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.
Vintage Auböck String Bottle Holder
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
Heavy and solid sculptural looping wire bottle holder by Carl Aubock II. In excellent shape, surface shows fine patina, according to age. The rattan grip wrapping still fully intact....
Brass
Moustache grooming Set in original Wooden Box by Werkstätte Carl Auböck
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Vintage moustache grooming set in original wooden box labeled “Brosse à Moustache.” Includes a small horn comb and matching brush with natural bristles and horn handle. Light wear co...
Horn, Wood
Austrian Midcentury Walnut Candleholder by Carl Auböck
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
This charming Austrian Midcentury Modern candleholder was designed and crafted by Carl Auböck for Werkstätte Carl Auböck in Vienna Austria, Mod. No 4661. It features a ball-shaped de...
Walnut
Brass bowl in form of a maple leaf by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck Bowl, Austria 1960s.
Brass
$1,590 / item
Carl Auböck Model #4118 Polished Brass Watering Can
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4118 Polished Brass Watering Can Designed in the 1940s, this incredibly clean and refined Viennese watering can is executed in polished brass by Werkstätte Carl A...
Brass
Complete Aubock Egg Holder Set, Designed in the Early 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A set of 2 egg cups, on a bechwood holder, a very characteristic design by the Auböck workshop, Vienna, Austria. Original production from the 1950‘s. Excellent condition. The 2 massive brass rings with beautiful patina but can be polished. Measure: Height of one egg...
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #4630 Large Brass Bookends
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck model #4630 large brass bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of minimalist bookends are executed in polished brass. The A...
Brass
Rare Mid-Century Modern Candlestick No 3433 by Carl Auböck Austria 1937
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Munich, DE
A real collectors item. Extremely rare and lovely Mid-Century Modern candlestick. Model No 3433. Designed by Carl Auböck for Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Vienna, Austria, 1937. Executed...
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #3310-4 'Flat' Brass and Leather Table Bell
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #3310 Large Brass Bell with Leather Handle Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly functional and sculptural bell is executed in polished brass with a rich brown le...
Brass
Carl Auböck #7239-1 Candlestick with Hornscreen, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Unusual large horn shade on this classic Carl Auböck candle holder in polished solid brass.
Brass
Set of Three Combs and a Jar by Carl Auböck, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of three combs and a horn jar by Carl Auböck, New. The measurements given apply to the jar.
Horn
$820 / item
Carl Auböck Model #3853 Brass Vase
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #3853 Brass Vase Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural Viennese vase is executed in darkly patinated and polished brass by Werkstätte Carl ...
Brass
Standing Sculpture by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Patinated Brass, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #4069 Sculpture "Standing", Austria.
Brass
Rare Mid-Century Leather, Oak Wood and Aluminum Cigarette Box by Carl Auböck
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
This beautiful vintage box, realized by renowned Austrian designer Carl Auböck, is a rare Mid-Century piece. The combination of the employed materials and techniques - oak wood, anod...
Aluminum
Carl Auböck Model #3786 'Alert' Patinated Brass Vase
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #3786 'Alert' Patinated Brass Vase Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural 3-hole vase features the iconic Auböck patination with a polished ...
Brass
$640 / item
Carl Auböck Model #3514 Brass Bowl
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck model #3514 brass bowl. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural Viennese bowl is executed in polished brass. Originally conceived as an ashtray an...
Brass
Carl Aubock Patinated Brass Architect Sculpture #4061
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Chalk Hill, PA
Carl Aubock patinated brass "Architect" sculpture #4061. Produced by Carl Auböck IV in the original Auböck workshop in Vienna, Austria using the same standards, high-quality material...
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #4366 'Bird' Brass Sculpture
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck model #4366 'Bird' brass sculpture. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural figure is executed in polished and patinated brass. Price is per item...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Wooden Bowl by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck Wooden Bowl, Austria 1960s, there is a second one available in another listing.
Brass
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3530 'Flatiron' Patinated Brass and Cane Bookends
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3530 'Flatiron' Patinated Brass and Cane Bookends Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated...
Brass
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4843 Patinated Brass Bookends
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4843 Patinated Brass Bookends Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated brass. Price is ...
Brass
Rare Mid-Century Modern Teak Cork & Brass Box by Carl Auböck Austria 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Munich, DE
Extremely rare and elegant Mid-Century Modern cigar or cigarette box by Carl Auböck, Vienna, Austria, 1950s. Executed in teak wood, cork and polished brass. Dimensions: W 5.12 in....
Brass
Carl Auböck #3632 Watering Can in Patinated Brass and Cane
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck #3632 watering can in patinated brass and cane. Designed in the 1940s, this incredibly clean and refined Viennese watering can is executed in handwoven cane, polished a...
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #4057 'Athlete' Brass Sculpture
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck model #4057 'Athlete' brass sculpture. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural figure is executed in polished and patinated brass. Price is per ...
Brass
Figurative Sculpture 'Walking' by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Brass
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #4058 sculpture "Walking", Austria.
Brass
$600 / item
Carl Auböck Model #4208 Patinated Brass Bowl
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4208 patinated brass bowl. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural Viennese bowl is executed in polished and darkly patinated brass. Origin...
Brass
Exceptional, Elegant and Heavy Brass Letter Opener by Carl Auböck, Vienna, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Munich, DE
Unique Mid-Century Modern letter opener. Designed and manufactured by Carl Auböck in Vienna, Austria, 1950s. Executed in solid brass and leather. Measurements: Length 8.07 in. (20...
Brass
Brass Paperweight by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Cast & Polished, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck Paperweight #4867 "Egg", Austria. Price is per piece.
