Pair of Josef Hoffmann Leather Kubus Armchairs by Wittmann
About the Item
- Creator:Wittmann (Manufacturer),Josef Hoffmann (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 29 in (73.66 cm)Width: 36.5 in (92.71 cm)Depth: 30.25 in (76.84 cm)Seat Height: 17.25 in (43.82 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Late 20th Century
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Sturdy and strong with good joinery. Leather is soft and supple with fine craquelure on the finish as seen in photos and wear on the feet.
- Seller Location:Rio Vista, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1555227419082
Josef Hoffmann
The Austrian architect Josef Hoffmann was a central figure in the evolution of modern design, and a leader in an aesthetic movement born in Europe in the late 19th century that rejected florid, extravagant ornamentation in favor of a new emphasis on simplicity of line.
As a founder of the Vienna Secession — a union of artists and designers determined to upend Austria’s artistic conservatism — and later, a founder of the turn-of-the-century Wiener Werkstätte (in English: the Viennese Workshops), a design cooperative that produced superbly crafted furniture and housewares, Hoffmann was a pioneering practitioner of what would become a fundamental principle of modernism: that good design is a way of life.
Hoffmann came of age amidst a shift in the culture of the applied arts, as a conservative order that looked only to the past for inspiration was pushed aside. But what, exactly, would replace that order was in question — and Hoffmann’s career embodies the developing patterns of design’s new spirit. His architectural work reflects his time as a student of the Vienna architect Otto Wagner, who disdained excessive decoration and employed new materials such as steel girders and reinforced concrete to create buildings with airy, open interiors full of light.
As a designer of furniture and interiors, Hoffmann was consistently open-minded about the aesthetics he explored. He was an early adherent of the flowing, organic forms of the Art Nouveau design movement that began to flourish in the late 1880s — but by the opening of the Wiener Werkstätte in 1903, Hoffmann’s designs embraced the beauty of geometry in pieces that feature grids and angular forms.
Hoffmann’s greatest works reflect his ability to combine seemingly conflicting design visions into coherent wholes. His architectural masterpiece, the Stoclet Palace in Brussels, has an exterior that groups together simple geometric forms and spacious interiors marked by subtly naturalistic design details that lend rooms an air of charm and geniality.
Hoffmann’s signature furniture design is an adjustable lounge chair — the Sitzmaschine (1905) — that marries a curving frame with square and rectangular back- and side rests. This piece, like so many others by Hoffmann, reflects a groundbreaking, forward-thinking appreciation for the union of different looks and sources that marks the best of interior design in our own day. Moreover, items offered on 1stDibs — which range from enameled silver jewelry, to silver flower vase baskets and other decorative objects, to sofas, lighting pendants and sconces — testify to the astonishing breadth of Hoffman’s creative pursuits. He was truly a giant of design.
Wittmann
Wittmann has a long tradition of uncompromising commitment to producing furniture of the highest quality. From its beginning, the Austrian company’s seating and bedroom furniture, such as armchairs and daybeds, have been fashioned from the most durable woods, like teak and oak, and upholstered in fine leather and fabrics.
Wittmann started in 1896 as a saddlery. In the 1950s, under the direction of Franz Wittmann, it began creating upholstered furniture. The company quickly made a name for itself by manufacturing quality pieces, with a focus on seating and bedroom furnishings.
Wittmann has regularly worked with major designers, with many collaborations leading to long-term partnerships. Austrian architect Johannes Spalt, French architect Jean Nouvel and Italian architect Paolo Piva have all had successful partnerships with the company.
The company’s most enduring collaboration was with Austrian designer Josef Hoffmann, a central figure in the modern furniture movement of the mid-20th century. Hoffmann moved away from extravagant ornamentation and embellishment in favor of showcasing the beauty of construction that shows through with a simple, well-crafted design. Though its mid-century modern furniture was intentionally simplistic, Wittmann incorporated color and texture into its offerings, providing some added flair compared to the popular Scandinavian modern works coming out of Denmark.
Drawing on this rich heritage, Wittmann continues to hand-make furnishings. It has stores in Vienna, Hamburg and Seon in Switzerland, and exports over 15,000 pieces each year to over 50 countries worldwide.
On 1stDibs, explore Wittmann’s Austrian take on modern furniture with seating, tables, storage pieces and more.
