Teapot
Josef Hoffmann
(Austrian (born in Pirnitz, Moravia), 1870–1956)
Josef Czech
(Austrian, 1874–1958)
Wiener Werkstätte
(1903–1932)
1904
Object PlaceVienna, Austria
Medium/TechniqueSilver, ebony, raffia
Dimensions16.8 x 21.5 cm (6 5/8 x 8 7/16 in.)
Credit LineEdwin E. Jack Fund, John H. and Ernestine A. Payne Fund, and Helen and Alice Colburn Fund
Accession number1998.12
On View
On viewClassificationsSilver
Collections
This teapot is an outstanding example of Hoffman's designs for metalwork. The austere geometry of form is offset by the beaded ornament and finely hammered surface decoration, a decidedly architectonic and typical treatment for metalwork in the early years of the Wiener Werkstätte. The archives of the firm record that only one tea service of this design was produced; it was purchased by the Wiener Werkstätte patron and founder, Fritz Wärndorfer.
Provenance1904, made by the Wiener Werkstätte for Fritz Wärndorfer (b. 1868 - d. 1939), Vienna. May 1, 1997, anonymous sale, Christie's, London, lot 331. 1997, Historical Design, Inc., New York; 1998, sold by Historical Design to the MFA. (Accession Date: March 18, 1998)
19th century
about 1903
about 1903
designed 1988, manufactured 1996
mid to late 19th century (before 1889)
mid to late 19th century (before 1889)
mid-late 18th century
mid-19th century
about 1936
about 1965