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.
Unique Low Cabinet with Intarsia by Viktor Lurje for Wiener Werkstätte c. 1926
By Viktor Lurje, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Berlin, DE
Unique low cabinet with intarsia designed by the architect, artist and craftsman Viktor Lurje (1883-1944) and manufactured by Wiener Werkstätte GmbH, circa 1926. Together with Oskar ...
Wood
$11,178
H 41.74 in W 51.97 in D 17.72 in
Scandinavian Modern cabinet '2661' by Mjölby Intarsia, Sweden, 1940s
By Mjölby Intarsia, Erik Mattsson 1
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Exceptional cabinet or sideboard model '2661' by unknown designer and executed by Mjölby Intarsia in Sweden during the 1940s. Beautiful wooden inlay on doors. Key included. One of...
Beech, Oak, Teak, Walnut
$6,471
H 24.02 in W 24.02 in D 12.21 in
18th Century Wrought Iron Italian Antique Hobnail Safe Strong Box Bar Cabinet
Located in Carimate, Como
Beautiful and rare example of late 18th century Italian master blacksmith craftsmanship, this antique studded safe with typical all-around hobnails and great wrought iron details, pr...
Metal, Wrought Iron
$11,472
H 53.15 in W 39.77 in D 15.75 in
Midcentury Modern Cabinet by Erik Matsson, Mjölby Intarsia, Sweden, 1940s
By Mjölby Intarsia
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful cabinet from Mjölby Intarsia, made from mahogany with doors inlayed with a paradisical naturalism motif by Erik Matsson. It depicts a man and animals on a small island, car...
Mahogany
$10,472
H 47.25 in W 35.04 in D 16.93 in
Swedish Modern 1930s Cabinet by Vingåkers Möbelfabrik with Mjölby Intarsia Decor
By Mjölby Intarsia
Located in Örebro, SE
This is the Swedish Modern 1930s Cabinet with detailed Mjölby Intarsia-decor from Vingåkers Möbelfabrik. It comes in very good condition, made of birc...
Birch, Plywood, Elm, Walnut
Mid Century Cabinet in the Form of Bass Cello Great Storage
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous bass Cello storage cabinet. Has 4 shelves that are 5 x 5 x 10.5. Door opens and closes with ease. Well made, high quality. In excellent vintage con...
Iron
Pair of Sheraton Revival Small Locking Cabinets
Located in Hanover, MA
Pair of interesting and lovely single door walnut cabinets with satinwood decorative inlay, probably Edwardian made in the Sheraton taste. Each has a single pull-out open drawer shelf. Possibly bedside lockers...
Satinwood, Walnut
Towering Skyscraper Storage Cabinet by Maitland Smith 1980s
By Tony Duquette
Located in Dallas, TX
This Maitland Smith hommage to Paul Frankl's "Skyscraper Furniture" Features 18 Drawers two drawers and a pull-out shelf. It is a post-modern mast...
Brass
$12,776
H 47.64 in W 32.68 in D 15.75 in
Kurt Østervig Cabinet in Teak and Oak with Round intarsia, 1960s
By K.P. Møbler 1, Kurt Østervig
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kurt Østervig, cabinet in teak and oak with round intarsia, cabinetmaker K. P. Møbler, 1960s.
Oak, Teak
$37,509
H 31.5 in W 25.6 in D 11.82 in
Original Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstätte Cabinet for Mimi Marlow 20th Century
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
For the private saloon of the then famous soubrette Mimi Marlow, who was also performing in the legendary "Fledermaus Cabaret," which was designed by Josef Hoffmann and executed by t...
Oak
$164,736
H 71.66 in W 66.93 in D 15.95 in
Original of the Time Marked "Wiener Werkstätte" Koloman Moser Bookcase / Cabinet
By Woka Lamps, Koloman Moser, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
Very rare cabinet from the short period when the Wiener Werkstätte has had its own cabinet makers workshop in the Neustiftgasse in Vienna. Attributed to Koloman Moser or Emanuel Marg...
Oak
$12,900
H 22.25 in W 23.25 in D 13.25 in
17th Century Spanish Burled Walnut Vargueno or Collectors Cabinet
Located in Milford, NH
A fine example of a diminutive burled walnut vargueno, collector or valuables cabinet, with molded cornice and drop front, opening to a multi-drawer ...
Brass, Wrought Iron
$5,850
H 10.25 in W 24 in D 11.75 in
Table Top Jewelry Chest, Walnut, Brass Pulls Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Signed
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare table top jewelry case / cabinet designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Signed with the brass Dunbar metal tag. Walnut case and brass pulls. Two drawers...
Brass
Sold
H 2 in W 4 in D 4.5 in
Vienna Secession Metal Box by Josef Hoffmann and Wiener Werkstätte, Austria
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in North Miami, FL
1920s Vienna Secession silvered metal box with wooden interior by Josef Hoffmann and Wiener Werkstätte, Austria By: Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann Material: metal, silver plate, ...
Metal, Silver Plate
Sold
H 9.85 in W 22.84 in D 17.72 in
Unique Museum Specimen of a Casket by Viktor Lurje for the Wiener Werkstätten
By Viktor Lurje, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Saarbrücken, SL
A Vienna / New York history. Unique museum specimen of a casket by Viktor Lurje for the Wiener Werkstätten, dated 1920. Signature Viktor Lurje VL and th...
Wood
Box Brass Silver-plated J. Hoffmann Wiener Werkstaette C. 1903-05 Original
By Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
RAREST ROUND LIDDED BOX OF WIENER WERKSTAETTE (WW): Stunning elegance / edged areas are decorated with so-said pearl-border. Material is BRASS (SILVER-PLATED). The lid is d...
Brass, Silver Plate