In Vienna’s Neubau district, a beautiful Biedermeier townhouse has been home to the Werkstätte Carl Auböck for more than 100 years. Inside the workshop, where production continues to this day, countless objects line the shelves, walls, tabletops and desktops.
The Viennese artist and designer Carl Auböck II was one of the quirkiest and most delightful and collectible of modern designers. A rather odd duck in the world of decorative arts, he was a peculiar talent whose specialties included smaller desk accessories and tabletop pieces such as corkscrews, paperweights, letter openers, bookends and bottle stoppers. He rendered these pieces in a combination of metal — most often brass — and such elemental materials as leather, knobby wood and animal horn, creating forms that could be almost Surrealist, from hands and feet to keys, birds and amoebae.
As a boy, Auböck was precocious and artistic. He studied drawing and at the same time trained in the workshop of his father, Karl Heinrich Auböck, a popular maker of traditional bronze figurines and collectibles. In 1919, Carl II went to Germany to study at the Bauhaus, where he was a pupil of the progressive artist and theorist Johannes Itten. While the Bauhaus is most associated with the rigidly ordered, functionalist architecture of its directors Walter Gropius and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, the school was in reality a liberal, spirited place — a crucible for imaginative, playful and avant-garde art and design. It was this spirit that imbued Carl II’s work from the time he left in 1921.
In 1922 or ’23, Carl Auböck II returned to Vienna to help care for his ailing father, and he took over the business. He created the Werkstätte Carl Auböck and a legacy that earned his objects cult status among collectors. The business was passed on to his descendants, who run the atelier that is still in operation today. Today, objects designed by Carl II make up 90 percent of Werkstätte Carl Auböck’s production, joined by the creations of architect and designer Carl IV, his grandson.
Vintage Auböck designs have a special character, a patina that only emphasizes how much the pieces have been loved and used. Carl Aubock II’s small furniture items — leather- or caned-sling magazine racks; free-edge wooden side tables with tubular bronze legs; wicker serving trolleys with turned beechwood wheels — are elegant and purposeful. His bijoux desktop objects, library tools, ashtrays and barware pieces evince a kind of mirthful practicality. They seem to ask: “If you need a corkscrew, or a paperweight, or a candlestick, why not make it fun as well as functional?” And indeed, why not?
Find a collection of vintage Werkstätte Carl Auböck mirrors, seating, tables, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Patinated Brass Aorta Vase by Carl Auböck
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Utrecht, NL
Large 'Aorta' vase by Carl Auböck in patinated brass. This aorta-shaped vase has a rough appearance that is accentuated by shiny brass openings. Designed by Carl Auböck II in 1949. ...
Brass
Pair Carl Auböck Minimalist Mid-Century Brass Bookends #3847, Vienna, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A pair of minimalist sculptural book ends in the organic shape. Model „T“ number 3847, handmade of solid patinated and partly polished brass. Designed by Werkstätte Carl Auböck in th...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Tree Trunk Coffee Table by Carl Auböck
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid-Century Modern vintage walnut tree trunk table attributed to Viennese Designer Carl Auböck. A wonderful sofa table with a solid walnut tree trunk top which spreads a harmonic or...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Brass Bookends by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Classis pair of Carl Auböck bookend in a patina and polish brass mix.
Brass
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3653 Brass Bookends
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck model #3653 brass bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated and polished brass. Each pi...
Brass
Carl Aubock Horn Letter Opener, Paper Knife, Vienna, Austria, 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A decorative and rare minimalist Mid-Century letter opener from the 1960s, designed and handcrafted by the Werkstätte Carl Auböck workshop in Vienna. Handmade from a single piece of ...
Horn
Carl Auböck II Teapot, model 3879 Austria 1950's
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Chicago, IL
Carl Auböck II Teapot, model 3879 Austria 1950's Handcrafted in Austria during the 1950s for Werkstätte Carl Auböck. This exquisite piece combines form and function, showcasing a uni...
Copper
Carl Aubock II Rare Brass & Leather Table Desk Lamp #4280, Vienna, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful and rare sculptural minimalist mid century modern table or desk lamp, model no. 4280. Designed and manufactured by Carl Auböck II in 1949. This lamp is made of brass and ...
Brass
Original Auböck Egg Cup Made from Nutwood and Brass
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
For sale is a unique piece of Art Deco design. The egg cup consists of beautiful warm nutwood and nickel-plated brass. They were hand crafted in the renowned Austrian workshops of Ba...
