Born from the Vienna Secession art movement in Austria during the early 20th century, the Wiener Werkstätte helped to cement Art Nouveau style and culture in Viennese art. Wiener Werkstätte furniture included armchairs, cabinets and table lamps, with production extending to other crafts such as ceramics, jewelry and fashion. The Werkstätte also boasted a large graphic arts department, which created nearly 1,000 unique postcards during the organization’s run.
Austrian architect Josef Hoffmann, painter Koloman Moser and industrialist Fritz Waerndorfer established the collective in opposition to the dominant trends in Viennese art. The artistic community was then largely directed by the Association of Austrian Artists, which had firm control over the creation and distribution of Austrian art. The collective’s style pushed back against traditional artistic preferences, instead favoring clear, bold lines and often-exaggerated, vibrant colors.
Employing over 100 people, including several master craftsmen, the Werkstätte formed relationships and alliances with a number of firms and stores, which sold and commissioned new work from the workshop.
As the Wiener Werkstätte’s mission aligned with emerging British sensibilities regarding art, many British artists worked closely with the collective. Some major Austrian artists collaborated with the collective, without officially joining, such as painter Gustav Klimt.
The Werkstätte’s artistic range was extensive and eclectic, with the organization producing a wide variety of furniture. In 1932, the global economic collapse forced it to shut down. With the outbreak of WWII soon to follow, the Wiener Werkstätte never reopened. Its legacy lived on, however, in the numerous artists and craftspeople who carried forward its commitment to progressive cultural and creative endeavors.
On 1stDibs, find antique Wiener Werkstätte lighting, seating and storage pieces.
Wiener Werkstaette Expressive Ceramics, Chinese With Horse, By Susi Singer, 1920
By Wiener Werkstätte, Susi Singer
Located in Vienna, AT
An exotic decorated, restlessly looking horse stands on an oval base plate; a Chinese man with typical headgear looks out from behind him and clings to the animal's mane. In the fore...
Ceramic
$3,840Sale Price|20% Off
Kitty Rix for Wiener Werkstatte 1920's Cat Ceramic
By Wiener Werkstätte, Kitty Rix
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A wonderful ceramic, pottery cat designed by Kitty Rix and executed by the Wiener Werkstatte in the late 1920's. It was produced as a lamp and has an old leviton fixture and some new...
Pottery
Wiener Werkstaette Art Ceramics Expressive Style, Vase, by V. Wieselthier 1927
By Vally Wieselthier, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
Cylindrical base, vessel above rising in a tulip shape, flared rim, two curved bands applied offset on the sides as handles, three-leaf flowers in relief on the front and back. Geome...
Ceramic
Wiener Werkstaette Art Ceramics Expressive Style Beer Mug by V. Wieselthier 1919
By Vally Wieselthier, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
Slender jug, which widens in the upper part and narrows at the top again, with spout and opposite handle, surface decorated in relief with three antique-style heads and stylized, sla...
Ceramic
$414Sale Price|40% Off
Vally Wieselthier Art Deco Ceramic Tea Pot, USA, 1940s
By Wiener Werkstätte, Vally Wieselthier
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful Art Deco tea pot with lid, dated circa 1940, made of pottery / stoneware with lovely brown glaze, designed by Vally Wieselthier. In very good ...
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware
$2,275Sale Price|49% Off
Signed Wiener Werkstätte Lidded Glazed Earthenware Box, 1920's, Vienna
By Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Signed Wiener Werkstätte Lidded Glazed Earthenware Box, 1920's, Vienna Exquisite early Wiener Werkstätte box in glazed earthenware with embellis...
Ceramic
Wiener Werkstaette Art Ceramics Expressive Style Bowl by Vally Wieselthier, 1921
By Vally Wieselthier, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
Bowl on an oval ground plan with flared, wavy and curved walls on four swept-out feet, fruit and leaf decoration in relief on the bowl base and on the outside, colored glazed in an e...
Ceramic
Art Deco Silvered Tea Pot from" Cafe du Grand Hotel" France
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Antique silver plated on brass collectible French Tea Pot from" Cafe du Grand Hotel" France. Art Deco style made by Boyron Lyon France. Circa 1940.
Silver Plate
$9,500
H 10 in W 8.2 in D 6.2 in
Gio Ponti Ceramic Sculpture" Il Pellegrino Stanco" for Richard Ginori, Milano
By Richard Ginori, Gio Ponti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great sample of one most important designers of the 20th century, Glazed ceramic, Gio Ponti, made for Richard Ginori and marked S Christoforo, Milano.
Ceramic
Mid 20th century hand turned clay lidded jar with a lava glazed finish
Located in Dallas, TX
A mid 20th century hand turned clay lidded jar with a lava glazed finish. Signature marked on the bottom of the jar. This jar is of a slightly egg-like shape. Majority of the body ...
