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.
Carl Aubock Side Table, Flower Plant Bench, Iron, 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 minimalist piece was designed by Carl Auböck II and crafted by Werkstätte Auböck, Vienna...
Metal, Steel, Iron
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
$3,074 / item
Carl Auböck Model #3642 Brass and Leather Table
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck model #3642 brass and leather table designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural table is executed in beautifully grained oak, polished brass and hand up...
Brass
Carl Aubock Side Table, Flower Plant Bench, Iron, 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 minimalist piece was designed by Carl Auböck II and crafted by Werkstätte Auböck, Vienna...
Metal, Steel, Iron
Mid-Century Modern Vintage Metal Wicker Side Table by Carl Auböck 1950s, Vienna
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid-Century Modern vintage side table designed and made by Carl Auböck, 1950s, Vienna. This marvelous side table shows a black lacquered iron...
Iron
Square Wicker Side Table #2/ Carl Auböck II, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in London, GB
Description A small square sized table designed and made by Carl Auböck II, Vienna, Austria, circa 1950. The table's frame is made from slender steel bar which has been lacquered i...
Steel
Austrian Midcentury Black Steel and Wicker Side Table by Carl Auböck
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming small Austrian Midcentury Modern rectangular sized table or stool designed and made by Carl Auböck II, Vienna, Austria, circa 1950 in very nice original condition with so...
Steel
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
Mid-Century Modern Brass and Oak Side Table by Werkstätte Auböck
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Aubo¨ck model #3642 brass and oak table designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural table is executed in beautifully grained oak and polished brass. Inspired b...
Brass
Carl Auböck Large Midcentury Tree Trunk Table, 1950s, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Beautiful tree trunk table by Carl Auböck. The table is made of burl walnut slub with three brass legs. The tabletop was shellack polished. The table is embossed with 'Auböck Made in...
Brass
$3,150 / item
Carl Auböck Model #3511 Walnut Table
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck, George Nakashima
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #3511 walnut table. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural table is executed in beautifully grained walnut. Reminiscent of the organic modern...
Walnut
Carl Auböck II Woven Wicker Long Rectangular Table, circa 1950
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in London, GB
A long rectangular table designed and made by Carl Auböck II, Vienna, Austria, circa 1950. The table's frame is made from slender steel bar whi...
Wicker
Mid Century Modern Vintage Rattan Side Table by Carl Auböck, circa 1950, Vienna
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid Century Modern vintage side table of sofa table from rattan and steel designed by Carl Auböck circa 1950s, Austria. A gorgeo...
Steel
Square Wicker Side Table #1, Carl Auböck II, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in London, GB
Description A small square sized table designed and made by Carl Auböck II, Vienna, Austria, circa 1950. The table's frame is made from slender steel bar which has been lacquered i...
Steel
Carl Auböck II Vintage Woven Wicker Small Square Sized Table, circa 1950
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in London, GB
A small square sized table designed and made by Carl Auböck II, Vienna, Austria, circa 1950. The table's frame is made from slender steel bar which has bee...
Wicker
Italian Coffee Table in Travertine, 1980s
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Stunning Italian coffee or side table handcrafted out of travertine, 1980s. The base looks like Origami. It is made of beautiful travertine. Please take notice of the very nice p...
Travertine
$3,917
H 27.56 in Dm 23.63 in
Elegant Mid-Century Modern Side Table by Vereinigte Werkstätten Germany 1950s
By Vereinigte Werkstätten München
Located in Munich, DE
Extremely rare and elegant Mid-Century Modern tripod side table. Designed and manufactured by Vereinigte Werkstätten München, Germany, 1950s. Executed in glass and brass; polished a...
Brass
Italian Coffee Table in Travertine, 1980s
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very nice Italian coffee or side table handcrafted out of travertine, 1980s. The rectangle top is rounded on the edge. It is made of beautiful travertine. Please take notice of...
Travertine
Italian Coffee Table in Granite, 1980s
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very nice Italian coffee or side table handcrafted out of granite, 1980s. It has a very nice 3-leg base and a triangle plate. It is made of beautiful granite. Please take notice of ...
Granite
Italian Coffee Table in Travertine, 1980s
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very nice Italian coffee or side table handcrafted out of travertine, 1980s. The top is rounded on the edge. It is made of beautiful travertine. Please take notice of the very ...
Travertine
Vintage Side Table 1950s
Located in Čelinac, BA
Vintage Side Table 1950s
Wood
Italian Travertine Coffee Table, 1980s
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very nice Italian coffee or side table handcrafted out of travertine, 1980s. Two beautiful shaped plates on a very elegant base. The plates are rounded on the edge. It is made...
