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.
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4637 Brass Bookends
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, 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
$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
$630 / item
Carl Auböck Model #4308 Patinated Brass Bowl
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, 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
Leaf-shaped brass Bowl with dark Patina by Werkstätte Carl Auböck 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck Bowl, Austria 1960s.
Brass
$600 / item
Carl Auböck Model #4208 Patinated Brass Bowl
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, 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
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
$420 / item
Carl Auböck Model #4082 Brass Bowl
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, 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
$380 / item
Carl Auböck Model #4279 Brass Cup
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4279 Brass Cup Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural Viennese cup is executed in patinated brass. Originally conc...
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
Standing Sculpture by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Patinated Brass, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #4069 Sculpture "Standing", Austria.
Brass
$2,287Sale 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 Los Angeles, 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 #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
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
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
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 bowl with medallion by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Mid-Century Modern, 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 relief. Beautiful aged patina with visible...
Brass
Carl Auböck Paperweight #5370-1, Brass & Walnut, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck paperweight #5370-1 "Walnut", Austria.
Brass
Horn Penrest by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria, 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck Horn Penrest, Austria 1960s.
Horn
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
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 #3980-2 Candleholder, Patinated Brass, Modern Design
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #3980-2 Candleholder, Austria 2022.
Brass
Carl Aubock Patinated Brass "Leaning on Tree Stump Figural Sculpture #4068
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Chalk Hill, PA
Carl Aubock Patinated Brass "Leaning on Tree Stump Figural Sculpture #4068 designed in the 1950's. Produced by Carl Auböck IV in the original Auböck workshop in Vienna, Austria using...
Brass
Carl Aubock II Vase Decanter with Black 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 Aubock II in the 1950s. Made of handblown clear glass with a nice hand-se...
Leather, Glass
$2,382Sale Price|40% Off
Teak Bottle Holder with Brass and Leather Handle by Carl Auböck, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Teak bottle holder element Design: Carl Auböck, 1950s Producer: Auböck Workshop Vienna, Austria Origin: Austria Age: 1950s Description: Original 1950s bo...
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
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
Carl Auböck Mid-Century Leather & Brass Letter Opener, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Letter opener with a long, tapered metal blade and a leather-wrapped handle finished with a brass end cap. Shows light surface scratches, wear, and warm patina.
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.
Brass
Brass Athlete Sculpture by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Patinated Finish
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #4057 sculpture "Athlete", Austria
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.
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.
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
Wooden double bowl with handle by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Wooden double bowl with handle by Werkstätte Carl Auböck. Sculptural twin-dish serving tray with two integrated bowls set into an elongated base, topped with a raised metal handle wr...
Brass
Large Light Teak Bowl with Brass and Leather Handle by Carl Auböck Austria, 1950
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: light Teak bowl, shell element Design: Carl Auböck, 1950s Producer: Auböck Workshop Vienna, Austria Origin: Austria Age: 1950s ...
Brass
Carl Auböck Letter Brush, Horn and Horsehair, Mid-Century Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck Letter brush made of horn and horsehair, Austria 1960s.
Horn
Carl Auböck #4271 Wall Sculpture "Napoleon", Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #4271 wall sculpture "Napoleon", Austria.
Brass
H-Shaped Wooden Hand Brush by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
H-shaped hand brush made from a single piece of light-toned wood with rounded edges and two finger cut-outs for grip. Dense black bristles are set into the front (and likely the reve...
Wood
Carl Aubock Patinated Brass Bookends #4636
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Chalk Hill, PA
Carl Aubock patinated brass bookends #4636. Produced by Carl Auböck IV in the original Auböck workshop in Vienna, Austria using the same standards, high-quality materials, original m...
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.
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.
Brass, Wire
Hourglass Vase by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Patinated Brass, 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #7231 "Hourglass" Vase, Austria 2022.
Brass
Carl Auböck #7127 Letter Opener "Flat", Austria, 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #7127 letter opener "Flat", Austria 2022.
Brass
Carl Auböck #3650 Large Fountainpen Rest "Feather", Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Auböck solid patinated brass tray in a feather shape. .
Brass
rare carl auböck box
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Munich, DE
rare piece from the carl auböck workshop.
Metal
Carl Auböck Set of #7252 Large Fruit Basket and #7226 Small Fruit Basket
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
#7252 Big fruit basket and #7226 small fruit basket by Carl Auböck in patinated brass. New. The measurements given apply to the large basket. The small one measures: 27cm depth - 20c...
Brass
Brass Paperknife #7209 by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Mid-Century Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Brass paperknife #7209 by Carl Auböck.
Brass
Carl Aubock "My Son" Patinated Brass Sculpture #4752
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Chalk Hill, PA
Carl Aubock "My Son" Patinated Brass Sculpture #4752 designed in the 1950s. Currently produced by Carl Auböck IV in the original Auböck workshop in Vienna, Austria using the same sta...
Brass
$552Sale Price / item|20% Off
Carl Aubock Polished Brass Letter Opener #4233
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Chalk Hill, PA
Carl Aubock polished brass letter opener #4233. Produced by Carl Auböck IV in the original Auböck workshop in Vienna, Austria using the same standards, high-quality materials, origin...
Brass
Carl Aubock Wooden Modernist Fruit Bowl Wood Plate , Austria, 1970s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful wooden bowl or plate, designed by Carl Aubock in the 1970s. Marked, in excellent condition.
Wood
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
Carl Aubock Set of Smoking Accessories
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Chicago, IL
Brass and Wicker Wrapped pipe stand (Or Paperweight) with two brass spoon rests.
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
Rare No.A-436 bowl by Carl Auböck
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Munich, DE
flawless carl auböck wood bowl.
Brass
carl auböck leather and chrome box.
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Munich, DE
rare box by carl auböck. signed inside with persil.
Metal, Chrome
very rare penholder from horn and horn pen by carl auböck
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Munich, DE
rare pieces from the carl auböck workshop.
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 III, 1960s, Alphabetical 'L' Shaped Walnut Clothes Brush
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in London, GB
L-shaped coat brush designed and made by Carl Auböck III, Vienna, circa 1960. The model 5000 alphabetical clothes brushes were designed in 1961 and a ...
Walnut
Mid-Century Wooden Bottle Stopper/Cork by Carl Auböck
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
The item on sale is an original Carl Auböck bottle stopper. It was hand crafted and is made from the finest wood and cork. It has a robust leathe...
Leather, Wood
Carl Aubock, Letter Opener, Leather and Brass, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Stockholm, SE
Letter opener by Carl Auböck. Made in brass with leather handle, Austria, 1950s.
Brass