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.
stool model Fledermaus Josef Hoffmann and Gustav Siegel J. & J. Kohn ca. 1908
By Josef Hoffmann, Jacob & Josef Kohn, Gustav Siegel
Located in Klosterneuburg, AT
stool, model Fledermaus, designed by Josef Hoffmann and Gustav Siegel, executed by J. & J. Kohn, ca. 1908 material and technique: beech, bent and stained; new upholstery (fabric: "A...
Fabric, Beech, Bentwood
J.&J. Kohn - Josef Hoffmann - Stool - Beech
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Budapest, HU
Crafted circa 1900 by the renowned J.&J. Kohn, this striking stool, designed by the visionary Josef Hoffmann, stands as a paragon of early modernist design from the Viennese Secessio...
Fabric, Beech
Original Josef Hoffmann Stool, Prag Rudniker Wicker-Fabrication
By Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Expertise Dr Gerti Draxler Dorotheum Wien, aus einer Sitzgruppe im Salon des Haus Biach, 1902-03, comparable to : Hocker Alexander Brauner, Hohe Warte 1904, Wiener Werkstaette Muster...
Wicker, Beech
$57,000 / set
H 29 in W 54 in D 28 in
Josef Hoffmann 'Buenos Aires' Suite by J&J Kohn, Austria, Early 20th Century
By Josef Hoffmann, Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Austin, TX
A wonderful Vienna Secessionist parlor suite by Josef Hoffman, manufactured before 1920 by J & J Kohn, Vienna, Austria. The suite comprised of a settee and pair of armchairs or club ...
Leather, Beech
Rare Thonet B 313 Stool by Josef Frank
By Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH, Josef Frank
Located in PRAHA 5, CZ
Designed for Haus & Garten, Vienna, c. 1928, manufactured by Thonet-Mundus AG. Dimensions: height 39 cm, 45 x 42 cm. Very good original condition, firm and stable. Some former woodwo...
Beech
$1,980
H 18.51 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Stool Model 616 / S, designed by Otto Wagner for Jacob & Josef Kohn
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Otto Wagner
Located in Vienna, AT
Beech bentwood or plywood designed about 1905 by Otto Wagner for Kohn. Original condition newer restored.
Beech, Plywood
$9,952Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 29.14 in W 15.75 in D 19.69 in
Wittmann - Josef Hoffmann - Fledermaus - Chair (6) - Beech
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Budapest, HU
This remarkable set of six **Fledermaus chairs**, designed by the visionary Austrian architect **Josef Hoffmann** in the early 1900s and masterfully crafted by **Wittmann**, represen...
Leather, Beech
$5,230
H 32.29 in W 46.46 in D 19.69 in
Fledermaus Bench By Josef Hoffmann No.406 For Jacob & Josef Kohn 1900s
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Čelinac, BA
Fledermaus Bench By Josef Hoffmann No 728 For Jacob & Josef Kohn Austria 1900s
Fabric, Wood
Adjustable Armchair by Josef Hoffmann for Jacob & Josef Kohn
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Very rare adjustable armchair with attributes of Josef Hoffmann executed by Jacob & Josef Kohn or Wienner Werkstatte. Professionally stained and repolished.
Bentwood
$42,670 / set
H 29.5 in W 22.75 in D 17.5 in
Josef Hoffmann 'Fledermaus' Chairs Model No.728, Set of Ten
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Dallas, TX
A scarce set of ten early first edition "Fledermaus" chairs designed by Josef Hoffmann for the Wiener Werkstatte and featured in the J. & J. Kohn catalogues as model no. 728. Hoffman...