Erin Lane Estate is based in the San Francisco Bay Area, and its team of furniture restorers, art curators, professional appraisers and Asia specialists sources prime vintage and antique furniture from the finest estates in Northern and Southern California. Erin Lane Estate specializes in Hollywood Regency, McGuire, Chinese and Japanese pieces.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Rio Vista, CA
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
- 19th Century French Napoleon III Leather Reclining ArmchairLocated in Rio Vista, CAFantastic 19th century French Napoleon III period leather reclining armchair or lounge chair. Features a mahogany frame covered with rich, d...Category
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Armchairs
MaterialsMetal
- Pair of Mid-Century Mahogany Cube Chairs by HenredonBy HenredonLocated in Rio Vista, CAStylish pair of Mid-Century Modern cube chairs made by Henredon. Crafted from mahogany featuring an open lattice design back and arms. The generous s...Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsFabric, Mahogany
- Pair of James Mont Style Lacquered Horseshoe Chairs by CenturyBy James Mont, Century FurnitureLocated in Rio Vista, CAOpulent pair of large Chinese ming style horseshoe lounge chairs made by Century. Originally designed by James Mont these chairs epitomize his over the...Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsBrass
- Pair of Ralph Lauren Attributed Woven Rattan Lounge ChairsLocated in Rio Vista, CAGorgeous pair of oversized organic modern lounge chairs featuring a woven seagrass style rattan wicker covered frame. Produced by O-Asian for Ralph Laur...Category
20th Century American Organic Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsBamboo, Wicker, Rattan
- Pair of McGuire Organic Modern Rattan Pole Lounge ChairsBy McGuireLocated in Rio Vista, CAAmazing pair of rattan pole lounge chairs or club chairs made in the California organic modern style by McGuire. The chairs feature large rattan fra...Category
20th Century American Organic Modern Armchairs
MaterialsLeather, Rattan, Oak
- Pair of Michael Taylor Style Woven Rattan Wicker Lounge ChairsLocated in Rio Vista, CAGrand pair of oversized woven rattan wicker cube shaped lounge chairs or club chairs made in the fabulous organic modern manner and style of Michael Taylor...Category
Late 20th Century Organic Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Wicker, Rattan
- Customizable Wittmann Leather Kubus Armchair by Josef HoffmannBy Wittmann, Josef HoffmannLocated in New York, NYA classic example of Hoffmann’s strict geometrical lines and the quadratic theme in his work is the Kubus armchair, designed in 1910 and handcrafted to ...Category
2010s Austrian Chairs
MaterialsLeather
- Josef Hoffmann Allegasse Armchair by WittmannBy Wittmann, Josef HoffmannLocated in Dronten, NLThis upholstered suite was designed in 1912 for Dr. Hugo Koller’s music room as part of the furnishings at his Vienna apartment in Alleegasse (now Argentinierstrasse). Manufactured i...Category
2010s Austrian Art Deco Armchairs
MaterialsWool, Beech
- Customizable Wittmann Haus Koller Sofa by Josef HoffmannBy Wittmann, Josef HoffmannLocated in New York, NYThese upholstered items were created during the alterations to Koller’s house in Oberwaltersdorf carried out between 1912-1914. Wittmann has created sofas to match this design.Category
2010s Austrian Armchairs
MaterialsLeather, Fabric
- Customizable Wittmann Villa Gallia Lounge Chair by Josef HoffmannBy Josef Hoffmann, WittmannLocated in New York, NYThis suite was created in 1913 for the Gallia family’s apartment in Wohllebengasse, Vienna.Category
2010s Austrian Lounge Chairs
MaterialsFabric
- Customizable Wittmann Haus Koller Sofa 200 by Josef HoffmannBy Wittmann, Josef HoffmannLocated in New York, NYThese upholstered items were created during the alterations to Koller’s house in Oberwaltersdorf carried out between 1912-1914. Wittmann has created sofas to match this design.Category
2010s Austrian Armchairs
MaterialsLeather, Fabric
- Customizable Wittmann Haus Koller Lounge Chair by Josef HoffmannBy Josef Hoffmann, WittmannLocated in New York, NYThese upholstered items were created during the alterations to Koller’s house in Oberwaltersdorf carried out between 1912-1914. Wittmann has created sofas to match this design.Category
2010s Austrian Armchairs
MaterialsLeather, Fabric