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
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 Josef Hoffmann, Loetz Glass
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
Loetz Green Glass Vase with Alvin Sterling Silver Overlay
By Loetz Glass
Located in Miami, FL
A fine quality Art Nouveau style art glass vase, by Loetz the historic glass maker from the municipality of Austria featuring Alvin Sterling Silver overlay. Overlay in form of open and horizontal patterns with stylized leaves and scrollwork. A great find, handcrafted vase skillfully made using centuries old techniques of art glass works from the world-renowned maker, Loetz. Simply stunning this Art Nouveau glass vase with Alvin Sterling Silver overlay by Loetz would enhance any shelf, table, nightstand or countertop. This is a rare antique Loetz Green Glass...
Sterling Silver
Tulip Glass Decanter by Aldo Cibic
By Aldo Cibic
Located in Milan, IT
Decanter made in blown in a mold glass. The Tulip collection is a glassware family by Aldo Cibic, who designed these pieces walking the line between classical and Postmodern design. ...
Glass
Rare Holmegaard Figural Decanter by Jacob Bang c1926
By Jacob Bang, Holmegaard
Located in Worcester Park, GB
Exceptionally rare sea green gilded Holmegaard figural decanter and stopper designed in 1926 by Jacob Bang -The body of the decanter is his torso and legs -his arms are the twin handles and his head is the stopper-with the pourer formed into his collar. The similar female version of this decanter is documented in McConnels' Decanter book and an example resides in the Holmegaard Museum. The Holmegaard Glass factory was built in 1825, founded by Countess Henriette Danneskiold-Samsøe. They made glass bottles at first, and then branched out into tableware in the 1830's. Holmegaard glass are probably best known for Michael Bang's (son of Jacob) Palet range (1968 - 1975), Per Lutken's Carnaby glass...
Art Glass
Crystal Decanter German
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and substantial red raspberry dark pink cut-to-clear crystal wine or liquor decanter with stopper, in the style of luxury maker Val St. Lambert, circa mid to late-20th ce...
Crystal
Vase Loetz Widow Klostermuehle Bohemia Art Nouveau Lemon Yellow Cytisus
By Loetz Glass
Located in Vienna, AT
Vase Loetz (Lötz) Widow Klostermuehle Bohemia Art Nouveau Made by Loetz, Klostermuehle (Bohemia), circa 1902 Decor: Lemon Yellow Cytisus It is a very interesting Loetz Art N...
Glass
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
Bohemia Loetz Art Nouveau Twisted Dephi Glass Vase 1899
By Loetz Glass
Located in Worcester Park, GB
A large Loetz Delphi pattern vase in green with a bulbus near spherical top with a large opening over a round base with a typical Loetz twist to the body. Finely iridised a classic L...
Art Glass
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
Secessionist Painted Loetz Glass Vase
By Loetz Glass
Located in Sharon, CT
Beautifully Hand painted on yellowish glass with Secessionist motifs in the Weiner Werkstatte manner. Unmarked
Glass
Loetz Blue-Green Oil Spot Vase
By Loetz Glass
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Loetz oil spot vase with blue-green iridescent finish, Unsigned.
Art Glass
$3,599
H 8.86 in Dm 3.94 in
Conch Shell Glass Vase Iridescent Handmade Loetz Austria Jugendstil, circa, 1900
By Loetz Glass
Located in Klosterneuburg, AT
Conch shell glass vase handmade by Johann Loetz Witwe Austria/Bohemia Jugendstil circa 1902 "Candia Papillon" Decoration. The extravagant Candia Papillon decor lends a special brilliance to the shell shape of this collectible. The iridescent quality of this decoration not only encompasses the outside of the intricately applied silver crumbled dots, but extends into the interior of the glass shell. A characteristic of this scroll vase...
Art Glass, Blown Glass
Josef Hoffmann Franz Hofstoetter Glass Vase Loetz, circa 1900
By Josef Hoffmann, Franz Hofstotter, Loetz Glass
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 Company, J.L Lobmeyr
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
Sold
H 10.04 in Dm 2.96 in
Glass Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstatte Austrian Jugendstil circa 1919 Black
By Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Klosterneuburg, AT
Decorative Glass Wiener Werkstatte Austrian Jugendstil circa 1919 Black White Chug-glass with plate, Hilde Jesser (decoration) and Josef Hoffmann (form), Johann Oertel...
Glass
Sold
H 4.57 in Dm 3.15 in
Loetz Art Nouveau Vase Opal with Black Etched Decor, J. Hoffmann, Austria, 1912
By Josef Hoffmann, Loetz Glass
Located in Vienna, AT
Vase on a round stand, slightly bulging towards the top with a slightly flared, flat rim of the mouth, opal-colored glass underlay with black overlay, high-cut decor with bellflowers...
Glass
Art Deco Blue Glass Czech Perfume Bottle, 1930s
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Devon, England
A truly beautiful blue glass 1930s ladies perfume bottle decorated with moulded floral brackets as floral friezes in which also serve as feet the recessed box shape. Most likely this...
Glass
Josef Hoffman Glasses, Rare Deep Blue Colour, Secessionist, Austria, 1920's
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in London, Fitzrovia
Josef Hoffman secessionist glasses, rare deep blue color, Austria, 1920's, for Moser / Meyr's Neffe. 4 Available
Glass
Josef Hoffmann Five Goblets Trinkservicecm, 1920, Design J & L Lobmeyr
By Josef Hoffmann, J.L Lobmeyr
Located in Sofia, BG
Josef Hoffmann, five goblets from a drinking service, design: around 1920, design: J & L Lobmeyr, Vienna, in a Bohemian glass factory, consisting of: two...
Glass
Josef Hoffmann Designed Crystal Glass Vase
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Ferndale, MI
Josef Hoffmann designed crystal glass vase. Attributed to Moser. Measures: 6.75 diameter (opening) x 12 tall.
Glass
Josef Hoffmann "Patrician" Bowls, J. & L. Lobmeyr, circa 1930s
By Josef Hoffmann, J.L Lobmeyr
Located in New York, NY
Josef Hoffmann "Patrician" bowls made for the Viennese glassware company J. & L. Lobmeyr in the 1930's. They are set of four bowls made of muslin glass that were mouth blown into woo...
Blown Glass
Josef Hoffmann Weiner Werkstatte Lidded Bowl
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in New York, NY
Josef Hoffmann Weiner Werkstatte amber lidded bowl made by Ludwig Moser & Söhne.
Glass