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.
Original Josef Hoffmann Dressing Table from 1905 by Jacob & Josef Kohn
By Josef Hoffmann, Jacob & Josef Kohn, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
An extraordinary modern furniture from the best period of his works. He made trendsetting Industrial designs for the bentwood-industrie. This dressing-table is from the "Fledermaus" ...
Bentwood
Josef Hoffmann vanity table by J. & J. Kohn
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
This smal table made by J. & J. Kohn is designed by Josef Hoffmann. You can use this as a small desk or as a vanity table. The table is completely made out of wood and has a glas...
Glass, Wood
J&J Kohn — Vanity Mirror No. 1135 — Josef Hoffmann
By Josef Hoffmann, Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Budapest, HU
Josef Hoffmann Vanity Mirror No. 1135 for Jacob & Josef Kohn, circa 1905 — Documented Design A refined and rare example of early Viennese modernism, this vanity mirror No. 1135 ...
Mirror, Beech
$2,184
H 30 in W 35 in D 23.5 in
Gustav Siegel, for Jacob & Josef Kohn, a Vienna Secessionist Bentwood Table
By Gustav Siegel, J.&J. Khon 1
Located in London, GB
Gustav Siegel made by Jacob & Josef Kohn. A Vienna Secessionist bentwood side or centre table. Original paper label to the underside. Jacob & Josef Kohn, also known as J. & J. Kohn...
Bentwood
Original of the Time Josef Hoffmann Jacob&Josef Kohn Coffee Table
By Josef Hoffmann, Jacob & Josef Kohn, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
A petite coffee table by Josef Hoffmann from 1905 made by J&J Kohn in beechwood.
Beech
$2,383
H 29.14 in W 22.84 in D 17.72 in
Oval Table Nr.960/2 by Josef Hoffmann for J.J.Kohn €1.300, 00 Calculate Shipping
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Oval table nr.960/2 by Josef Hoffmann for J.J.Kohn. Professionally stained and repolished.
Beech
"Fledermaus" Coffee Table by Josef Hoffmann, Austria, ca. 1906
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Argelato, BO
Rare round beech wood table from the Vienna Secession, designed by the famous Austrian architect and designer Josef Hoffmann for the "Fledermaus" café in Vienna. FOR SHIPPING, REQUE...
Wood
Wittmann Satztische Nesting Tables by Josef Hoffmann
By Josef Hoffmann, Wittmann
Located in New York, NY
Josef Hoffmann designed this simple four-part nest of tables at the turn of the century. * Ash black stained.
Ash
Swedish Biedermeier Mahogany Dressing Table, circa 1820
Located in Kastrup, DK
Swedish biedermeier / late empire mahogany mirrored dressing table. Swing mirror supported by gilt fluted columns, lyre shaped pedestal on brass ball feet. Sweden, circa 1820.
Bronze
$15,500Sale Price|50% Off
H 37.5 in W 35 in D 22 in
English Mahogany Beau Brummell Gentleman Dressing Desk, Aristocratic Pedigree
By Maple & Co.
Located in Vero Beach, FL
English Mahogany Beau Brummell Gentleman dressing desk. Aristocratic Pedigree. Outstanding example of a rare mechanical piece of furniture of museum quality. The luxurious polished Mahogany desk is raised on four square tapered legs on brass casters. Beautiful proportions give it a regal appearance. This elaborate and ingenious construction is master crafted by the cabinet maker, Maple Company of London. A spring-loaded mechanism lifts the top to reveal a triptych beveled mirror and a spectacular display of a multitude of hallmarked Vermeil silver and cut crystal vanity suites by Charles and Richard Comyns. Every piece is fully hallmarked and engraved with the crown of a count and monogrammed. The desk has it’s original finish, pencil inlay and original brass hardware, like hinges and catches. This statement piece represents the modern concept of glamour and luxury. Maple and Company of London furnished Tsar Nicholas’s Winter Palace and the Hofburg Imperial Palace in Vienna among other Royal Houses. This dressing vanity desk from the turn of the century is from the estate of the American actor and Real Estate millionaire Percy Garnett Williams (1857-1923) Condition: Original antique surface...
