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.
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
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
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
Antique Silver Centerpiece
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Silver Centerpiece By Josef Hoffmann for Wiener Werkstätte (signed) Austria, Circa 1910 Sterling Silver 6 ¼”D x 3 ¾"H
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 Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
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
$20,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 13 in W 21.26 in D 17.72 in
Silver 800 Cutlery Set for 12 People, Düsseldorf, Germany, Late 19th Century
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Silver 800 cutlery set for 12 people. Düsseldorf, Germany, late 19th century. Jugendstil period. Complete for 12 people. A total of 164 pieces: 12 ...
Sterling Silver
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 CZEC...
Glass
Large German Silver Figural Centerpiece, circa 1880
Located in New York, NY
With two large coupes on scroll legs. Surmounted by a winged victory holding a laurel wreath and a cornucopia.
Silver
$13,394
H 49.22 in Dm 13.78 in
Josef Hoffmann and Wiener Werkstätte Vienna Secessonist Flower Stand, 1910s
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Praha, CZ
- Design: Josef Hoffmann - Maker: Wiener Werkstätte - A typical work from the early period - Measures: Diameter of bowl 17 cm - A typical work from the early period of the Wiener...
Iron
$373Sale Price / item|30% Off
H 6.3 in W 6.3 in D 3.94 in
Antique Silver Pedestal Bowl Ornate Openwork Centerpiece, Vintage Footed Dish
Located in Wembley, GB
Antique Silver Pedestal Bowl with Pierced Openwork, Decorative Table Centrepiece Elevate your interior with this exceptional antique silver pedestal bowl, a beautifully crafted decorative object distinguished by its ornate pierced openwork body, scalloped rim, and elegant footed base. Designed to balance refinement and functionality, this timeless piece makes a striking table centrepiece, equally suited for serving fruit or sweets or displayed as a standalone decorative silver accent. Please note: the price is for one bowl. Available to purchase individually or as a matching pair, ideal for symmetrical styling or coordinated table displays. Design & Decorative Appeal This antique silver bowl features an intricate openwork pierced design with flowing floral and scroll motifs, allowing light to pass through the surface and enhancing its sculptural presence. The gently scalloped edge adds softness and classical elegance, while the raised pedestal foot provides stability and visual lift, making it ideal for layered tabletop styling. Its proportions and decorative detailing make it a versatile object for: Dining tables and sideboards Mantelpieces and console tables Formal entertaining and serving Interior styling and curated displays Whether styled alone or as a pair, this bowl introduces heritage charm and refined sophistication to both traditional and contemporary interiors. Craftsmanship & Material Crafted in silver (silver-plated or silver alloy, consistent with period decorative silverware), this piece reflects traditional silversmithing techniques, with careful attention to piercing, balance, and symmetry. The openwork pattern demonstrates skilled hand-finishing, while the sturdy footed base ensures durability and elegance. The surface displays a soft, authentic patina, consistent with age, enhancing its antique character without detracting from its visual appeal. Styling & Use This antique pedestal bowl...
Silver, Sterling Silver
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
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, 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
$1,511Sale Price|30% Off
H 14.18 in Dm 7.88 in
Antique Silver Vase, Art Nouveau Green Glass Vase with Silver Overlay, Early 20C
Located in Wembley, GB
Art Nouveau Green Glass Vase with Silver Overlay, Early 20th Century An exceptional Art Nouveau decorative vase, featuring a luminous green art glass body encased in an exquisitely ...
Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
$3,727
H 9.84 in W 12.59 in D 9.84 in
Viennese Silver Centerpiece Bowl with Handle by Jarosinski & Vaugoin, circa 1925
By Jarosinski & Vaugoin
Located in Vienna, AT
Oval shaped massive silver bowl with movable bow handle. The plan is radially driven, merging into a wave-shaped edge lined with volutes, accentuated by cartouches and flower panicl...
Silver
$1,281
H 8.86 in W 5.32 in D 5.32 in
"Skyscraper Vase" by Josef Hoffmann, Bieffeplast Production, Wiener Werkstätt
By Bieffeplast, Josef Hoffmann
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 A “Flower Basket”, Wiener Werkstätte, 1906
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Brussels, BE
Josef Hoffmann A “Flower Basket”, Wiener Werkstätte, 1906
Sterling Silver
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstätte Silver Bowl, Jugendstil, 1920
By Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Solid silver, chased and hammered, excellent craftsmanship, signes of age and use, marked twice with 0900, weight 164,3g, originally manufactured at the historical Wiener Werkstätte,...
Silver
Sold
H 4.41 in W 0.91 in D 0.6 in
Set of 8 Sterling Silver Spoons, Attributed to Josef Hoffmann, Vienna ca. 1910
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
A set of 8 Vienna Secessionist teaspoons / coffee spoons made of sterling silver,. Style and Design shows close vicinity to Josef Hoffmann, and the Wiener Werkstatte Workshop. Vienna...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 0.52 in W 4.53 in D 1.07 in
Five-Piece Set of .925 Silver Tea Spoons by Josef Hoffmann for Pott, circa 1955
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
The set of spoons are one of the latest works by Josef Hoffmann who worked until his death in 1956. Each manufactured in 925er Sterling silver with a semiprecious stone at the end...
Multi-gemstone, Sterling Silver
Sold
H 0.52 in W 5.91 in D 0.67 in
Six-Piece Set of .925 Silver Dessert Forks by Josef Hoffmann for Pott, ca. 1955
By C. Hugo Pott 1, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
6 piece set of .925 Silver dessert forks by Josef Hoffmann for Hugo Pott, circa 1955. The set of dessert forks are one of the latest works by Josef Hoffma...
Multi-gemstone, Sterling Silver
Sold
H 1 in W 1 in L 1 in
Pott 86 by Josef Hoffmann Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 85pcs Rare Modern
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Big Bend, WI
Josef Hoffmann Exceedingly rare Mid-Century Modern 85 piece set of sterling silver flatware designed by Josef Hoffmann (Germany) in the innovative “Pott 86” pattern. This superb set...
Sterling Silver