Brass
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3654 Brass Bookends
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3654 Brass Bookends Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated and polished brass. Each piec...
Brass
Turned Walnut Bowl/ Carl Auböck III, 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in London, GB
Description: A turned walnut bowl designed by Carl Auböck III during the 1960s. Walnut is a recurring material seen throughout the designs of the prestigious Austrian workshop. Fro...
Wood, Walnut
Pair of Carl Auböck #3530-2 Bookends in Polished Brass and Coiled with Cane
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of Carl Auböck #3530-2 Bookends in Polished Brass and Coiled with Cane, Austria 2022.
Brass
Life Size Carl Auböck Model #4273-3 ‘XL Foot’ Sculpture in Polished Brass
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Life Size Carl Auböck Model #4273-3 ‘XL Foot’ sculpture in Polished Brass. Designed in the 1950s, this impressively scaled variant is hand fabricated in polished unlacquered brass ...
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #8040-2 Polished Brass Knob
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #8040-2 polished brass knob. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese knob is executed in polished brass b...
Brass
Carl Auböck Brass and Leather Letter Opener, Mid-Century Modern
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Paperknife with brown leather handle by Carl Auböck.
Brass
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4100 Patinated Brass Bookends
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4100 patinated brass bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated brass. Each piece...
Brass
Large Carl Auböck Model #7247-6 Patinated Brass Vase
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Large Carl Auböck Model #7247-6 Patinated Brass Vase Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural Viennese vase is executed in polished and darkly patinated brass b...
Brass
Carl Auböck #5039 'Jingle Bell' Brass and Leather Paperweight
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck #5039 'Jingle Bell' Brass and Leather Paperweight. Originally designed by Carl Auböck III in the early 1960s, this handmade piece was inspire...
Brass
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4102 Brass Bookends
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck model #4102 brass bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated and polished brass. Each pi...
Brass
Pair of Large Carl Auböck Model #4101 'Melies' Patinated Brass Bookends
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of large Carl Aubock Model #4101 'Melies' patinated brass bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated an...
Brass
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #1928 'Hands' Brass Bookends
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #1928 'Hands' Brass Bookends Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated and polished brass. ...
Brass
$810 / item
Carl Auböck Model #3787 Patinated Brass Vase
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #3787 patinated brass vase. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural Viennese vase is executed in polished and darkly patinated brass by Werk...
Brass
Carl Auböck #5275 Paperweight "Zumbusch Hand", Austria 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #5275-2 Paperweight "Zumbusch Hand", Austria 2022. Also available in 8cm height for 315,00 € (#5275-1).
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #8040-1 Patinated Brass Knob
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #8040-1 patinated brass knob. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese knob is executed in patinated brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria....
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #4224 'Hand' Brass Bottle Opener
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4224 'Hand' brass bottle opener. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural bottle opener is executed in polished brass. Price is per item. ...
Brass
$630 / item
Carl Auböck Model #4308 Patinated Brass Bowl
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Aubo¨ck Model #4308 patinated brass bowl. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural Viennese bowl is executed in polished and darkly patinated brass. Origi...
Brass
Carl Auböck Letter Opener, Horn, Mid-Century Modern, Austria, 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck letter opener in horn, Austria 1960s.
Horn
Carl Auböck Model #4272-2 'Rooster' Brass Bell
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, 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
wondeful carl auböck peau porc box
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Munich, DE
wondeful wooden carl auböck box covered with peau porc.
Metal, Nickel
Carl Auböck Model #3792 Patinated Brass Vase or Bookend
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #3792 Patinated Brass Vase or Bookend Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined, sculptural, and multi-purpose Viennese piece is executed in polished and dark...
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #7247-4 Patinated Brass Vase
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #7247-4 Patinated Brass Vase Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural Viennese vase is executed in polished and darkly patinated brass by Werk...
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #7259 'Spiral' Brass Pen Holder
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #7259 'Spiral' Brass Pen Holder Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pen or pencil holder is executed in p...
Brass
$420 / item
Carl Auböck Model #4082 Brass Bowl
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4082 Brass Bowl Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural Viennese bowl is executed in polished and darkly patinated brass. Originally conceiv...
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #3854 'Atom 2' Brass Vase, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, 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
$2,250 / set
Grouping of Six Carl Auböck Brass Bookends
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Grouping of six Carl Auböck brass bookends. Includes one pair each of models #4635, #4636 and #4637. Designed in the 1950s, these incredib...
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #8040-2 Patinated Brass Knob
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #8040-2 patinated brass knob. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese knob is executed in patinated brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria....
Brass
$930 / item
Carl Auböck Model #3854 'Atom 1' Brass Vase
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #3854 'Atom 1' Brass Vase Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural Viennese vase is executed in darkly patinated brass by Werkstätte Carl Aubö...
Brass
Carl Auböck #4162-2 Candlestick "Cobra", Austria 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #4162-2 candlestick "Cobra", Austria 2022.
Brass
$2,348Sale Price|20% Off
Large Teak Bowl with Brass and Leather Handle by Carl Auböck, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Teak bowl, shell element Design: Carl Auböck, 1950s Producer: Auböck Workshop Vienna, Austria Origin: Austria Age: 1950s Description: Original 1950s bowl...
Brass
$470 / item
Carl Auböck Model #3600 'Crown' Brass Bowl
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck model #3600 'Crown' brass bowl. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural Viennese bowl is executed in polished brass. Originally conceived as an as...
Brass
$760 / item
Carl Auböck Model #3794/1 'Aorta' Brass Vase
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #3794/1 'Aorta' Brass Vase Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural Viennese vase is executed in polished and darkly patinated brass by Werkst...
Brass