sold
H 24 in W 13.5 in D 3 in
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Walnut Barometer with Floral Motifs
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant antique wall hanging barometer was crafted in France, circa 1880. The carved fruitwood weather and temperature reader features impressive, high-relief carved floral and leaf motifs. The thermometer with Celsius and Fahrenheit reading is in working order. The Black Forest wall hanging...
Walnut
Sold
H 26 in W 13 in D 3 in
Black Forest 1920s Carved Aneroid Barometer with Foliage, Bird and Fox Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Black Forest aneroid barometer and thermometer from the first half of the 20th century, with foliage, bird and fox. This exquisite Black Forest barometer features a beautifully han...
Glass, Oak
Sold
H 4.75 in W 1.75 in D 0.88 in
Rare Antique Black Forest Travel Thermometer Carved Dog, circa 1900
Located in Bath, GB
A most unusual piece of Black Forest, a travel desk thermometer in a wooden case with carved decoration and a beautifully carved Dog's head to the front, great detail and beautifully...
Sold
H 20 in W 9 in D 4 in
19th Century French Carved Walnut Black Forest Barometer with Deer and Gun Decor
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant antique wall hanging barometer was crafted in France, circa 1880. The decorative weather and temperature reading device is embellished with a traditional hunting theme including a carved deer at the top, hunting guns...
Walnut