Mahogany
Vanity Dressing Table w/ Mirror & Drawer
Located in San Francisco, CA
C. 19th century Vanity dressing table w/ mirror & drawer.
Glass, Wood
$9,500
H 29.5 in W 44.5 in D 25.75 in
Important Beau Brummell Regency Period Flame Mahogany Gentleman's Dressing Table
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and spectacular George III period (1760-1820) Beau Brummell gentleman's dressing table. There is no mistaking this remarkably distinctive table's complex design and superb quality, which is certain to attract attention, add interest, and become a conversational talking point wherever you place it. Metamorphic like, the multipurpose piece transforming from a library table or console - vanity - work table - writing desk) Refined elegant sophistication at its finest, born in late 18th / early 19th century at the height of the George III Regency period, also known as the golden age of classical English furniture design. Exquisitely hand-crafted of the finest mahogany, having a rectangular top with warm, rich, highly figured swirl - flame mahogany, contrasting satinwood string banding and intricate cross-banded inlays, covered with an optional later glass top, above a trio of drawers affixed with beautiful gilt brass lion pull hardware, the center drawer opening to reveal a divided interior fitted with numerous compartments, richly grained mahogany veneered lids, and a lovely Worcester porcelain desk set. Above the drawer a pull-out panel with inset green felt functions as both a writing - work surface extension and brushing slide. Flanking the main drawer, a pair of drawers slide-outward and open to reveal brass hinged large panel mirrors that can also be used to double the work surface, when lifted the mirrors can rotate and additional lidded storage compartments are revealed, including a pin cushion for sewing, horse hair bristle brush, and divided slots coin compartment. Having elegant clean lines, simple apron, highest-quality reinforced drawers to support the additional weight and allow them to fully extend, all rising on tapered square legs, terminating in patinated brass capped feet with casters. Dimensions: (approx) 29.5" High, 44.5" Wide, 25.75" Deep (table form) Provenance: From the Collection of Gloria Monnet Nicholson, Tulsa, Oklahoma Acquisition: Acquired from highly reputable auction house Heritage Auctions, Dallas, Texas. June 2022 Fine Furniture & Decorative Arts Signature Auction #8085 catalog. Who was Beau Brummell: George Bryan "Beau" Brummell (1778–1840) was an important figure in Regency England and, for many years, the arbiter...
Brass
French 1940s mirrored vanity
Located in Miami, FL
French Mirrored Vanity, Art Deco period. Beautiful patina.
Mirror, Wood
French Pear Wood Ladies Dressing Table. Circa 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
French two drawer pear wood ladies dressing table with fitted interior, pull out leather surface, original folding mirror, and terminating on cab...
$3,950
H 29.34 in W 23.04 in D 18.51 in
Vienna Secession Oval Side Table Model 960/2 designed by Josef Hoffmann, 1910s
By Josef Hoffmann, Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a very rare Viennese Secession Oval side table Model 960/2 designed by Josef Hoffmann and manufactured by J&J Kohn. Made in Austria in 1910s. The sc...
Beech
Sold
H 51.58 in W 24.02 in D 16.54 in
Josef Hoffmann, Toeletta in faggio modello 1134, prodotta da J&J Kohn, 1904
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Firenze, IT
Elegantissimo tavolo da toeletta n. 1134 di Josef Hoffmann per J&J Kohn è in eccellenti condizioni di restauro con una ricca tinta mogano scuro. Lo specchio sfaccettato originale agg...
Metal
Sold
H 54.73 in W 23.23 in D 17.33 in
Josef Hoffmann Fledermaus Vanity and Chair for J & J Kohn, Austria, 1905
By Josef Hoffmann, J & J Kohn & Mundus
Located in Milan, IT
Josef Hoffmann model 1134 Vanity and chair for J & J Kohn, Austria 1905 Chair from the Fledermaus series. Original mirror. pieces marked J&J ...
Mirror, Bentwood
Dressing Table J&J Kohn Nr.1134, since 1907, Josef Hoffmann
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Praha, CZ
Viennese Secession dressing table is attributed to Josef Hoffman (for example book Mobile Moderno by Giovanni Renzi). Manufactured in company ...
Bentwood