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Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Austrian

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.

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Creator: Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Carl Auböck Model #5439 Hook in Nickel
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck #5439 hook in nickel. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in softly brushed nickel by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria. Produce...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Nickel

Carl Auböck Glass and Leather Vase, Austria 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck vase in glass and leather, Austria 1960s.
Category

1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather, Glass

Carl Auböck #3788 "Glove" Vase, Austria, 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #3788 "Glove" vase, Austria, 2022.
Category

2010s Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

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 Werkst...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Pair of #3470 Candlesticks, Austria 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck pair of #3470 candlesticks, Austria 2022.
Category

2010s Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Original Vintage 60‘S Umbrella Stand by Carl Aubock Vienna
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
Carl Auböck vintage umbrella stand from brass and cast black lacquered iron Model # 4293 by Carl Auböck for Workshop Carl Auböck with beautiful patina. Stamped Auböck. Authentic piec...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Bauhaus Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Iron

Carl Auböck Bowl "Leaf" Big, Austria 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck Bowl, Austria 1960s.
Category

1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

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 it...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Model #5439 Large Brass Hook
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck brass #5439 brass hook. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese candleholder is executed in polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria. Pric...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Model #5261 Hook in Nickel
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck model #5261 hook in nickel. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in softly brushed nickel by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Nickel

Carl Auböck Model #4223 'Hand' Brass Paperweight
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Aubo¨ck Model #4223 'Hand' brass paperweight. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly clean and refined Viennese paperweight is hand fabricated in polished brass by Werkstätte Ca...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Model #7247 Brass Vase
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck model #7247 brass vase. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural Viennese vase is executed in darkly patinated and polished brass by Werkstätte Carl ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Paperweight #4992-3 Safety Pin, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck paperweight #4992-3 in the shape of a safety pin, Austria.
Category

2010s Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck #3787 "See through" Vase, Austria, 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #3787 "See through" vase, Austria, 2022.
Category

2010s Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Wooden Bowl or Basket, Austria 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck Wooden Bowl or Basket, Austria 1960s. The height of the handle measures 18cm.
Category

1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck #7231 "Hourglass" Vase, Austria 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #7231 "Hourglass" Vase, Austria 2022.
Category

2010s Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

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...
Category

20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck #3786 "Alert" Vase or Bookend, Austria 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #3786 "Alert" Vase or Bookend, Austria 2022.
Category

2010s Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck #4273-2 Paperweight "Foot", Austria 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #4273-2 Paperweight "Foot", Austria 2022.
Category

2010s Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Set of Three Combs and a Jar by Carl Auböck, Austria 2022
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.
Category

2010s Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Horn

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.  
Category

2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Paperknife with Leather Handle
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Paperknife with brown leather handle by Carl Auböck.
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck #7240 Vase "Single Noose", Austria 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #7240 Vase "Single Noose", Austria 2022.
Category

2010s Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Wire, Brass

Carl Auböck #4059 Optimist Pessimist Sculpture, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck sculpture #4059 "Optimist Pessimist" in patinated brass, Austria. New.
Category

2010s Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck #7228 Vase with Ring, Austria, 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #7228 Vase with Ring, Austria, 2022.
Category

2010s Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Carl Aubock Framed Hand #5275 for Neiman Marcus
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in San Francisco, CA
Carl Aubock design solid brass ballerina hand model #5275, Austria. Lovely decorative desk or table top object by the master Carl Aubock. Mounted on...
Category

1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Model #8040-1 Knob in Nickel
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #8040-1 Knob in Nickel. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese knob is executed in brushed nickel by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria. Its mi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Nickel

Carl Auböck #3795 "Aorta Crescent" Vase, Austria, 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #3795 "Aorta Crescent" vase, Austria, 2022.
Category

2010s Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck #4061 Sculpture "Architect", Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #4061 Sculpture "Architect", Austria.
Category

2010s Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

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.
Category

2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

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. Price i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck #3793 "Gourd" Vase or Bookend, Austria, 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #3793 "Gourd" vase or bookend, Austria, 2022.
Category

