Beschreibung:

Lot Description: Josef Hoffmann (1870-1956) for Wiener Werkstätte: Lattice Flower Basket (Blumenkörbchen) , silver, model S 661, designed in 1905, with Austrian silver standard mark for Vienna, KT silversmith monogram, JH monogram, rose mark, WW mark and further stamped Wiener Werkstätte, 25cm high, 130gr See illustration The Wiener Werkstätte, literally 'Vienna Workshop', was founded in 1903 by Koloman Moser and Josef Hoffmann under the patronage of Fritz Waerndorfer. The company was to have an impressive impact on the design of the decorative arts throughout its relatively short lifespan, closing as it did in 1932. The lattice motif, as used on the present flower basket, was a notable part of the oeuvre of Josef Hoffmann featuring in the designs of a number of other flower baskets as well as items as diverse as a mantel clock, designed in 1904 (Wiener Werkstätte model number M 171; see H. Cantz, Viennese Silver Modern Design 1780-1918, 2003, pp. 312-313, no. 168) and a centrepiece, designed in 1904 (Wiener Werkstätte model number M 266; op cit., p. 319, no. 173). The early work of the newly established company, during which time the present flower basket was designed, is described by H. Cantz as being "Some of the most radical work from the Wiener Werkstätte was produced in the earliest period of the firm's existence, from 1903 to 1906." going on to note that "Some designs were so architectural or sculptural in nature that they seem at first glance to have been conceived either as architectural models or as objects with no purpose at all, other than that of expressing a kind of brutal beauty." (op cit, p. 284). The present flower basket is one of only a relatively small number which were produced in silver, though it must have been popular with customers as more of model S 661 were produced of it then were produced of other comparable models of flower baskets. The records of the Wiener Werkstätte, which are preserved at the Museum für angewandte Kunst in Vienna and which contains some 16,000 design sketches, including 5,500 by Josef Hoffmann record that only 296 examples of the present Lattice Flower Basket were produced at a cost of 25 crowns each (op cit., p.314, no. 170). Besides examples in silver the model was produced in white painted iron (see for example one in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, no. M.14-1982). Condition Report: Marked underneath with Austrian silver standard mark for Vienna, KT silversmith monogram, JH monogram, rose mark, WW mark and further stamped Wiener Werkstätte, There is a further Austrian silver standard mark on the handle. The marks are clear. There is some overall surface scratching and wear,consistent with age and use. There is some bruising to the lattice on three of the sides and the base is slightly bruised which causes the piece to rock slightly when placed on a flat surface. There is a small area of excess solder inside the handle, thought there is no obvious repair in this area. Would benefit from a thorough clean. Liner lacking. ARR: Categories: Metalware, Miscellaneous and Pictures