10/04/2025 General News
Hutchinson Scott Auctioneers is thrilled to announce a rare and captivating selection of Black Forest carvings featured in our upcoming Spring Fine Interiors Auction, taking place from April 14th to 17th, 2025. These exquisitely detailed carvings are not only visually striking but represent a rich tradition of craftsmanship from the heart of Europe’s mountainous woodlands.
Contrary to popular belief, Black Forest carvings did not originate in Germany’s Black Forest region, but in Brienz, Switzerland, during the early to mid-19th century. The name stuck due to the dark wood tones and forest-themed motifs that became so closely associated with the style. These carvings became highly fashionable across Europe during the Victorian era and were often brought home as souvenirs by wealthy travelers on the Grand Tour.
The artisans of Brienz were master carvers, working primarily with linden (lime) wood, which allowed for the incredible depth and fine detail seen in these works. The subjects of Black Forest carvings range from whimsical forest creatures like bears, stags, owls, and hounds, to elaborate furniture and clocks. Each piece celebrates the Alpine wilderness and evokes a rustic yet romantic sensibility.
The Spring Fine Interiors Auction will feature several standout Black Forest pieces that represent the pinnacle of this enduring craft. Among them:
Lot 1141: A rare 19th century black forest carved linden wood stick stand modelled as a begging dog.
Lot 876: A rare 19th century black forest carved 'man in the moon' nutcracker
These lots, along with others in the sale, demonstrate not only technical mastery but also the emotional charm and folklore-rich character that has made Black Forest carvings so collectible over the past two centuries.
Black Forest items remain highly sought after by collectors due to their blend of folkloric charm, historic significance, and artisanal skill. Their popularity has surged in recent years, with major examples now held in prominent private collections and museums. These are not just antiques—they are works of art steeped in the romanticism of the 19th-century Alpine world.
Whether you're an experienced collector or simply seeking a statement piece with soul, these carvings offer a tangible connection to a bygone era of European craftsmanship.
Location: Hutchinson Scott Auctioneers, North Yorkshire
Viewing Times:
April 7–11: 10am–4pm
April 13: 11am–3pm
Auction days: from 8:30am
Auction Dates:
Day 1: Monday, April 14 (Lots 1–525)
Day 2: Tuesday, April 15 (Lots 526–965)
Day 3: Wednesday, April 16 (Lots 966–1385)
Day 4: Thursday, April 17 (Lots 1386–1781)
Full details, images, and online bidding are available on our website:
View the Auction Catalogue
Don’t miss this opportunity to acquire a piece of Alpine history and enduring craftsmanship. Join us this April for one of the most charming and characterful offerings in this season’s fine interiors sale.