Travertine
Swedish Art Deco Metal and Brass Round Table
Located in Kramfors, SE
Early 20th century Art Deco table in metal from Sweden. The table has a frame in metal with a patterned surface and a brass rim around the table top. The table is in good vintage con...
Metal
Bakelite, Brass and Iron 1950s Side Tables
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Chic set of three low tables with tubular iron bases, laquered in black paint and ending in brass sabots. The tabletops are black bakelite, with brass surrounds. Heavy, very nice ...
Brass, Iron
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
Conant Ball, Side Table, Birch, Rattan, USA, 1950s
By Conant Ball
Located in High Point, NC
A birch and rattan side table produced by Conant Ball, USA, c. 1950s. Minor natural cracking to tabletop surface. Minor wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inche...
Rattan, Birch
$2,754 / item
H 19 in W 15.25 in D 15.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Brass and Oak Side Table by Werkstätte Auböck
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Aubo¨ck model #3642 brass and oak table designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural table is executed in beautifully grained oak and polished brass. Inspired b...
Brass
Sold
H 13 in W 23.63 in D 11.82 in
Austrian Midcentury Black Steel and Wicker Side Table by Carl Auböck
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming small Austrian Midcentury Modern rectangular sized table or stool designed and made by Carl Auböck II, Vienna, Austria, circa 1950 in very nice original condition with so...
Steel
Sold
H 14 in W 12 in D 12 in
Carl Aubock Side Table, Stool, Flower Stand, Rattan, Wicker, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful square organic Mid-Century side or plant table / stool from the 1950s. This authentic vintage minimalistic piece was designed and crafted by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, hand-...
Metal, Steel, Iron
Sold
H 15.75 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Austrian Midcentury Black Steel and Wicker Side Table by Carl Auböck
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming small Austrian Midcentury Modern square sized table or stool designed and made by Carl Auböck II, Vienna, Austria, circa 1950 in very nice original condition with some we...
Steel
Sold
H 18.51 in W 47.25 in D 16.93 in
Carl Auböck for Werkstätte Carl Auböck 'Tree' Coffee Table with Walnut Slab
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carl Auböck for Werkstätte Carl Auböck, 'Tree' coffee table, walnut, lacquered brass, rubber, Austria, design 1948, made circa 1955 This 'Tree' coffee table is designed by Carl Aubö...
Metal, Brass
Sold
H 11.42 in W 25.2 in D 10.63 in
Austrian Midcentury Black Steel and Wicker Side Table by Carl Auböck
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming set of small Austrian Midcentury Modern square sized tables or stools designed and made by Carl Auböck II, Vienna, Austria, circa 1950 in beautiful condition. It´s frame i...
Steel
Carl Aubock Austrian 1950's Walnut Slab Side Table
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Mexico City, MX
An Austrian 1950's side table by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Vienna. The irregular walnut tree trunk piece shows a burnt cortex finish on its edges. Three screwable tubular brass legs...
Brass
Sold
H 10.93 in W 26 in D 11 in
Carl Auböck, Tables or Small Benches, Rattan Black Lacquered Metal Austria 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of rattan and black lacquered metal side / coffee tables, or small benches designed and produced by Carl Auböck in Austria, 1950s.
Metal
Sold
H 15.75 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Austrian Midcentury Black Steel and Wicker Side Tables or Stools by Carl Auböck
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming set of small Austrian Midcentury Modern square sized tables or stools designed and made by Carl Auböck II, Vienna, Austria, circa 1950 in beautiful condition. It´s frame i...
Steel
Sold
H 14.38 in W 12.01 in D 12.01 in
Mid Century Modern Vintage Duo Pair Side Table Sofa Table Carl Auboeck Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid Century Modern vintage authentic duo pair of organic rectangular side tables or sofa tables from rattan and black lacquered metal by Carl Auböck, 1950s Austria. A pair of tables...
Metal
Carl Auböck Rattan Top Side or Couch Tables, 1950s, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Beautiful and authentic rattan top coffee or side tables, manufactured by Carl Auböck Werkstätte in the 1950s, Vienna. The frames are made of black lacquered steel with woven rattan ...
Metal
Sold
H 20.48 in W 38.59 in D 26.38 in
Carl Auböck Midcentury Walnut Tree Trunk Coffee Table, 1950s, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Beautiful walnut tree trunk table by Carl Auböck III. The table is made of walnut slub with three brass legs. The tabletop was shellack polished. The table is stamped with '23' and t...
Brass
Sold
H 15.75 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Austrian Midcentury Black Steel and Wicker Side Table or Stool by Carl Auböck
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming small square sized table or stool designed and made by Carl Auböck II, Vienna, Austria, circa 1950 in beautiful original condition. It´s frame is made from slender steel ...
Steel