Clay
Ceramic Glazed ‘Mobach Utrecht’ Jug, Signed
By Mobach
Located in Voorburg, NL
Very sophisticated ceramic jug designed and made by Klaas Mobach for ‘Mobach Utrecht’ in the 1940s with black and blue reduced fired glaze. Execution Mo...
Ceramic
$3,750 / set
H 17.5 in Dm 12 in
Pair of Wiener Kunstkeramische Werkstatte Ceramic Figures Spring & Fall
Located in Toledo, OH
Pair of Wiener Kunstkeramische Werkstatte ceramic figures "Spring & Fall" circa 1908. Fall marked on the base Austria 1588/27/7 impressed wi...
Ceramic
$390
H 11 in W 11 in D 9 in
Vintage French Provincial Yellow Terracotta Glazed Confit Pottery Jar w/ Handles
Located in New Orleans, LA
Vintage hand-made French Provincial yellow terracotta glazed confit pottery jar with handles. Per the last photo we have a few of these in various sizes...
Pottery
$380Sale Price|51% Off
H 9.85 in W 9.45 in D 8.27 in
19th Century, French Green/ Yellow Glazed Earthenware Jug or Water Cruche
Located in Buisson, FR
Great authentic piece of pottery from the Provence. Unique and rare glaze. Beautiful weathered. Chips and imperfections help authenticate this water cruche as it was a utilitarian ty...
Earthenware
$330
H 9.5 in W 9.5 in D 6.5 in
Vintage French Provincial Yellow Terracotta Glazed Confit Pottery Jar w/ Handles
Located in New Orleans, LA
Vintage hand-made French Provincial yellow terracotta glazed confit pottery jar with handles. Per the last photo we have a few of these in various size...
Pottery
$2,250
H 4 in W 8.5 in D 7.75 in
George Jones Majolica Sardine Box on Turquoise Ground, English, ca. 1870
By George Jones
Located in Banner Elk, NC
George Jones Majolica Sardine box on a turquoise-blue ground, English, ca. 1870, the box molded with green acanthus leaves, with matching underplate, the lid molded and applied with ...
Majolica
$3,250
H 4.25 in W 2.75 in D 4.75 in
Antique Austrian Wiener Werkstätte Ceramic Horse Salt Cellar by Alice Ehmann
By Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed Wiener Werkstätte salt cellar. By Alice Ehmann ca. 1927. Entitled "Tier mit Schale" ("Animal with Shell"). In the form of a stylized horse with a bowl on its back. ...
Ceramic
Tiffany & Co. Style Art Deco Silverplate Tea Kettle or Coffee Pot
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Art Deco or Victorian silver plate tea kettle or coffee pot In the manner of Tiffany & Co. By Civic England, Circa Early 20th Century Measures: 10.75"W x ...
Silver Plate
Large Obvara Vase by Doa Ceramics
Located in Geneve, CH
Large Obvara vase by Doa Ceramics Dimensions: 8" (in) Materials: Ceramic. Technique: Hand-crafted. Freeform. Glazed. Also available in size 6".
Ceramic
Sold
H 10.24 in W 5.91 in D 3.55 in
Wiener Werkstaette Expressive Ceramics 'Female Chandelier', by Susi Singer 1924
By Wiener Werkstätte, Susi Singer
Located in Vienna, AT
Half-length figure of a young woman, with a bell-shaped skirt forming the base, characterised by long, curly black hair and a relief-decorated gown, her left hand on her hip, her rig...
Ceramic
Sold
H 4.57 in W 13.78 in D 10.24 in
Wiener Werkstätte Art Ceramics, Expressive Style Bowl by Vally Wieselthier, 1921
By Vally Wieselthier, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
Large bowl on an oval ground plan with flared, wavy and curved walls on four swept-out feet in the shape of leaves, flower and leaf decoration in relief on the bowl base and on the o...
Ceramic
Sold
H 7.49 in W 8.47 in D 5.32 in
Wiener Werkstaette Expressive Style Art Ceramic Vessel, Wieselthier Nr: 9067
By Vally Wieselthier, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
Ceramic box with a stepped stand ring, widening to a straight, cylindrical wall, two J-shaped handles opposite each other with an angular, flat cross-section, slightly curved lid wit...
Ceramic
Sold
H 10.24 in W 5.32 in D 5.32 in
Wiener Werkstaette Expressive Art Ceramics 'Cactus Carrier', by G. Baudisch 1927
By Gudrun Baudisch, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
Male figure with pointed hat, kneeling on his left leg and balancing cactus pots, holding one on his left shoulder, another between it and his head, one on ...