Leather, Wood
$1,270
H 32.29 in W 21.26 in D 17.72 in
Fledermaus Chair No.406 By Josef Hoffmann For Jacob & Josef Kohn Austria 1900s
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Čelinac, BA
Fledermaus Chair No.728 By Josef Hoffmann For Jacob & Josef Kohn Austria 1900s
Fabric, Wood
$14,700
H 32.29 in W 46.46 in D 19.69 in
Set Of Fledermaus Seating Group By Josef Hoffmann for Jacob &Josef Kohn
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Čelinac, BA
Set of Fledermaus Bench,two armchair and table by Josef Hoffmann for Jacob & Josef Kohn.
Fabric, Wood
$10,043
H 39.38 in W 47.25 in D 19.69 in
Original Josef Hoffmann & J. & J. Kohn Bench Vienna Secession, 1901
By Woka Lamps, Jacob & Josef Kohn, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
A very rare and early bench, obviously the role model for the famous Barrel chair #720 which was presented four years later, in 1905.
Bentwood, Plywood
$2,625 / set
H 30.32 in W 24.41 in D 25.6 in
Vintage 1910s Josef Hoffmann Easy Lounge Chairs, Style of Gatsby
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
Two Elegant Josef Hoffmann Chairs made by Manufactor Jacob & Josef Kohn. Early 20th-Century Armchairs in Great Gatsby Style. Crafted around 1910 Jugendstil , these armchairs r...
Fabric, Beech
$15,000 / set
H 29.5 in W 46.5 in D 22.5 in
Josef Hoffmann Beech Wood Seating Group, Jugendstil Design, Circa 1903
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in New York, NY
This Austrian seating group was designed by Josef Hoffmann, the leading architect of the Viennese Secession movement of the early 20th century, and executed by the firm of Josef and Jacob Kohn, craftsmen of the Wiener Werkstaette collaborative group. The original good finish as been carefully restored and the three piece suite has been recently reupholstered in a reissued Josef Hoffmann fabric...
Beech
Josef Hoffmann Armchair: Viennese Secession Design, 1902
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Klosterneuburg, AT
This piece is a significant example of furniture designed by Josef Hoffmann, created as a variation of the furnishings for the apartment of Dr. Salzer. Its strict, architectural desi...
Softwood
$7,932
H 35.44 in W 50.01 in D 22.45 in
Refurbished Art Nouveau Settee No. 717 by Gustav Siegel for J.J. Kohn, 1899
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Gustav Siegel
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a stunning, rare settee Model No. 717 designed by Gustav Siegel in 1899 and produced by the renowned Viennese furniture manufacturer Jacob & Josef Kohn ...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann Chair for Jacob and Josef Kohn Furniture
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Josef Hoffmann Chair Model 725 circa 1903-1905. Rare variation with caned seat and back. Usually found with upholstered seat and back. Chair is sometimes said to be by Gustav Siegel ...
Cane, Beech
Vienna Secession Fledermaus stool by Josef Hoffmann for J &J Kohn
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Josef Hoffmann
Located in PRAHA 5, CZ
Rare stool from famous set of furniture designed by Josef Hoffmann for Viennese cabaret Fledermaus in 1905. Executed by J&J Kohn, Vienna under catalogue number 728/S. In original con...
Beech
Pair of Josef Hoffmann Attributed Stools
By Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Currently in renovation In the ‘beletage-katalog-herbstausstellung-2001’, Wolfgang Bauer has attributed these stools to Josef Hoffmann.
Oak
Bentwood Stool by Josef Hoffmann 1907 for Cabaret Fledermaus
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Bentwood stool by Josef Hoffmann 1907 for Cabaret Fledermaus Vienna. Professionally stained and repolished.
Bentwood
Sold
H 18.51 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Original and Documented Josef Hoffmann Stool, 1902 J&J Kohn, Early 20th Century
By Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
See image with the expertise by Dr. Gerti Draxler, Dorotheum Vienna, from the seating arrangement in the drawing room of the Biach House, 1902-1903, beechwood black stained, Backhaus...
Beech
Sold
H 18.51 in W 14.18 in D 14.18 in
Austrian Art Deco Stool Tabourette Lacquered Wood, Fully Restored
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Art Deco tabourette Completely restored Austrian stool made in the 1900s. New upholstery and fabric. Source: Czechia (Czechoslovakia) Period: 1930-1939.
