The Austrian architect Josef Hoffmann was a central figure in the evolution of modern design, and a leader in an aesthetic movement born in Europe in the late 19th century that rejected florid, extravagant ornamentation in favor of a new emphasis on simplicity of line.
As a founder of the Vienna Secession — a union of artists and designers determined to upend Austria’s artistic conservatism — and later, a founder of the turn-of-the-century Wiener Werkstätte (in English: the Viennese Workshops), a design cooperative that produced superbly crafted furniture and housewares, Hoffmann was a pioneering practitioner of what would become a fundamental principle of modernism: that good design is a way of life.
Hoffmann came of age amidst a shift in the culture of the applied arts, as a conservative order that looked only to the past for inspiration was pushed aside. But what, exactly, would replace that order was in question — and Hoffmann’s career embodies the developing patterns of design’s new spirit. His architectural work reflects his time as a student of the Vienna architect Otto Wagner, who disdained excessive decoration and employed new materials such as steel girders and reinforced concrete to create buildings with airy, open interiors full of light.
As a designer of furniture and interiors, Hoffmann was consistently open-minded about the aesthetics he explored. He was an early adherent of the flowing, organic forms of the Art Nouveau design movement that began to flourish in the late 1880s — but by the opening of the Wiener Werkstätte in 1903, Hoffmann’s designs embraced the beauty of geometry in pieces that feature grids and angular forms.
Hoffmann’s greatest works reflect his ability to combine seemingly conflicting design visions into coherent wholes. His architectural masterpiece, the Stoclet Palace in Brussels, has an exterior that groups together simple geometric forms and spacious interiors marked by subtly naturalistic design details that lend rooms an air of charm and geniality.
Hoffmann’s signature furniture design is an adjustable lounge chair — the Sitzmaschine (1905) — that marries a curving frame with square and rectangular back- and side rests. This piece, like so many others by Hoffmann, reflects a groundbreaking, forward-thinking appreciation for the union of different looks and sources that marks the best of interior design in our own day. Moreover, items offered on 1stDibs — which range from enameled silver jewelry, to silver flower vase baskets and other decorative objects, to sofas, lighting pendants and sconces — testify to the astonishing breadth of Hoffman’s creative pursuits. He was truly a giant of design.
Hammered Brass Fluted Vase by Josef Hoffman
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in San Francisco, CA
A hand-hammered brass vase with dramatic vertical fluting and flared rim. Marked "WIENER WERK STÄTTE" with JH monogram and WW mark.
Brass
1920s Josef Hoffmann for Wiener Werkstatte Silver Footed Bowl
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1920s. Silver footed bowl by famed designer Josef Hoffman and Wiener Werkstatte. Hoffman is a prolific designer who helped to cement the design of the Secessionist era. Werkstatte wa...
Silver
Original Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstatte Vienna Secessonist Flower Stand
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
A typical work from the early period of the Wiener Werkstatte. Punched iron sheet, white lacquered. See similar items - Wiener Werkstatte pattern books as displayed. No signature.
Metal
"Skyscraper Vase" by Josef Hoffmann, Bieffeplast Production, Wiener Werkstätt
By Josef Hoffmann, Bieffeplast
Located in Argelato, BO
This flower vase, designed by Josef Hoffmann around 1905 for the Wiener Werkstätte, evokes the shape of a modernist skyscraper. The reissue is produced by Bieffeplast in Italy (80s),...
Metal
Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte Brass Repoussé Bowl
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in New York, NY
A jewel-like work of metalcraft by Josef Hoffmann, this footed brass bowl (model M sh 18), designed for the Wiener Werkstätte around 1925, brings tog...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann Black Gitterwerk Waste Basket or Umbrella Stand for Bieffeplast
By Bieffeplast, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Troy, MI
Josef Hoffmann hexagonal wastebasket or umbrella stand Originally designed in 1905, edition Bieffeplast circa 1980s Gitterwerk structure in black perforated steel with original lab...