Brass, Nickel
$430 / item
Carl Auböck Model #3844 Polished Brass Bowl
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck model #3844 polished brass bowl. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural Viennese bowl or catch-all is executed in polished brass. Originally conc...
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #3854 'Atom 2' Brass Vase, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #3854 'Atom 2' brass vase, Austria Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural Viennese vase is executed in darkly patinated brass by Werkstätte...
Brass
Carl Auböck #6086-1 Paperweight or Paperknife, Austria 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Brass paperknife by Carl Auböck.
Brass
Large Carl Aubock Tree Table
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
Solid walnut tabletop on three brass legs with rubber shoes. Dimensions: 123 x 63 x 46 cm (48 x 25 x 14.18in).
Brass
Carl Auböck Brass Bookends, Mid-Century Modern, Austrian Design, 2000s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Classic pair of Carl Auböck bookends in polished brass.
Brass
$2,160Sale Price|20% Off
Carl Aubock Long Side Table, Flower Bench, Rattan, Wicker, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful rectangular Mid-Century side table / bench from the 1950s. This authentic vintage minimalistic piece was designed by Carl Auböck from Vienna and was crafted by Werkstätte...
Metal, Steel, Iron
Carl Auböck Model #3881 Bamboo and Brass X-Lamp Floor Lamp
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #3881 Bamboo and Brass X-Lamp Floor Lamp Designed in 1950, the versatile 'X-lamp' is an iconic midcentury Austrian lighting design. Executed in bamboo and brass wi...
Brass
Leather Desk Blotter by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria, 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Large desk blotter by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, made of thick natural leather with stitched edge and solid metal corner fittings. The rectangular writing pad shows a beautifully ag...
Metal
$840Sale Price|40% Off
Carl Aubock Midcentury Black Cast Iron Bowl or Ashtray, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful modernist metal bowl or ashtray, made of grey or black cast iron from the 1950s. Designed and manufactured by Carl Aubock in Austria. ...
Iron
Pair of Polished Horn Bowls by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of two shallow oval bowls hand-carved from natural horn, one in light translucent tones and the other in darker brown-black coloration. The organic form follows the natural cur...
Horn
Rare Carl Auböck Brass Standing Floor Ashtray, Smoking Stand, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful vintage and authentic minimalist standing ashtray / smoking stand from the 1950s, designed and crafted by Werkstätte Carl Auböck in Vienna, Austria. This sculptural piece...
Brass
Carl Aubock 1950s Butler Brass Ashtray for Illums Bolighus, Denmark
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Illums Bolighus
Located in Malmö, SE
A brass and walnut mid-century lidded ashtray with amazing original patina. Designed by Carl Auböck, Austria in the 1950s. Sold at 'Illums Bolighus' in Copenhagen, Denmark. Great ...
Brass
Carl Auböck Four Rare Midcentury Rattan Couch Tables, 1980s, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Beautiful and rare rattan top coffee or side tables, manufactured by Carl Auböck Werkstätte in the 1980s, Vienna. The frames are made of black lacquered steel with woven rattan top. ...
Metal
Carl Auböck: 3 large brass hooks Mod. 4965
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
Carl Auböck Brass Hooks, Model Number 4956. Three iconic, minimalist hooks made of solid brass. Produced in the 1950s by the Carl Auböck workshop in Austria. Heavy, polished solid...
Brass
$474Sale Price|40% Off
Carl Aubock Big Brass Key Cork Screw, Bottle Opener, Paperweight, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A Midcentury combination corkscrew, bottle opener, and paperweight dating from the 1950s. Shaped like a large key, it was designed by Carl Auböck and crafted by his workshop in Vienn...
Brass
Carl Auböck Pair of #3651 Bookends, Patinated Brass, Austria, 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck Pair of #3651 Bookends, Austria 2022.
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Brass Bookends by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck pair of bookends, Austria 1960s.
Brass
$7,600Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Carl Auböck Coat Rack With Hat Rack, Wardrobe, Brass, Walnut & Beech, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
An elegant modernist wall-mounted coat rack from the 1950s. An original and old vintage object, designed and executed by the Austrian architect and designer Carl Auböck. This is a un...
