Swiss Black Forest Carvings

Swiss Black Forest Carvings

May 19th 2020

Arguably one of the more recognisable types of wood carving, Swiss Black Forest carvings are known worldwide and are, to this day, highly desirable. In today’s article, I thought it would be beneficial to answer some of the regular misconceptions about Black Forest and give an insight into its history. After all, we are partial to a bit of Black Forest here at Jacksons Antique and regularly look for pieces to add to our collection.

Front overview of the Swiss Black Forest Bear Tobacco Jar

Rare Black Forest Tobacco Jar Available at Jacksons Antique

Let’s start with a common misconception of Black Forest, where does it come from? Well, as the name suggests, the black forest in Bavaria, Germany, might be a good place to start. However, this intriguing red herring is certainly not the birthplace of the carvings, and actually, we need to head roughly 260km south to Brienz, Switzerland, for the story to continue.

Peter M. Blackman, an expert in Brienzerware, can answer the question of Who? He tells a story beginning in the early 19th century of what is believed to be a man named Christian Fischer. Fischer realised that many people were visiting a hot spot near Brienz, Switzerland, called Giessbach Falls and decided to pursue a small business in providing local hand-crafted bears to tourists. Thus, the figures were named Brienzerware, which later became more commonly known as Black Forest due to the incorrect theory of their origin. Fischer is believed to have gone on and sold many carved bears at this location, unknowingly launching what is now known today as Black Forest carvings. From his success, it is believed that the key players in the Black Forest market began to take notice and opened up firms dedicated to carved woodwork. Names such as the Trauffers, Hugglers, and Wirths were some of the first to get involved in the early stages and, to this day, are highly regarded as the defining names of Black Forest carvings.

As these families got their chisels into the business one family in particular was known to break tradition and in the 19th century was not something commonly done. The Trauffer family decided to add a degree of whimsical poses to their carvings and strayed away from the common standalone bears and figures seen in many of the black forest carvings adding whimsical props and poses such as bears carrying baskets of firewood or propping up a bench. This, in turn, changed the dimensions of Black Forest carvings as they are known today. Following what can only be presumed as great success, pieces started to be noticed and many were featured at the London Great Exhibition of 1851, the Worlds Columbian Exposition in Chicago in the late 19th century and the Paris Exhibition in 1900.

Overview of the Black Forest Dog Group by Walter Mader

Rare Black Forest Dog Group Available at Jacksons Antique

To this day, these carvings are highly desirable and, in some cases, fetch a pretty penny at auctions and through dealers alike. It’s not uncommon for the nicer pieces to fetch up to four or even five figures at the larger auction houses, but the trouble is identifying the original carvings compared to the more modern ones.

Generally, the carvings are made from linden wood or walnut and do not bare any signatures or marks that resemble the original carvers, these carvings can only be attributed to the artists due to the characteristics. However, this is not always the case, and some of the greater quality pieces can be found bearing carvers’ signatures, much like the one above. This, in turn, adds to the value tremendously along with other factors such as having original glass eyes, the depth and quality of the carving as better quality pieces will have a realistic natural look as opposed to modern pieces with a naïve poorly carved look and feel, the size of the piece as a life-size carving will generally fetch a higher demand in price than a smaller object, and finally, the subject is very important as rare poses and animals demand higher prices and will vary depending on location for example in the USA; boars, eagles and dogs are highly sought after.Overview of the Black Forest Blacksmiths Anvil Tobacco Jar Smokers Compendium

Unusual Black Forest Black Smiths Anvil Available at Jacksons Antique

Throughout the years, Black Forest has been a fairly persistent luxury item, from the 19th century, when world travellers bought it, to today’s collectors. Although prices fluctuate and trends change, you can nearly guarantee that the rarer models will continue to bloom in auctions for many years to come. Finally, I will sign off with my favourite piece sold at auction: the spectacular Black Forest Bear floor-standing musical clock.

Black Forest floor standing musical clock sold for £31’2150 Credit: Christies 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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