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer
Antique Josef Hoffmann Thonet 811 Stools FMG, 1930s
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
Iconic design, Thonet stools / bar stools made by FMG and designed by Josef Hoffman. Also known as design 811. The stools are in good condition, 1 of the stools has some damage on ...
Bentwood
Stool J&J Kohn Nr.620, Josef Hoffmann
By Josef Hoffmann, J & J Kohn & Mundus
Located in Praha, CZ
Manufactured in Austria by the Jacob & Josef Kohn company since 1909. This amazing design was renowned by Josef Hoffmann in year 1907, using in the famous Viennese café Fledermaus...
Beech, Bentwood
Stool J & J Kohn Nr.620, Josef Hoffmann
By J & J Kohn & Mundus, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Praha, CZ
Manufactured in Austria by the Jacob & Josef Kohn company since 1909. This amazing design was renowned by Josef Hoffmann in year 1907, using in the famous Viennese café Fledermaus. J...
Beech, Bentwood
Rare Set of Four Bar Stools by Joseph Hoffmann
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An elegant and rare set of four bar stools by Joseph Hoffmann, the patina is nicer in person, over the year some repairs has been done , see the pictures, the brass plates for the fe...
Wood
Set of Four Thonet Fledermaus Cabaret Bar Stools by Josef Hoffman
By Josef Hoffmann, Thonet
Located in Peabody, MA
Set of four “Fledermaus” cabaret bar stools with genuine leather seats and stainless steel foot rests. Originally designed by Josef Hoffmann in the early 1900s for Vienna’s famed Fle...
Stainless Steel
Stool, Hocker J&J Kohn Nr.728, circa 1907, Josef Hoffmann
By J & J Kohn & Mundus, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Praha, CZ
Viennese secession stool Nr.728 was designed by Josef Hoffmann for company Jacob & Josef Kohn circa year 1905. In year 1907 was these furniture model used in the famous Viennese café Fledermaus...
Beech, Bentwood
Sold
H 19.25 in W 14 in D 14 in
Pair of Bentwood Stools by Josef Hoffmann 1907 for Cabaret Fledermaus, Vienna
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Pasadena, TX
Architect-designer Josef Hoffmann was born in 1870 in Prinitz, Moravia (now Brtnice, the Czech Republic). He studied architecture at the Senior State Commercial and Technical School in Brünn (now Brno, Czech Republic). After a year of practice in Würzburg, Germany, he moved to Vienna, the city where he would remain for the rest of his life. He enrolled in the Academy of Fine Arts there, and, between 1892 and 1895, studied under both Karl von Hasenauer and Otto Wagner. From 1896 to 1897, he worked in Wagner’s Vienna studio...
Leather, Bentwood
Pair of Stools Thonet Nr.728, circa 1914 by Josef Hoffmann
By Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Praha, CZ
Viennese Secession stools Nr.728 was designed by Josef Hoffmann for company Jacob&Josef Kohn around year 1905. In year 1907 was these furniture model used in the famous Viennese café...
Beech, Bentwood
Prague Bar Stool by Josef Frank & Josef Hoffmann for MFG, Thonet
By Thonet, Josef Hoffmann, Josef Frank
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bar stool designed by Josef Frank and Josef Hoffmann. They feature minimal bentwood sturdy frames in birch with cane seats and backs. Manufactured by MFG for Thonet. We have one lef...
Cane, Birch
Sold
H 12.21 in W 9.26 in D 15.75 in
Jugendstil Beech Thonet Shoe Stool by Josef Hoffmann, circa 1907, Vienna
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Jugenstil vintage stool from beech bentwood by Josef Hoffmann designed circa 1907 and executed by Gebr. Thonet Vienna. A fantastic stool for shoe lovers b...
Bentwood