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History of the Black Forest style of woodcarving Tramp-art.comOrigins: It is believed that in the 1850s, the Trauffer's, a family of woodcarvers, began popularizing the "black forest style" through their handicrafts, furniture making and their instruction in carving at a school in Brienz Switzerland. The popular notion that the Black Forest style has its roots in the the Bavarian Black Forest, in Germany, is likely mistaken. By 1910 there were some 1,300 cottage industries of woodcarvers in the environs of Brienz and the Black Forest style of carving became a major economic force and home industry throughout Switzerland. The communities of Luzern and Interlaken also became noted for these handicrafts. The popularity of black forest carvings was driven by both a strong tourist industry and the crafts movement. Definition: The "Black Forest" style describes wooden sculptures or carved replicas of nature's bounty, incorporated into the design of household items. Antique Black Forest handicrafts exemplify Swiss folk art traditions and are seen in carved clock cases, hall trees, desks, picture frames, chairs and all variety of decorative objects and furnishings, even nut crackers! Walnut and linden wood is typically used. The black forest style is the accomplished carving and trained whittling of realistic tree branches, twigs, bears, deer, rabbits, chamois (Mt. goats), edelweiss flowers and such rustic motifs.. |
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"It takes many qualities to be a wood carver. Skill in handling tools, endless patience, a steady hand, and a trained eye are all needed. The picture shows a wood-worker putting the finishing touches on a fine buck chiseled from wood. On his bench stand several carvings of the chamois, the wild mountain goat of Switzerland. Animals, flowers, trees, and mountains are the subjects the workmen treat in wood. … All this woodworking is due to a little school founded many years ago by Christian Fisher. Fisher taught his pupils how to handle the wood carver’s knife. … The result is the Swiss are the best known wood carvers and toy makers in the world." Information on stereo views |
| Black Forest carvings became popularized through display at "world fairs" (London Great Exhibition of 1851, Chicago 1893, Paris 1900); became popularized by souvenirs and through mail-order catalogue sales. As a "carving style" black forest, is seen in handicrafts of other nations of the early 19th century including France, Germany, and the United States. |
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" The Old
Swedish Clock, The work of Bily Brothers, Spillville,
Iowa"
If there wasn't a caption on this postcard you might assume this clock case in the Black Forest style was from Switzerland. Learn more - Bily Brothers and their folk art creations. |
| The Bear enjoys a special place in the Black forest carver's art. The following photographs are from a mail order catalogue of the early 1900s. The Albert Schild Co was founded in 1898 in Interlaken Switzerland and sold Albert's carvings as well as handicrafts from nearby Brienz. Within this 60 page catalogue are all variety of black forest items and and we scanned the following bear items for your enjoyment. The Albert Schild Company is still in business. |
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