Born from the Vienna Secession art movement in Austria during the early 20th century, the Wiener Werkstätte helped to cement Art Nouveau style and culture in Viennese art. Wiener Werkstätte furniture included armchairs, cabinets and table lamps, with production extending to other crafts such as ceramics, jewelry and fashion. The Werkstätte also boasted a large graphic arts department, which created nearly 1,000 unique postcards during the organization’s run.
Austrian architect Josef Hoffmann, painter Koloman Moser and industrialist Fritz Waerndorfer established the collective in opposition to the dominant trends in Viennese art. The artistic community was then largely directed by the Association of Austrian Artists, which had firm control over the creation and distribution of Austrian art. The collective’s style pushed back against traditional artistic preferences, instead favoring clear, bold lines and often-exaggerated, vibrant colors.
Employing over 100 people, including several master craftsmen, the Werkstätte formed relationships and alliances with a number of firms and stores, which sold and commissioned new work from the workshop.
As the Wiener Werkstätte’s mission aligned with emerging British sensibilities regarding art, many British artists worked closely with the collective. Some major Austrian artists collaborated with the collective, without officially joining, such as painter Gustav Klimt.
The Werkstätte’s artistic range was extensive and eclectic, with the organization producing a wide variety of furniture. In 1932, the global economic collapse forced it to shut down. With the outbreak of WWII soon to follow, the Wiener Werkstätte never reopened. Its legacy lived on, however, in the numerous artists and craftspeople who carried forward its commitment to progressive cultural and creative endeavors.
On 1stDibs, find antique Wiener Werkstätte lighting, seating and storage pieces.
Wiener Werkstatt Beaded Bag Maria Likarz (attributed(
By Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Sharon, CT
Extraordinary and rare bag from the Wiener Werstatte. Fine bright red beads, abstract design with kid leather lining. We are attributing our bag to Maria Likarz-Strauss, based on a...
$5,000
Wiener Werkstatte Shoes
By Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Sharon, CT
1904 Koloman Moser Enameled Sterling 'Duck'' Buckles (marked on back) on circa 1920 silk brocade Wiener Werkstatte shoes.Ebossed with the Wiener Werkstatte signature on the interio...
Wiener Werkstatte Graphic Turquoise Blue Beaded Bag with Frame
By Wiener Werkstätte
Located in New Hope, PA
From a Beverly Hills collector, this Wiener Werkstatte bag has a bold and graphic design executed in navy blue, gold, brick red and metallic bead...
Davis & Marinsky Wiener Werkstatte Attributed Suit
By Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Sharon, CT
Isaac Marinsky a Russian emigre studied and worked in London as a couturier to English Society, before immigrating to Rhode Island with his coworker Davis. And formed together Davis ...
Christian Dior Vintage Trotter Chain Shoulder Bag – Made in France
By Christian Dior
Located in CACHAN, FR
A rare and elegant vintage Christian Dior shoulder bag crafted in the iconic white Trotter monogram coated canvas with white leather trim and gold-tone hardware. The front flap is ad...
$1,392
H 7.09 in W 10.24 in D 1.58 in
An Amazing 1980s Blue Leather and Lapis Lazuli Clasp Evening Bag by Gucci
By Gucci
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This is a stunning 1980s Gucci evening bar, crafted with blue leather and featuring an exquisite lapis lazuli clasp. Smooth and glossy deep blue leather, giving the bag a sophisticat...
1990s Bottega Veneta Black Quilted Satin Bag
By Bottega Veneta
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Lovely Bottega Veneta mailbag from the 1990s. Black quilted satin with black top stitching. Demi lune shape with two black pom poms. Black satin interior. The long, thin black strap ...
Chanel Graffiti Box 2015 On The Pavement Khaki Canvas Messenger Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Graffiti Box 2015 On The Pavement New with Tag Khaki Canvas Messenger Bag Very rare and soldout runway graffiti bag. As seen on Bell...
Swarovski Crystal Beaded Calfskin Leather Clutch
By Daniel Swarovski
Located in North Miami, FL
This stunning Daniel Swarovski crystal beaded clutch has tan buff calfskin leather with a light purple silk interior. The front is all crystals while the back is the tan supple leath...
F/W 2001 Gianni Versace by Donatella Ad Blue Fur Rhinestone Mini Bag
By Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Gianni Versace mini bag designed by Donatella Versace from the Fall/Winter 2001 collection is shaped in a small Boston-style silhouette wi...
UNWORN GUCCI Y2K Turquoise GG Monogram Crystals, Beaded Pearls & Lizard Skin Bag
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in Switzerland, CH
A Gucci signature piece in the famous GG Monogram Beautiful beaded turquoise bag with lizard trimmings Pink gold hardware with the Gucci siganture GG and tiny crystals Adjustable str...
NEW Gucci Burgundy Strappy Patent Leather Sandals with Knot Detail Size IT 36
By Gucci
Located in Brossard, QC
Strappy patent leather sandals Knot detail at side Adjustable buckle closure High heel Heel height: 4.1 in Leather sole Color: Burgundy (Rosso Ancora) Finish: Patent leather Made in ...
EMILIO PUCCI c.1960-70’s 2pc Multicolor Rose Silk Velvet Blouse Pant Set
By Emilio Pucci
Located in Thiensville, WI
EMILIO PUCCI c.1960-70’s 2pc Multicolor Rose Silk Velvet Blouse Pant Set Circa: 1970’s - Top, 1960’s - Pant Label(s): Emilio Pucci / Exclusively ...
Chanel Blue Caviar Leather Quilted Small Double Flap Classic Bag
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel Blue Caviar Leather Quilted Small Double Flap Classic Bag Made In: France Year of Production: 2021 Color: Blye Hardware: Goldtone Mat...
1978 YVES SAINT LAURENT metallic caftan cape and dress ensemble
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Fransisco, CA
This stunning Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche two-piece ensemble, dating to circa 1978, is made of a sheer silk chiffon woven with metallic threads forming a dense floral motif in ton...
$22,920
H 5.5 in W 10.5 in D 2 in
Chanel 2014 Electric Blue Patent Leather Quilted Retractable Frame Clutch Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel electric blue quilted patent leather clutch with rectangle metal frame Year: 2014 Metallic blue cc logo Satin interior lining Zippered back poc...
Wiener Werkstatte Beaded Bag with Striking Enamel Frame
By Wiener Werkstätte
Located in New Hope, PA
From a Beverly Hills collector, this eye catching Wiener Werkstatte micro beaded bag is decorated with floral and geometric patterns in bold primary ...
Wiener Werkstatte Beaded Bag
By Wiener Werkstätte
Located in New Hope, PA
From a Beverly Hills collector, this bag has a stunning color combination and a wonderfully graphic design done in micro beads. This drawstring bag is a stunning example of Wiener Werkstatte...
Wiener Werkstatte Beaded Bag with Sophisticated Color Palette
By Wiener Werkstätte
Located in New Hope, PA
From a Beverly Hills collector, this bag has a sophisticated color palette taking this micro beaded Wiener Werkstatte bag to the next level. The ...
Wiener Werkstatte Drawstring Bag
By Wiener Werkstätte
Located in New Hope, PA
From a Beverly Hills collector, a striking and graphic micro beaded Wiener Werkstatte design is worked on a deep red background, adding warmth and d...