Metal, Steel
$12,500
Josef Hoffmann Brass Chalice
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in New York, NY
Josef Hoffmann’s fluted brass chalice was based on the elegant form of the Doric column, drawing inspiration from ancient Greek architecture to convey a sense of timeless order and p...
Brass
1920s Josef Hoffmann for Weiner Wersktatte Silver Footed Bowl
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1920s. Silver footed bowl by famed designer Josef Hoffman and Wiener Werkstatte. Hoffman is a prolific designer who helped to cement the design of the Secessionist era. Werkstatte wa...
Silver
Fine Josef Hoffman Wiener Werkstätte Art Nouveau box Austria 1912
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Fine and distinguished box, designed by the “Hero” of the Wiener Werkstatte, Josef Hoffmann. Made of nickel plated brass, leaves and stars in the pattern. This box is not marked, but...
Brass, Nickel
Josef Hoffmann Vase, Wiener Werkstatte, circa 1915 - 1920
By Moser Glassworks, Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in New York, NY
Josef Hoffmann cut and ground clear crystal vase made by Ludwig Moser & Söhne, Karlsbad for Wiener Werkstätte circa 1915 - 1920. Stamp signature to underside: [MOSER KARLSBAD WW CZ...
Glass
Bookmark Attr. to Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstatte, 1920
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Bookmark by Carl Otto Czeschka or Josef Hofmann, around 1920. Metal foil on paper. Attributed to Wiener Werkstätte.
Metal
Josef Hoffmann Pair of Hammered Silver Vases
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in New York, NY
Hoffmann encountered an abundance of classical forms during his studies in Rome in 1896, which influenced his designs. The vases reference both the elegant form of a folding fan and ...
Silver
Augarten Porcelain Josef Hoffmann White & Gold Melone Covered Box / Sugar Bowl
By Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte, Augarten Porzellanmanufaktur
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine porcelain covered sugar bowl (that doubles perfectly as a table box). In the Melone (pattern) designed by Josef Hoffmann in 1929. In white porcelain with gold highlights. B...
Porcelain
Silver "Glitterwerk" Flowerbasket by Josef Hoffmann for Wiener Werkstätte
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Extremely rare silver plated flower basket from the Vienna Secession movement designed by Josef Hoffmann (1870-1956), circa 1906. Produced in Austria by the Wiener Werkstatte (Vienn...
Silver
Josef Hoffmann Hammered Silver Covered Bowl
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in New York, NY
Hoffmann’s covered bowl is a striking synthesis of Egyptian, Chinese, and medieval European design. Its lid, with a rounded conical profile and cabochon malachite finial, draws inspiration from Qing dynasty mandarin hats...
Silver
$912Sale Price|20% Off
Lidded Box by Josef Hoffmann for Wiener Werkstätte, 1920s
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
Lidded cigarette tin – handmade. Designed by Josef Hoffmann for the Wiener Werkstätte – no markings (see photo for a comparable object with a signature) – also documented in the MAK ...
Fruitwood
Rare Silver Vase with Glass Insert by Josef Hoffmann for Wiener Werkstätte
By Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Wiener Werkstatte silver reticulated flower basket with original glass insert in a very rare model made with silver. Designed by Josef Hoffmann (Austrian, 1870-1956), Vienna, circa...
Silver
Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstatte Faceted Crystal Bowl
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstatte Faceted Crystal Bowl Beautiful Art Deco glass bowl in fluorescent green, the characteristic of this i...
Art Glass
J.&J. Kohn Vienna Art Nouveau Jardinière, Flower Stand, J. Hoffmann, ca. 1905
By Josef Hoffmann, Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Vienna, AT
Elegant Art Nouveau jardinière on four high legs, slender elongated shape with rounded ends, the delicate latticework on the wall as the only typical ornament, as Josef Hoffmann like...
