Box Copper Ceramics Figurine by Josef Hoffmann for Klieber Wiener Werkstaette, 1920s

Finest as well as rare lidded box made during Art Nouveau Period on behalf of Wiener Werkstaette. Related box is signed at reverse side by signet of Josef Hoffmann & by characters ‘MADE IN AUSTRIA’ enclosed by square as well as by word mark ‘Wiener Werkstätte’ as it was used as from the year 1909. The bellied box with lid – based on three feet – is made of copper / its surface is decorated with arched lines as well as with so-said ‘Hammerschlagdekor’ (= a decorative hammered finish) / the bowl is gilt inside (slight sings of wear at inner side visible). – Finally, the tapered lid is topped with a sculptured ceramics figurine, made in style of Anton Klieber’s (1886 – 1971) lovely small ‘heart-figurines’. Designer Josef Hoffmann (1870 / Czechia – 1956 / Vienna) = original drawing (made by pencil on paper) deriving from the MAK (= Museum of Applied Arts in Vienna / Austria) – Wiener Werkstaette Archive – existing (a related picture is attached here). Designed before 1910. Short Biography of Josef Hoffmann: – world-famous architect (for example Sanatorium in Purkersdorf / Lower Austria & Palais Stoclet in Brussels) – designer of interiours (for example: Cabaret Fledermaus) as well as of furniture pieces and objects of daily use 1897: Josef Hoffmann was one of the founders of Viennese Secession / he and J. M. Olbrich were the most important architects there 1899 – 1937 Hoffmann was Professor at Viennese School of Applied Arts 1912: Foundation of Austrian so-said Werkbund (J.Hoffmann was member of it until the year 1920) Material: Copper & gilt inside Ceramics (painted & glazed) Vienna / Austria made circa 1910-20 Size: total diameter: 12.0 cm / 4.72 inches diameter at mouth: 9.0 cm / 3.54 inches height: 18.5 cm / 7.28 inches Condition: Very good (there aren’t any damages existing) / there are some slight signs of use at bowl’s inner side.