Ceramic
Sold
H 5.12 in Dm 5.91 in
Ceramic Vase Susi Singer Wiener Werkstatte circa 1928 Expressive Ceramics Blue
By Wiener Werkstätte, Susi Singer
Located in Klosterneuburg, AT
Ceramic vase designed by Susi Singer manufactured by Wiener Werkstatte circa 1928 Austrian Expressive Ceramics Cachepot The Wiener Werkstätte was not only artistically very progressive, but also on a societal level, as many female artists worked there. Especially in the ceramics department, one could find female designers like Vally Wieselthier, Gudrun Baudisch and Susi Singer, who were eager to experiment. Susi Singer studied at the Kunstschule für Frauen und Mädchen (Art school for women and girls) under various renowned designers such as Adolf Boehm...
Ceramic, Earthenware
Sold
H 7.29 in W 7.88 in D 2.76 in
Ceramic Vase Maria Likarz Wiener Werkstatte circa 1925 Austrian Art Deco Blue
By Maria Likarz, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Klosterneuburg, AT
Ceramic vase designed by Maria Likarz manufactured by Wiener Werkstatte circa 1925 Austrian Art Deco This vase shows a reduced floral design, typical o...
Ceramic, Earthenware
Sold
H 10.04 in W 6.7 in D 3.94 in
Ceramic Lamp Stand Gudrun Baudisch Wiener Werkstatte circa 1928 Austrian Art
By Wiener Werkstätte, Gudrun Baudisch
Located in Klosterneuburg, AT
Ceramic lamp stand with expressive head designed by Gudrun Baudisch executed by Wiener Werkstatte ca. 1928 marked Austrian Art In this ceramic object, Gudrun Baudisch combines her...
Ceramic, Earthenware
Sold
H 9.65 in W 4.34 in D 3.55 in
Wiener Werkstaette Expressive Ceramic Figure 'Street Boy', by Susi Singer, 1923
By Wiener Werkstätte, Susi Singer
Located in Vienna, AT
Boy with a wide-brimmed hat standing upright and legs apart, both hands hidden in his trouser pockets, low-cut jacket, long, wrinkled trousers, tied bow around his neck, his mouth open for whistling. On a eled, relief side with blue, floral decoration on a white background. Manufactory: 'Wiener Werkstätte' /- 'Vienna Workshop' Dating: made 1923-1925 Material: ceramic / red earthenware, hand-painted, glossy finish Design: SUSI SINGER (1891 - 1965) Austrian ceramic artist, from 1905 art school for girls and women in Vienna, studied at Tina Blau...
Ceramic
Sold
H 9.85 in W 3.94 in D 5.52 in
Austrian Art Female Ceramic Head Gudrun Baudisch Wiener Werkstatte circa 1928
By Gudrun Baudisch, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Klosterneuburg, AT
Austrian Art Female Head designed by Gudrun Baudisch executed by Werkstatte Hagenauer Wien circa 1928 expressive ceramic marked Gudrun Baudisch (1907-1982) was one of the innovati...
Ceramic, Earthenware
Wiener Werkstaette Expressive Ceramic Flower Pot by Susi Singer, 1922-1925
By Wiener Werkstätte, Susi Singer
Located in Vienna, AT
Cylindrical flower pot with breakthrough and relief-like shape of female figures carrying fruit bowls on their heads and plants with birds, painted in bright colors. Manufactory: 'Wiener Werkstätte' /- 'Vienna Workshop' Dating: made 1922-1925 Material: ceramic / red earthenware, hand-painted, glossy finish Design: SUSI SINGER (1891 - 1965) Austrian ceramic artist, from 1905 art school for girls and women in Vienna, studied at Tina Blau...
Ceramic
Sold
H 8.27 in W 5.52 in D 4.14 in
Wiener Werkstaette Expressive Ceramic Figure 'Man On Chair' by Susi Singer 1927
By Susi Singer, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
Man in a gray-blue spotted suit sitting upright on a chair, forearms resting on his thighs, his hat in his right hand on his knee. The armchair and the carpet underneath are placed diagonally on the rectangular pedestal with sloping sides. According to the Wiener Werkstätte model books, this design was only molded twice. Manufactory: 'Wiener Werkstätte' /- 'Vienna Workshop' Dating: made 1927 Material: ceramic / red earthenware, hand-painted, glossy finish Design: SUSI SINGER (1891 - 1965) Austrian ceramic artist, from 1905 art school for girls and women in Vienna, studied at Tina Blau...
Ceramic
Sold
H 10.23 in W 9.05 in L 10.23 in
Wiener Werkstätte Art Ceramics Expressive Style Vase by Vally Wieselthier, 1922
By Vally Wieselthier, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
Bulbous vase on a round floor plan, two bulging rings that narrow towards the top with a flared rim of the mouth, surface decorated in relief with abstract, brightly painted elements...
Ceramic