Beech, Bentwood
Josef Hoffmann for Wiener Werkstatte Brass Basket, circa 1920
By Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A Josef Hoffmann brass, hand-hammered handled basket, made by the Wiener Werkstatte, circa 1920. The hammered fluted basket is of rounded open sha...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann for Wiener Werkstätte Jugendstil Wall Light, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Wall-lamp with mirror and flower-vase from the dining-room of the Purkersdorf Sanatorium, Lit.: Deutsche Kunst und Dekoration, 1906/VII, S. 432 f. (two views from the dingin room San...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann Bowl, Wiener Werkstatte, circa 1915 - 1920
By Moser Glassworks, Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in New York, NY
Josef Hoffmann cut and ground clear crystal bowl / vase made by Ludwig Moser & Söhne, Karlsbad for Wiener Werkstätte circa 1915 - 1920. Stamp signature to underside: [MOSER KARLSBAD ...
Glass
Box Josef Hoffmann Copper Ceramics Figurine Klieber Wiener Werkstaette
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Finest as well as rare lidded box made during Art Nouveau Period on behalf of Wiener Werkstaette. Related box is signed at reverse side by signet of Josef Hoffmann & by characters '...
Copper
Cork and Leather Waste Basket/ Umbrella Holder, 1970s USA
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handsome leather trimmed basket with cork center. Perfect as a waste basket or umbrella holder. Great condition. Located at our Los Angeles showroom.
Leather, Cork
Willy Guhl Saucer Planter on Stand
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
31" Willy Guhl saucer planter on stand for Eternit Floating saucer planter on base Sculptural garden vessel The base can be flipped upside down for use ...
Concrete
1970s Wire Basket Woven Aluminum Modern Waste Basket Container
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1970s Wire Basket Woven Aluminum Modern Waste Basket Container Vintage Aluminum Unmarked Original vintage preowned unrestored condition. Presents firm and sturdy. Measures: 12.75...
Aluminum
$2,124
H 17.72 in Dm 8.86 in
Carl Auböck Midcentury Raffia Umbrella Stand, Wastepaper Basket, 1950s, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Very rare simple and elegant midcentury umbrella stand or wastepaper basket designed by Carl Auböck II and manufactured by Werkstätten Auböck in the 1950s, Austria. It's made of raff...
Brass
1920s Sterling Silver Presentation Bowl
By Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co. Ltd.
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive, antique George V English sterling silver presentation bowl; an addition to our ornamental silver...
Sterling Silver
Brass bowl with central medallion by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck Bowl, Austria 1960s.
Brass
Byzantine Style Marble Baptismal Font on Later Stand
Located in Essex, MA
Byzantine style carved marble Baptismal font on later cast stone stand. Four lion leads Circumnavigate the font. Foliate and Byzantine Carving Th...
Marble
Pair of Wiener Werkstatte Brass Bowls by Dagobert Peche
By Wiener Werkstätte, Dagobert Peche
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of brass bowl in stepped concentric form designed by Dagobert Peche (Austrian, 1887-1923) and for Wiener Werkstatte circa 1910s-1920s. In the iconic style of Vienna Secession,...
Brass
Rosewood Plant Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Round rosewood plant stand with black enameled center bowl for plant. This piece has a flat rimmed rosewood edge with four supports that taper towards the bottom of the stand and the...
Enamel
Art Deco Glass Vase attr. to Josef Hoffman for Moser, 1930s
By Josef Hoffmann, Moser Glassworks
Located in Roma, IT
Art Deco Glass Vase attr. to Josef Hoffman for Moser. Realized in Austria in 1930s.
Art Glass
Josef Hoffmann Vase, Wiener Werkstatte, circa 1915 - 1920
By Moser Glassworks, Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in New York, NY
Josef Hoffmann cut and ground clear crystal vase made by Ludwig Moser & Söhne, Karlsbad for Wiener Werkstätte circa 1915 - 1920. Stamp signature to underside: [MOSER KARLSBAD WW CZ...
Glass
Wicker Planter Holder Stand Cachepot Jardinière
Located in New York, NY
A tall wicker flower or plant cachepot jardiniere holder stand, circa mid to late-20th century. A great piece to elevate a flower or plant, indoors or outside covered patio/area. Pie...
