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.
Josef Hoffmann Weiner Werkstatte Austrian Jugendstil Brass Tray
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Providence, RI
This Austrian Jugendstil brass tray, attributed to Josef Hoffmann for the Wiener Werkstätte, captures the refined elegance of early 20th-century design. Dating to around 1915, the tr...
Brass
Antique 800 Silver Dresden Germany Hair Curling Iron
Located in Bernardsville, NJ
Material: 800 silver Weight: 378 grams Tray dimension: 7.75 x 3 3/8 inches Curling iron dimension: 8.75 x 1.75 inches Marked - Scharffenberg Dresden 800 Unique curling iron set dat...
Silver
Russian Silver Plate Samovar with Tray Set
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
- The set is made out of silver plate with celluloid/ bone details - The samovar features floral & geometric motifs - The tray stamped with makers marks that are a little worn off (З...
Silver Plate
Large Silver Plate Charger or Tray by Richard Meier for Swid Powell
By Swid Powell
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine large silver plated charger or tray. Designed by Richard Meier for Swid Powell. Model no. 417. Together with its original box. Swid Pow...
Silver Plate
$2,250
H 2 in Dm 22.5 in
Very Large Antique Victorian Period Sheffield Silver Plate Salver or Round Tray
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very large, Victorian period Sheffield silver plate salver. With a gadrooned piecrust rim, richly engraved center, and ornate bracket...
Sheffield Plate, Silver Plate
$1,250
H 0.5 in W 6.5 in L 17 in
Postmodern Rectangular Silver Plate Bar Tray by Richard Meier for Swid Powell
By Swid Powell
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A postmodern silver-plated rectangular tray. Designed by Richard Meier for Swid Powell. Model no. 3416. Together with its original box. Swid Powell was the highly acclaimed New Y...
Silver Plate
A Rectangular Fabergé Cut Glass & Silver Tray
By Fabergé
Located in London, GB
A rectangular Fabergé cut glass & silver tray, silver circular laurel wreath and bow handles, fluted silver rim with a cross relief on either side, cut glass tray...
Silver
Puiforcat Art Deco Style Rosewood & Silver Plate Tray
By Puiforcat
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
Crafted from rosewood and mounted with silver plated handles, this tray was made by Puiforcat in France during the later part of the 20th century. The tray is a reissue by Puiforcat ...
Silver Plate
$2,950
H 1.13 in W 14.5 in D 11.63 in
Antique German Renaissance Revival Solid 800 Silver Repousse Tray or Charger
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Renaissance Revival German silver tray or charger. In .800 silver. Decorated with a repoussé battle scene. Soldiers are depicted ba...
Silver
$2,100
H 3.25 in W 21 in L 31.25 in
32" Antique Early 19th Century, George III Old Sheffield Silverplate Tray
Located in Bernardsville, NJ
Up for your consideration is this very large and extremely fine early 19th century Old Sheffield shaped oblong handled tea tray. The tray features a deep set, and heavily ornate sc...
Sheffield Plate
1850 Antique Imperial Russian Cup 84 Silver / 134 gr
Located in SE
Handsome antique Russian Empire 84 Silver hand-made Cup with thick and firm walls. Continuous delicate floral decor, both hammered and engraved. Hallmarks on the bottom part indicat...
Silver
$3,500
Two Silver Trays
Located in Tel Aviv, IL
Two Silver Trays Couple silver trays with a scene of little boys in a vineyard. From the 18th century, in Nuremberg, Germany. Total weight: 705 grams
Silver
Silver Plate Skyscraper Plate or Tray by Richard Meier for Swid Powell
By Swid Powell
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine silver plated plate or tray. Designed by Richard Meier for Swid Powell. Swid Powell was the highly acclaimed New York City based tableware company founded by Nan Swid...
Silver Plate
Sold
W 1.58 in L 2.13 in
JOSEF HOFFMANN 1911-2011 Art Nouveau Bell Flowers Brooch In Sterling & Gemstones
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Miami, FL
A Bell-Flowers brooch designed by Josef Hoffmann (1870-1956). This is an exceptional Bell-flowers brooch, originally designed in Vienna Austria by Josef Hoffman, back in 1911. The iconic brooch has been masterfully crafted in the art & crafts style in solid .925 sterling silver with 24 karats gold gilt. Mounted with ten natural precious gemstones, such; vivid red corals, green chrysoprase, agates and jades. The brooch is fitted at the reverse with a hinged pin bar and a mechanical twisted lock. Josef Hoffmann He was one of the premier Viennese proponents of the Gesamtkunstwerk, or "total work of art." A gifted and prolific designer of architecture, furniture, utensils, clothing, book bindings, posters, textiles, and wallpaper, Hoffmann was convinced of the social and spiritual benefits of harmonious living environments designed by a single creative mind. Hoffmann was greatly influenced by John Ruskin, William Morris, Charles Robert Ashbee, and Otto Wagner, all of whom were dedicated to elevating the status of craft to that of fine art, and Hoffmann incorporated their teachings into the curriculum at the Kunstgewerbeschule (School for Arts and Crafts), where he was appointed professor at the age of twenty-nine. Hoffmann founded the Wiener Werkstätte in 1903 with fellow Vienna Secession member Koloman Moser. The Weiner Werkstätte aimed both to revive high standards of craftsmanship and to interest the broad public in cultivated and original design. Around 1900 Hoffmann developed his geometrically refined signature style, elegant and perfectly unified, that he incorporated in designs for silver, furniture, carpets, linens, and lamps in addition to architectural details. His aptitude for creating beautiful and timeless forms ensured that he enjoyed a career in building design and decoration, both in Europe and the United States, that lasted well into the 1950s. Country: Vienna, Austria. Period: Art & Craft, Art Nouveau, 1910-2011. Editorial: First edition, Neue Galerie Exclusive, New York. Gemstones: Mount in bezel settings, with 10 mixed cabochons cut of vivid red corals, green chrysoprase, agates and green jades. Weight: 20.2 Grams, (12.95 Dwt). Measurements: 54mm by 40mm (2.13 x 1.58 Inches). Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark monogram associated to Josef Hoffmann, the mark for the assay and warranty of the .925/.999 silver, the mark of the editorial house First Edition, the date and edition and signed as follows, "FE JH .925 02/2011". Collateral: This Josef Hoffmann brooch...
Jade, Agate, Chrysophrase, Coral, Gold, Sterling Silver, Silver