VIENNA.- The Jugendstil & 20th century arts and crafts auction will be held on 12 December 2018, at Dorotheum Vienna. It not only presents a selection of international objects but also a number of fine examples from the Wiener Werkstätte.

Founded by Josef Hoffmann and Koloman Moser in 1903, the Wiener Werkstätte was intended to revolutionise applied art. Distinguished by exquisite craftsmanship, Vienna became an international centre for applied arts, as well as producing jewellery, furniture and everyday objects of the highest quality. A number of renowned artists earnt their fame in fin de siècle Vienna. Alongside Josef Hoffmann and Koloman Moser, were Dagobert Peche and the ceramic artists Gudrun Baudisch and Vally Wieselthier. Their development of geometric-abstract design also spearheaded their transition into the modern period.

Josef Hoffmann designed two of the brooches in the auction. The first is a unique round brooch decorated with gemstone garlands dating to 1908 (estimate € 60,000 – 80,000). The second is a rectangular malachite brooch from 1911, which belonged to the family of Viennese sculptor Anton Sinn, a friend of both Hoffmann and Gustav Klimt (€ 15,000 – 30,000). Also in the auction is a table clock with hammered décor by Josef Hoffmann valued at 30,000 to 50,000 Euro.

Additionally, the auction features a 1909 silver bread basket (€ 25,000 – 40,000), as well as a silver Hoffmann tea service dating to before 1910, with decoration by Eduard Josef Wimmer-Wisgrill (€ 20,000 – 30,000).

Otto Prutscher studied under Josef Hoffmann at the School of Applied Art and later brought a more decorative style to the Wiener Werkstätte. This is exemplified by his eight-part silver toiletry set dating to 1920 (€ 50,000 – 80,000). Dagobert Peche's talent for gorgeous design is reflected in his carved limewood mirror, made for Wiener Werkstätte by the Max Welz firm in 1922 (€ 30,000 – 50,000). Koloman Moser, also known for his paintings and graphic prints, is represented by a silver confectionary basket dating to 1906 (€ 12,000 – 20,000).

Measuring close to one meter, a large sculpture depicting a fortune dragon Gute Zeiten (Good Times) was originally part of the Leipzig Porcelain Palais at the opening of the 1921 spring fair. Designed by Hugo Meisel, the dragon is one of only five from the Leipzig Porcelain Palais and was made by the Aeltesten Volksteder Porzellanmanufaktur (€ 35,000 – 45,000). Two of the remaining sculptures belong to the collection of the Hetjens Museum in Düsseldorf, one fortune dragon is in a Japanese private collection, and the last is held in a private collection.

Several typical Emile Gallé cased glass vases will be in the auction. As well as, a pair of exceptional Ombelles walnut chairs with legs reminiscent of floral stems and a backrest carved in the form of umbels (€ 22,000 – 30,000).

Demetre Chiparus, renowned for his bronzes, is a favourite among collectors. His Ayouta, a bronze and ivory dancing figure, demonstrates early Art Deco design. The piece is expected to fetch 18,000 to 25,000 Euro. Additionally, the French selection includes furniture by Leleu and Majorelle.

Finally, the auction presents almost immaculate glass art with a pair of Rhine wine glasses, designed by Karl Massanetz for Lobmeyr Vienna 1914 (€ 5,000 – 7,000). As well as two chalices, designed around 1907 by Otto Prutscher and made by Meyr’s Neffe (€ 14,000 – 20,000).