2010s Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Set of Four Carl Auböck Brass Objects
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Set of four Carl Auböck brass objects. Includes Carl Auböck model #4072/G 'Rooster' brass bell, model #3600 'Crown' brass bowl, model #3514 brass bowl and model #4224 'Hand' brass b...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck #3544 Pen or Brush Rest in Brass and Brown Leather, Austria, 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #3544 pen or brush rest in brass and brown leather, Austria 2022.
Category

2010s Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Model #4630 Large Brass Bookends
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Aubo¨ck model #4630 large brass bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in polished brass. Price is for the pair....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Model #3469 Polished Brass Candleholder
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #3469 polished brass candleholder. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese candleholder is executed in polished and patinated brass by Werkstä...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4575 Patinated Brass Bookends
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of Carl Aubo¨ck Model #4575 Patinated Brass Bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated brass. Produced ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Midcentury Tuning Fork Handmade Key Ring Chain Holder
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist tuning fork keyring / key holder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Length inc...
Category

20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck #3791 "Body" Vase, Austria, 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #3791 "Body" vase, Austria, 2022.
Category

2010s Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

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.
Category

2010s Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Brush, Austria 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck Brush, Austria 1960s.
Category

1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Carl Auböck #4068 Sculpture "Leaning on Treestump", Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #4068 sculpture "Leaning on Treestump", Austria.
Category

2010s Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Bowl, Austria 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck Bowl, Austria 1960s.
Category

1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Paperknife with Bookmark #6086
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Brass paperknife with bookmark by Carl Auböck.   
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Horn Pen Holder, Austria, 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck horn pen holder, Austria, 1960s.
Category

1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Horn

Carl Auböck Box, Austria, 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck horn and brass box, Austria 1960s.
Category

1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Bowl "Leaf" Small, Austria 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck Bowl, Austria 1960s.
Category

1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Fine Cherry Wood Art Deco Box Carl Auböck, 1930s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
Nice, well preserved Art Deco box made of cherry wood. By Carl Auböck, 1930s. Listed as a scetch drawing in catalog "Die Kataloge der Werkstätte Carl Auböck 1925-1975" [The catalo...
Category

1930s Austrian Art Deco Vintage Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

Carl Auböck #4366 Sculpture "Bird", Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #4366 sculpture "Bird", Austria.
Category

2010s Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck #4317 Fountainpen Rest, Austria, 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #4317 Fountainpen Rest, Austria, 2022.
Category

2010s Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Letter Opener in Leather and Brass, Austria 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck leather and brass letter opener, Austria 1960s.
Category

1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

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...
Category

20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck #3974 "Slim" Vase, Austria, 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #3974 "Slim" vase, Austria, 2022.
Category

2010s Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Horn Penrest, Austria 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck Horn Penrest, Austria 1960s.
Category

1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Horn

Carl Auböck Model #4982 Hook in Nickel
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck model #4982 hook in nickel. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and minimalist Viennese hook is executed in softly brushed nickel by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Nickel

Carl Auböck Letter Opener, Austria, 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck letter opener in horn, Austria 1960s.
Category

1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Horn

Carl Auböck #3980-1 Candleholder, Austria 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #3980-1 candleholder, Austria 2022
Category

2010s Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Handcrafted Midcentury Brass Anchor Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist Anchor keyring / keyholder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Fully stamped and ...
Category

20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Werkstätte Carl Auböck Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Werkstätte Carl Auböck decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.

Werkstätte Carl Auböck decorative objects are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Werkstätte Carl Auböck decorative objects, although black editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 185 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 220 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original decorative objects by Werkstätte Carl Auböck were created in the mid-century modern style in europe during the 21st century and contemporary. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider decorative objects by Walter Bosse, Franz Hagenauer, and Karl Hagenauer. Prices for Werkstätte Carl Auböck decorative objects can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $145 and can go as high as $5,391, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $751.

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