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.
Set of 6 Champagne Coupes "Series B" by Josef Hoffmann for Wiener Werkstätte
By J.L Lobmeyr, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Beograd, RS
Masterpiece of early modernity! The lead-free crystal Champagne Coupes "Series B" designed by Josef Hoffmann for Wiener Werkstätte in 1912. Available 2 sets of 6 pieces. Listed price...
Crystal
Hammered Silver Centerpiece by Josef Hoffman
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in San Francisco, CA
A hand-hammered silver centerpiece with undulating rim and fluted pedestal base. Marked "WIENER WERK STÄTTE", JH and WW.
Silver
1910s Veined Metal Serving Bowl by Dagobert Peche for Wiener Werkstätte, Austria
By Dagobert Peche, Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in North Miami, FL
1910s Vienna Secession patinated silvered metal veined serving bowl/centerpiece designed by Dagobert Peche for Wiener Werkstätte, Austria By: Dagobert Peche, Wiener Werkstätte, Jose...
Metal, Silver, Silver Plate
Art Nouveau Silver Plated Centerpiece Bowl By J. Hoffmann for Wiener Werkstätte
By Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in North Miami, FL
Art Nouveau austrian polished silver plated centerpiece bowl By Josef Hoffmann for Wiener Werkstätte By: Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte Material: silver, silverplate, metal Techn...
Silver, Silver Plate, Metal
Augarten Art Déco 'Melon' Red-White Mocha Set, By Josef Hoffmann, Vienna, 20th
By Augarten Porzellanmanufaktur, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
In 1929, Josef Hoffmann, founder of the legendary Wiener Werkstätte, designed this world-famous mocha service. Hoffmann was one of the greatest designers of the 20th century and a me...
Porcelain
$4,400Sale Price|20% Off
Josef Hoffmann Silver Bowl for Wiener Werkstätte, Art Deco, 16.5\"
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
A silver bowls hand carved, made of silver and hallmarked on the lower bottom. In style of Wiener Werkstätte, Vienna Wokshop, designed by Josef Hoffmann Austria, circa 1920.
Silver
Silver centerpiece by Josef Hoffmann for the Wiener Werkstatte
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Silver Centerpiece by Josef Hoffmann for the Vienna Secession Elegant silver (precious metal) centerpiece designed by Josef Hoffmann and executed by the Vienna Secession. The design ...
Sterling Silver
Josef Hoffmann Silver-Plated Dinner Cutlery, Model 135
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Soho, London, GB
Iconic cutlery set designed by Josef Hoffmann in 1902 and dubbed MODEL 135. This contemporary edition is crafted by the original Viennese manufacturer of Hoffmann designs and offered...
Silver Plate
Rare Silver Vase with Glass Insert by Josef Hoffmann for Wiener Werkstätte
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
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
Children's Cutlery Silver Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstatte circa 1923 Jugendstil
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Klosterneuburg, AT
Silver children’s cutlery set designed by Josef Hoffmann and Eduard J. Wimmer-Wisgrill manufactured by Wiener Werkstatte ca. 1923 marked hammer-strok...
Silver
Silver centerpiece Josef Hoffmann for Wiener Werkstatte
By Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
In style of Wiener Werkstätte, Vienna Wokshop, designed by Josef Hoffmann A silver bowls hand carved, made of silver and hallmarked on the lower bottom. Austria, circa 1920.
Silver, Sterling Silver
Joseff Hoffman Decanter for the Weiner Wekstatte by Lobmeyr
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Riverdale, NY
Joseff Hoffmann iconic decanter with drinking glass stopper for the Weiner Werkstatte. From the Patrician series by Lobmeyr. 1940's Austria. Slightly peach toned glass, not clear. 13...
Blown Glass
Loetz vase Josef Hoffmann, Austria, 1912
By Loetz Glass, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Glass vase, based on a design by Josef Hoffmann, around 1911, manufactured by Loetz Wwe., Klostermühle, around 1911/12, colorless glass, ruby red stained and etched decoration, sli...
Glass, Art Glass
Josef Hoffmann and the Wiener Werkstätte Shot-Server, Silver Plated, Re Edition
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Josef Hoffmann and the Wiener Werkstätte shot-server, silver plated, Re edition Hammered brass-silver plated
Silver Plate, Brass
Pair of Art Nouveau Polished Silver Bowls by J. Hoffmann for Wiener Werkstätte
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in North Miami, FL
Pair of Art Nouveau polished silver bowls by Josef Hoffmann for Wiener Werkstätte By: Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte Material: silver, silverplate, metal Technique: embossed, pla...