Brass
1950s Carl Auböck Stamped Austrian Leather & Brass Loop Handle Wastepaper Basket
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in St. Louis, MO
An exceptional, rare, and highly collectible Mid-Century Modern wastepaper basket, designed by the master of Austrian "tactile modernism," Carl Auböck II (1900–1957), and hand-crafted at the prestigious Werkstätte Carl Auböck in Vienna, Austria, circa 1950s. Officially designated as Model No. 4202 in the archival Auböck workshop records, this exquisite piece features a beautifully tapered cylindrical form—measuring 7.88 inches in diameter at the top and elegantly narrowing to 5.88 inches at the bottom—meticulously hand-wrapped in a rare white/cream-toned thick double-cowhide leather. The basket features structural vertical seams bound by contrasting, robust black hand-stitching that beautifully frames the piece. Serving as the design's signature focal point is a heavy, organically sculpted teardrop-shaped cast brass/bronze loop handle mounted to the front via a leather loop sleeve. The interior reveals a rich, warm natural cognac leather lining. Distinguishing itself entirely from common modern replicas and unauthorized reproductions, this rare vintage original features the definitive workshop hallmarks. Besides the proper dimensions, the bronze handle is crisply hand-stamped "Auböck" alongside the official "Made in Austria" origin mark, providing ironclad provenance for the serious collector. A quintessential example of the Bauhaus and Wiener Werkstätte traditions that defined the Auböck workshop, this functional objet d'art showcases an incredible, authentic original patina. Offered in very good vintage condition with age-appropriate light wear and minor scuffing to the white leather exterior, this investment-grade desk accessory is a magnificent addition for discerning collectors of fine mid-century Austrian design. Carl Aubock leather bin, Werkstatte Carl Aubock basket, Austrian mid century desk accessory, Vienna modern brass handle, Bauhaus waste basket leather, Illums Bolighus Aubock, Tactile modernism object, Luxury leather paper bin, 1950s Vienna office decor, Rare white leather basket.
Bronze
Carl Auböck #4273-2 Paperweight "Foot", Austria 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #4273-2 Paperweight "Foot", Austria 2022.
Brass
9x Carl Auböck Model #4056 Brass wall hooks 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Wien, Au
9x Carl Auböck Model #4056 Brass wall hooks 1950s Original condition
Brass
$232Sale Price / item|20% Off
Carl Auböck Up to Three Midcentury Polished Brass Card Holder, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
*Actually up to three pieces available* A beautiful card stand, made of polished brass, designed and executed in the 1950s by Carl Auböck, Austria. To be used for business cards, fol...
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #4272-2 'Rooster' Brass Bell
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck model #4272-2 'Rooster' brass bell. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural bell is executed in polished brass. The brass is unlacquered and will develop a patina over time. Shine can be restored with brass polish if desired. A handcrafted piece, the brass rooster bell...
Brass
Carl Auböck Mid-Century Humidor, Brass & Leather, Austria, 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Humidor by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Cylindrical leather-wrapped body with hand-stitched detail and a solid brass lid. Metal-lined interior with removable insert. Beautiful patina and ...
Brass, Aluminum
Carl Aubock Modernist Walnut Leather Candlestick Candle Holder, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A rare midcentury candleholder from the 1950s by Carl Auböck. It is completely handmade and has a cylindrical top, made of walnut with a brass interior on leather covered stem and a ...
Metal, Brass, Iron
Carl Auböck Straw Holder & Corkscrew, Walnut & Brass, Mid-Century Austria, 1950
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful, minimalistic Mid-Century Modern wooden straw holder with an integrated corkscrew bottle opener, designed and executed by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Vienna, Austria, in the ...
Metal, Brass
Carl Auböck Midcentury Elephant Handmade Brass Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist elephant keyring / keyholder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte A...
Brass
Carl Auböck II. Large Tree Trunk Coffee Table, Austria 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Wien, AT
Large Tree Trunk Table designed by Carl Auböck II, manufactured by his workshop in Vienna. The tabletop is made of solid walnut wood on three brass legs with black rubber caps. Iconi...
Brass
$400 / item
Carl Auböck Model #4994 Polished Brass Hook
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4994 polished brass hook. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria. ...
Brass
$2,250 / item
Carl Auböck Vice Versa Polished Brass Table Lamp
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Vice Versa Polished Brass Table Lamp Designed in 1950, these versatile and Minimalist Viennese lamps are executed in brass with reversib...
Brass
Brass Dish / Ashtray by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Small oval dish in solid brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck. The sculptural, asymmetrical form with one raised lip is characteristic of Auböck workshop design, combining functional us...
Brass
Carl Auböck Handcrafted Midcentury Hand Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist Hand keyring / keyholder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Fully stamped and ma...