Wicker
Sold
H 4.34 in Dm 4.34 in
Vase with etched Decoration Josef Hoffmann Loetz ca. 1911 Jugendstil Black White
By Josef Hoffmann, Loetz Glass
Located in Klosterneuburg, AT
vase, Josef Hoffmann, Johann Loetz Witwe, Weiss Opal außen Schwarz decoration, glass, mould-blown, etched, ca. 1911 Hoffmann's vase designs from the 1910s are characterized above al...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstätte Flower Pots Ensemble
By Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Group of handcrafted flowerpots. available in several sizes Material Solid punched brass.
Brass
Sold
H 8.67 in Dm 11.03 in
Josef Hoffmann, Metal Centrepiece 0274 designed in 1904 for Wiener Werkstatatte
By Josef Hoffmann, Bieffeplast
Located in Argelato, BO
Rare centrepiece designed by the famous architect and designer Josef Hoffmann for the Wiener Werkstatte in 1904 and reissued by Bieffeplast
Metal
Vase Josef Hoffmann Loetz Kristall Blasenglas ca. 1914 Flowers Enamel Color
By Josef Hoffmann, Loetz Glass
Located in Klosterneuburg, AT
Vase, Josef Hoffmann, Johann Loetz Witwe, Kristall Blasenglas, 435 decoration, 1914 Josef Hoffmann probably designed the decoration of this beautiful vase for the exhibition of the ...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Cut Glass
Sold
H 2 in W 4 in D 4.5 in
Vienna Secession Metal Box by Josef Hoffmann and Wiener Werkstätte, Austria
By Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in North Miami, FL
1920s Vienna Secession silvered metal box with wooden interior by Josef Hoffmann and Wiener Werkstätte, Austria By: Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann Material: metal, silver plate, ...
Metal, Silver Plate
Sold
H 24.5 in Dm 8 in
1920s Josef Hoffman's Dark Glass Urn/Vase and Lid for Wiener Werkstätte, Austria
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in North Miami, FL
1920s Art Nouveau polygonal dark glass urn/vase with lid designed by Josef Hoffman for Wiener Werkstätte, Austria By: Josef Hoffman, Wiener Werkstätte Material: glass, cut glass, cr...
Crystal
Sold
H 4.25 in Dm 4.75 in
Augarten Porcelain Josef Hoffmann Black & Gold Melone Covered Box / Sugar Bowl
By Josef Hoffmann, Augarten Porzellanmanufaktur
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine porcelain covered sugar bowl (that doubles perfectly as a table box). In the Melone pattern designed by Josef Hoffman in 1929. Decorated in black and gold. By the Vienna Au...
Porcelain
Soliflore Vase by Josef Hoffman, Ed. Bieffeplast, 1980s
By Bieffeplast, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Brussels, BE
The present vase is originally created by Josef Hoffman, the most famous designer of the Wiener Werkstatte. In the 1980s, the Italian design editor Bieffeplast decided to revive some...
Metal
Vase etched Josef Hoffmann Loetz Orange ca. 1911 Vienna Jugendstil
By Josef Hoffmann, Loetz Glass
Located in Klosterneuburg, AT
Cylindrical glass vase with etched decoration. The vase was designed by Josef Hoffmann, co-founder of the Vienna Secession and the Wiener Werkstatte. The vase was produced by the Boh...
Metal, Brass
A Large Vintage Moser Geometric Cut Crystal Smokey Vase by Josef Hoffman
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in NYC, NY
Art Déco Moser crystal glass vase from Czechoslovakia, Bohemia the 1930s. Design by Josef Hoffmann for Moser in Karlsbad. Anthracite or smokey to...
Art Glass
Josef Hoffmann Art Deco Silver Centerpiece
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Art Deco silver centerpiece by Josef Hoffmann Hand-carved silver bowl with hallmarks on the bottom. In the style of Wiener Werkstätte, Vienna Wokshop, designed by Josef Hoffmann, Aus...
Sterling Silver
Josef Hoffmann silver bowl
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Josef Hoffmann silver bowl Solid silver bowl Origin Austria Crica 1925 Vienna Session Style Design made for Wiener Werkstätte It has natural wear due to its age. It is sealed on the ...
Silver