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.
Mid-Century Modern Carl Auböck Austria Brass Letter or Initial "C" Paperweight
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in St. Louis, MO
This beautiful hard to come by, Mid-Century Modern brass initial or letter "C" paperweight (Model 4820), created by the master Austrian designer Carl Auböck and made of solid brass (...
Brass
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4636 Brass Bookends
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck model #4636 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 Auböck Handcrafted Midcentury Foot Brass Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist foot 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
Carl Auböck #4118 Watering Can in Polished Brass, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Watering can #4118 by Carl Auböck in polished brass.
Brass
Carl Auböck #4317 Fountain Pen Rest, Patinated Brass, Austria, 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #4317 Fountainpen Rest, Austria, 2022.
Brass
Beautiful Auböck Mid-Century Pencil Cup Made From Horn
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
For sale is a unique piece of Mid-Century Modern design. The pencil cup was carefully hand-carved out of the horn of a wild water buffalo and its bottom covered with green felt for p...
Horn, Felt
Carl Auböck Paperweight in Leather and Stone, Austria, 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck paperweight in leather and stone, Austria, 1960s.
Stone
$1,208Sale Price|20% Off
Midcentury Glass Vase from Carl Auböck, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, Austria
A hand blown glass vase from Carl Auböck, made in the 1950s, From Vienna, Austria.
Glass
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 #3600 'Crown' Bowl in Patinated Brass
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #3600 'Crown' Bowl in Patinated Brass Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural Viennese bowl is executed in patinated brass. Originally concei...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Brass Bowl by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Brass bowl by Werkstätte Carl Auböck with a wide, shallow form and raised foot, featuring an inset medallion at the center with a classical profile relief. Beautiful aged patina with...
Brass
$548Sale Price / item|20% Off
Carl Auböck Model #4366 'Bird' Brass Sculpture
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Chalk Hill, PA
Carl Auböck Model #4366 'Bird' brass sculpture. A wonderful abstract patinated brass bird sculpture designed in the 1950's by Vienna, Austria's, Carl Aubock. This item is produced in the original Carl Aubock Werkstatte currently operated by Carl Aubock IV. All items are produced with the highest quality materials, using traditional tooling and techniques. Over many years, Carl Aubock Wekstatte has amassed a large catalog of items, many of which are for daily use in the household or office. Aubock items make for the perfect high quality, collectable gift for the home...
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
20th Century Carl Auböck Nutwood Humidor
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
Carl Auböck Humidor, Austria 1950s
Nutwood
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
Exceptional, Elegant and Heavy Brass Letter Opener by Carl Auböck, Vienna, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in München, BY
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
Carl Auböck Model #3795 'Aorta Crescent' Brass Vase
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #3795 'Aorta Crescent' Brass Vase Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural Viennese vase is executed in polished and darkly patinated brass by...
Brass
Rare No.A-436 bowl by Carl Auböck
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Munich, DE
flawless carl auböck wood bowl.
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
Brass
Figurative Sculpture 'Walking' by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Brass
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #4058 sculpture "Walking", Austria.
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
Rare Vintage Aubock bowl, Signed , Vienna 1950
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
Ashtray, bowl, signed Auböck. Rare biomorph shape. Good condition. Ninor brassing to surface due to age. Pictured in the large Aubock Cataolg Book. Created in the 1950`s. Executed ab...
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
Carl Auböck Paperweight Set as Used by Walter Gropius
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
A Classic set of four beautiful pressed papiers designed by Carl Auböck and produced by the Carl Auböck Werkstätte. The set consists of a stone in leather, an egg, foot and hand. Sam...
Stone, 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
Rare Mid-Century Modern Teak Cork & Brass Box by Carl Auböck Austria 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in München, BY
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 #3980-1 Candleholder, Patinated Brass, Modern Design
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #3980-1 candleholder, Austria 2022
Brass
rare carl auböck jalousie box
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Munich, DE
rare carl auböck jalousie box. made for cigarettes, but can be used for anything.... very nice mid-century item.
Metal
Carl Auböck #4339 Paperweight "Stone", Austria 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #4339 Paperweight "Stone", Austria 2022. There might be slight variations regarding the measurements.
Stone
Rare giant Bauhaus nutcracker by Carl Aubock Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
Excellent authentic nutcracker by Carl Aubock. Made about 1950. Signed and in excellent condition.
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
Crown-Shaped Brass Bowl by Werkstätte Carl Auböck Mid-Century Modern, 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Crown-Shaped Brass Bowl Werkstätte Carl Auböck 1960s
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
Carl Auböck Mid-Century Modern Wooden Bowl with Brass & Wicker
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck Wooden Bowl or Basket, Austria 1960s. The height of the handle measures 18cm.
Brass
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
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
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
Brass Paperweight 'Pipe' by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria, 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck paperweight "pipe" in brass, Austria 1960s.
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #4060 'Man with Stick' Brass Sculpture
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Aubo¨ck Model #4060 'Man With Stick' brass sculpture. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural figure is executed in polished and patinated brass. Price...
Brass
Pair of Carl Auböck #3470 Polished Brass Candleholders
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck #3470 Patinated Brass Candleholders. Designed in the 1940s, this incredibly clean and refined Viennese candleholder is executed in polished brass by Werkstätte ...
Brass
Rare Mid-Century Modern Candlestick No 3433 by Carl Auböck Austria 1937
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in München, BY
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
Pair of Mid-Century Horn and Brass Bookends, Vintage Originals
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A rare and highly collectible pair of original 1960s sculptural bookends, exemplifying the sophisticated Mid-Century Modern aesthetic of the Vienna school. This set features two hand...
Brass
rare carl auböck box
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Munich, DE
rare piece from the carl auböck workshop.
Metal
Standing Sculpture by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Patinated Brass, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #4069 Sculpture "Standing", Austria.
Brass
$2,277Sale 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
Aorta Vase #3794 by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Patinated Brass
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Aorta vase #3794 by Carl Auböck in patinated brass.
Brass
Brass Paperknife with Bookmark by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Brass paperknife with bookmark by Carl Auböck.
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 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
Brass Desk Paperweight in original wooden Box, byWerkstätte Carl Auböck
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Brass desk paperweight by Werkstätten Carl Auböck, preserved in its original wooden presentation box printed “la plume de ma tante.” The object is formed as a long, faceted shaft w...
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
Carl Auböck #3632 Watering Can in Polished Brass and Cane
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck #3632 watering can in polished brass and cane. Designed in the 1940s, this incredibly clean and refined Viennese watering can is executed in hand-woven cane, polished o...
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
$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
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
$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
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
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
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4637 Brass Bookends
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4637 Brass Bookends Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated and polished brass. Each piec...
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