Silver, Silver Plate, Metal
Decorative silver-plated metal plate by Josef Hoffmann for Wiener Werkstatte Vie
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Silver-plated decorative plate by Josef Hoffmann for Wiener Werkstätte Vienna This is a distinctive silver-plated decorative plate from Wiener Werkstätte, designed by Josef Hoffmann....
Metal
Brass Tray Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstatte Austrian Jugendstil circa 1915
By Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Klosterneuburg, AT
Brass tray Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstatte ca. 1915 marked Austrian Jugendstil Josef Hoffmann was one of the leading designers of the Wiener Werkstatte...
Brass
Colosseum II Silver Pleated Metal Centerpiece by Jaime Hayon
By Jaime Hayon
Located in Milan, IT
Colosseum II is a silver pleated metal centerpiece, that could be used also as fruit bowl This product is part of the collection New Roman, by Jaime Hayon: inspired by the vessels of the Roman Empire, this collection transforms antique references into a celebration of contemporary craft. New Roman collection also includes Colosseum I (all copper), and Colosseum III (copper and silver plated).
Silver Plate
Lalique France, "Clos-Vougeot" Champagne Coupes, 1980s
By Lalique
Located in PARIS, FR
Superb Lalique France "Clos-Vougeot" Champagne service composed of eight coupes, France 1970s. In very good condition. Dimensions in cm ( H x D ) : 11.7 x 11.7 Secure shipping.
Crystal
Augarten Vienna Porcelain Figurine Nude
By Augarten Porzellanmanufaktur
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Lovely porcelain figurine of a nude by the Augarten Porcelain Manufacture of Vienna, Austria. Marked with the company logo on the base. In excellent condition. Some museum wax and st...
Porcelain
$1,900
H 3.75 in W 16.57 in D 8.69 in
Christofle Art Deco Silver Plate Bowl Centerpiece, France circa 1930
By Christofle
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Art Deco polished silver plate pedestal bowl, centerpiece, or serving bowl was designed by the Silversmith Christofle in Paris. The rare piece was expertly crafted in F...
Metal, Silver Plate
$1,630
H 1.97 in Dm 14.57 in
Large Handmade Hammered Silver Centerpiece Bowl by Renzo Cassetti, Italy 1970s
By Renzo Cassetti
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic large round shell shaped centerpiece completely handmade in hammered silver plate. This beautiful piece was designed by Renzo Cassetti in Italy in the 1970s and is signed i...
Silver Plate
Silver centerpiece by Josef Hoffmann for the Wiener Werkstatte
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Silver Centerpiece by Josef Hoffmann for the Vienna Secession Elegant silver (precious metal) centerpiece designed by Josef Hoffmann and executed by the Vienna Secession. The design ...
Sterling Silver
$250 / set
H 7 in Dm 3 in
Art Nouveau Etched Champagne Coupes in the Style of Peter Behrens - Set of 5
By Peter Behrens
Located in Fairfield, CA
A set of 5 art nouveau coupe champagne glasses in the style of Peter Behrens. Each has a muted olive stem that varies in thickness. Clear glass bowls with an etched grape leaf design.
Glass
Dansk Teak Serving Bowl by Jens Quistgaard Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A teak serving bowl designed by the iconic designer Jens H. Quistgaard who's organic pieces including pepper mills, serving pieces and furniture were both practical and beautiful . T...
Teak
$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
$1,451 / set
H 4.93 in Dm 3.94 in
6 Pcs. Set of Baccarat Crystal Champagne Coupes "Moliere" from 1916-1936's
By Baccarat
Located in Vilnius, LT
Set of 6 pcs. of Baccarat crystal champagne coupes "Moliere" from circa 1916-1936's. Very good/excellent condition.
Crystal
Josef Hoffmann Silver-Plated Dinner Cutlery, Model 135
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Soho, London, GB
Iconic cutlery set designed by Josef Hoffmann in 1902 and dubbed MODEL 135. This contemporary edition is crafted by the original Viennese manufacturer of Hoffmann designs and offered...
