Teapot

Designed by: Josef Hoffmann (Austrian (born in Pirnitz, Moravia), 1870–1956)
Made by: Josef Czech (Austrian, 1874–1958)
Designed for: Wiener Werkstätte (1903–1932)

Austrian (Vienna)

1904

Object Place: Vienna, Austria

Medium/Technique Silver, ebony, raffia

Dimensions 16.8 x 21.5 cm (6 5/8 x 8 7/16 in.)

Credit Line Edwin E. Jack Fund, John H. and Ernestine A. Payne Fund, and Helen and Alice Colburn Fund

Accession Number1998.12

ON VIEW
Gallery at foot of Hemicycle Staircase (Gallery 149)

CollectionsEurope

ClassificationsSilver hollowware
Silver

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.

DescriptionCylindrical kettle with angled spout and hinged, flat cover. Handle is formed of heavy wires, forms a semi-circle, and wrapped with woven raffia. Geometric finial of ebony. Hammered surface with raised, punched panels in vertical bands.

Marks WWW rose mark, WW monogram in oval, JH monogram, Vienna 800 silver assay mark, maker's mark for Josef Czech

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)