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.
1910s Veined Metal Serving Bowl by Dagobert Peche for Wiener Werkstätte, Austria
By Josef Hoffmann, Dagobert Peche, 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
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
Pair of Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Bowls 6, 1912
By Georg Jensen
Located in Hellerup, DK
A superb pair of matching antique sterling silver bowls, design no. 6 by Johan Rohde, originally introduced in 1912. These beautifully proportioned conical bowls are raised on elegan...
Sterling Silver
$4,400Sale Price|20% Off
H 3.94 in Dm 6.5 in
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
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
$2,827 / item
H 4.73 in Dm 3.94 in
Set of 6 Champagne Coupes "Series B" by Josef Hoffmann for Wiener Werkstätte
By Josef Hoffmann, J.L Lobmeyr
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
$8,286Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 6.3 in W 0.79 in D 1.78 in
Children's Cutlery Silver Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstatte circa 1923 Jugendstil
By Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
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
1980s Michael Lax Design Sculptural Serving Bowl for Metaal
By Michael Lax
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Large Sculptural Serving Bowl by Michael Lax Grainware for METAAL Polished Aluminum 12 h x 18.5 w x 16.5 d Preowned unrestored vintage condition See images provided.
Aluminum
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
1920s French Art Deco Serving Bowl Antique Metal and Wood Design
Located in High Point, NC
This 1920s French Art Deco serving bowl exemplifies the refined balance of form and function characteristic of the period. Featuring a shallow, circular metal bowl with stepped, conc...
Metal
Silver centerpiece Josef Hoffmann for Wiener Werkstatte
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
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
Mary Wright Serving Bowl
By Russel Wright, Mary Wright
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Serving bowl shaped like a football designed by Mary Wright. Part of a wood line designed by husband and wife Industrial designers Russel Wright / Mary Wright. Measures 15.75" wide, ...
Wood
Glass Silver Leaf Serving Bowl by Judy Smilow
Located in New York, NY
14" silver leaf bowl Inspired by the Japanese concept of Shibusa—an aesthetic of simple, subtle, and unobtrusive beauty—the Botanical collection is meant to be minimal and yet Stand out at the same time. Made in America with the technique of glass bending, The Fern Bowl, a pattern first seen in Steuben Glass’ collection, and silver leaf bowl, are perfect wedding gifts, serving bowls, or centerpieces. We are proud to be producing them once again. We use only quality sustainable materials and partially recycled glass. All our products are dishwasher and microwave safe for gentle heating. Appropriate for everyday use, hospitality, and contract, applications. Dimensions: 14" Round Material: Partially recycled glass Judy Smilow...
Glass
Sold
H 1.5 in Dm 5.5 in
1920s Vienna Secession Silver Bowl by J. Hoffmann for Wiener Werkstätte, Austria
By Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
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