JOSEF HOFFMANN 1911-2011 Art Nouveau Bell Flowers Brooch In Sterling & Gemstones
A Bell-Flowers brooch designed by Josef Hoffmann (1870-1956).
This is an exceptional Bell-flowers brooch, originally designed in Vienna Austria by Josef Hoffman, back in 1911. The iconic brooch has been masterfully crafted in the art & crafts style in solid .925 sterling silver with 24 karats gold gilt. Mounted with ten natural precious gemstones, such; vivid red corals, green chrysoprase, agates and jades. The brooch is fitted at the reverse with a hinged pin bar and a mechanical twisted lock.
Josef Hoffmann
He was one of the premier Viennese proponents of the Gesamtkunstwerk, or "total work of art." A gifted and prolific designer of architecture, furniture, utensils, clothing, book bindings, posters, textiles, and wallpaper, Hoffmann was convinced of the social and spiritual benefits of harmonious living environments designed by a single creative mind. Hoffmann was greatly influenced by John Ruskin, William Morris, Charles Robert Ashbee, and Otto Wagner, all of whom were dedicated to elevating the status of craft to that of fine art, and Hoffmann incorporated their teachings into the curriculum at the Kunstgewerbeschule (School for Arts and Crafts), where he was appointed professor at the age of twenty-nine. Hoffmann founded the Wiener Werkstätte in 1903 with fellow Vienna Secession member Koloman Moser. The Weiner Werkstätte aimed both to revive high standards of craftsmanship and to interest the broad public in cultivated and original design. Around 1900 Hoffmann developed his geometrically refined signature style, elegant and perfectly unified, that he incorporated in designs for silver, furniture, carpets, linens, and lamps in addition to architectural details. His aptitude for creating beautiful and timeless forms ensured that he enjoyed a career in building design and decoration, both in Europe and the United States, that lasted well into the 1950s.
Country: Vienna, Austria.
Period: Art & Craft, Art Nouveau, 1910-2011.
Editorial: First edition, Neue Galerie Exclusive, New York.
Gemstones: Mount in bezel settings, with 10 mixed cabochons cut of vivid red corals, green chrysoprase, agates and green jades.
Weight: 20.2 Grams, (12.95 Dwt).
Measurements: 54mm by 40mm (2.13 x 1.58 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark monogram associated to Josef Hoffmann, the mark for the assay and warranty of the .925/.999 silver, the mark of the editorial house First Edition, the date and edition and signed as follows, "FE JH .925 02/2011".
Collateral: This Josef Hoffmann brooch is accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.
Condition: The overall condition of this Josef Hoffmann brooch is excellent. Besides the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. The 10 gemstones are secured in the settings. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: P021025MENM/.5988