Brass
$25,000 / set
Collection of Vintage Carl Aubock Pieces
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A collection of rare Carl Aubock vintage pieces. Total of twelve comprising of bowls, bookends, pitcher, most are signed.
Brass
Signed Carl Auböck Midcentury Brass Foot Paperweight Handmade Sculpture
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist paperweight in the shape of a foot, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Fully stamped and m...
Brass
Carl Aubock II Vase Decanter with Brown Leather Top, Midcentury, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful minimalist Mid-Century Modern vase or decanter, "Tuberkulinkolben" designed and executed by Carl Auböck II in the 1950s. This piece is made of handblown clear glass and f...
Leather, Glass
Carl Auböck Mid-Century Modern Floor Mirror #4959, Brass & Walnut
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Floor mirror #4959 by Carl Auböck in brass and walnut.
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Carl Auböck Folding Brass and Horn Letter Opener
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
An exceptional and rare mid-century modern letter opener designed and executed by the renowned Werkstätte Carl Auböck in Vienna, Austria, circa 1950. This exquisite desk accessory fe...
Metal, Brass
1950s Carl Auböck Chain Paperweight Austria Vintage Midcentury Desk Sculpture
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Sought after early chain paperweight, gold plated steel by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria, circa 1950s. Heavily worn, showing a wonderful patina and...
Steel
Carl Auböck Midcentury Raffia Umbrella Stand, Wastepaper Basket, 1950s, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Very rare simple and elegant midcentury umbrella stand or wastepaper basket designed by Carl Auböck II and manufactured by Werkstätten Auböck in the 1950s, Austria. It's made of raff...
Brass
1950s Carl Auböck Charcuterie Picnic Board & Knife Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Carl Auböck Picnic Charcuterie Board and Knife Set from Austria stamped by maker Single walnut wood board and knife- three sets are available- Wood .75 thick x 7.75 w x 6.38 d, knife...
Stainless Steel
Signed Carl Auböck Midcentury Brass Foot Paperweight Handmade Sculpture
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist paperweight in the shape of a foot, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Fully stamped and m...
Brass
$1,360 / item
Carl Auböck Model #4629 'Stufenuhr' Brass Wall Clock
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4629 'Stufenuhr' Brass Wall Clock Originally designed in the late 1960s by Carl Auböck III, this incredibly refined and sculptural Viennese wall clock is executed...
Brass
Two Carl Aubock Mid-Century Horn Desk Pen & Pencil Holder Cups, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
Up to two decorative handmade desk pen and pencil holders from the 1950s. Large models, designed and manufactured by Werkstätte Carl Aubock, wo...
Horn
$330 / item
Carl Auböck Model #4828 Cane and Steel Knife
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4828 cane and steel knife. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural knife is executed in polished steel and handwoven cane. Price is per it...
Steel
Carl Auböck Model #4995 Polished Brass Wall Hook
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4995 Polished Brass Wall Hook. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austri...
Brass
$430 / item
Carl Auböck Model #4995 Wall Hook in Nickel
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4995 Wall Hook in Nickel Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in softly brushed nickel by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austri...
Nickel
Carl Aubock Vase Decanter "Tuberkulinkolben" Raffia Wicker Top, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful minimal modernist vase or decanter „Tuberkulinkolben", model no. 4748, designed and executed by Carl Aubock II in the 1950s. Made of handblown clear glass with nice wicke...
Glass
Carl Auböck Monumental Lifesize Brass Foot Sculpture, Werkstätte Auböck, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
We are offering this impressive 13“ long and 8“high brass foot sculpture, designed and manufactured by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Vienna, Austria. This charming and attention-grabbing ...
Brass
Carl Aubock original rare 1st edition Topsy Turvy, Vice Versa floor lamp
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in London, GB
A rare first edition Carl Aubock Vice Versa Topsy Turvy floor lamp. Slight distortion to the shade ring. Cast iron cone base. Shade bespoke repl...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Brass and Oak Side Table by Werkstätte Auböck
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Modern Brass and Oak Side Table by Werkstätte Auböck Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural table is executed in beautifully grained oak and polis...
Brass
Carl Auböck Mid-Century Coat Rack Beech Wardrobe with 7 Brass Hooks, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
An elegant modernist wall-mounted coat rack from the 1950s. An original and old vintage object, designed and executed by the Austrian architect and designer Carl Auböck. The frame is...
Brass