Silver Plate
Kitty Rix for Wiener Werkstatte 1920's Cat Ceramic
By Kitty Rix, Wiener Werkstätte
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
Sold
H 7.88 in W 11.82 in D 11.82 in
Augarten Art Déco 'Melon' Mocha Set, Designed By Josef Hoffmann, Vienna, 20th
By Augarten Porzellanmanufaktur, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
In 1929, Josef Hoffmann, founder of the legendary Wiener Werkstätte, designed this world-famous mocha service. Hoffmann was one of the greatest designers of the 20th century and a me...
Porcelain
Josef Hoffmann A “Flower Basket”, Wiener Werkstätte, 1906
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Brussels, BE
Josef Hoffmann A “Flower Basket”, Wiener Werkstätte, 1906
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 1.5 in Dm 5.5 in
1920s Vienna Secession Silver Bowl by J. Hoffmann for Wiener Werkstätte, Austria
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in North Miami, FL
1920s Vienna Secession polished silver bowl by Josef Hoffmann for Wiener Werkstätte, Austria By: Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte Material: silver, silverplate, metal Technique: em...
Metal, Silver, Silver Plate
Art Nouveau stem cup Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstätte ca. 1922
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Klosterneuburg, AT
It is rare that objects from the decorative arts can be traced from their date of origin through the years to their reentry into the market. Fortunately, this is the case with our two Wiener Werkstätte silver...
Silver
Art Nouveau stem cup Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstätte ca. 1922
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Klosterneuburg, AT
It is rare that objects from the decorative arts can be traced from their date of origin through the years to their reentry into the market. Fortunately, this is the case with our two Wiener Werkstätte silver...
Silver
Silver plate by Josef Hoffmann for the Wiener Werkstatte
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
A hand-carved silver bowl, hallmarked on the bottom. In the style of the Wiener Werkstätte, Vienna workshop, designed by Josef Hoffmann Austria, circa 1920. Height: 16.5 cm (6.49 in...
Silver
Sold
H 15.75 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Augarten 'Melon' Art Déco Mocha Set, Designed By Josef Hoffmann, Vienna, 20th
By Augarten Porzellanmanufaktur, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
In 1929, Josef Hoffmann, founder of the legendary 'Wiener Werkstätte, designed this world-famous mocha service. Hoffmann was one of the greatest designers of the 20th century and a m...
Porcelain
Black Fruit Bowl Centerpiece by Josef Hoffmann for Bieffeplast 1980s
By Bieffeplast, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Padova, IT
Josef Hoffmann (1870-1956) black fruit bowl / centerpiece / catchall for Bieffeplast, Italy circa 1980s. Modern Wiener Werkstätte design by Josef Hoffmann with perforated grid struct...
Metal
Sold
H 4.14 in W 6.5 in D 6.5 in
Silver Table Centerpiece Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstatte 1905 marked Jugendstil
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Klosterneuburg, AT
Centerpiece, designed by Josef Hoffmann, executed by Wiener Werkstätte, silver polished, moonstone with cabochon-cut, 1905 This centerpiece impressively demonstrates the use of arch...
Silver
Josef Hoffmann Franz Hofstoetter Glass Vase Loetz, circa 1900
By Loetz Glass, Josef Hoffmann, Franz Hofstotter
Located in Klosterneuburg, AT
Austrian Jugendstil glass vase form by Josef Hoffmann for the VIII. exhibition of the Vienna Secession decoration by Franz Hofstoetter manufactured by Johann Loetz Witwe circa 1900 P...
Glass, Blown Glass
Sold
H 4.5 in Dm 4 in
Josef Hoffmann Art Nouveau Champagne Cup Series B, Crystal Glass, Lobmeyr Vienna
By Josef Hoffmann, J.L Lobmeyr, J. & L. Lobmeyr Company
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful and elegant champagne cup, designed by Josef Hoffmann in 1912. Completely handmade of Fine satined, frosted muslin glass, mouth-blown in a wooden mold...
Muslin, Glass, Art Glass
Joseff Hoffman Decanter for the Weiner Wekstatte by Lobmeyr
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Riverdale, NY
Joseff Hoffmann iconic decanter with drinking glass stopper for the Weiner Werkstatte. From the Patrician series by Lobmeyr. 1920's Austria. 10" high x...
Blown Glass