Koloman Moser

Christie's London, November 2, 1995, lot 229 (for one vase)

Der gedeckte Tisch, Wiener Werkstätte, Neustiftgasse 32-34, Vienna, October 1906

Maria Rennhofer, Koloman Moser: Master of Viennese Modernism, London, 2002, p. 78
This lot is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity by Patrick Kovacs confirming the exact date of the work according to the Lovacs/Scheidl methodology.  When one of the two vases in this lot was acquired from Christie's London in 1995, it was dated 1905/1911 in the cataloguing because the dating methodology had not yet been developed.  The second vase was acquired from a private European collection.

 

Generally in very good overall condition. Some light rubbing in places from age and gentle use. The ivory with some slight darkening and age cracks as expected with age and use which is visible in the catalogue illustration. One vase with a slight dent 3/4 of an inch below the rim. The other vase with two slight dents to the lower body. There are slight variations in tone to the lapis lazuli stones as expected and they all appear to be original. The upper collars appear to have their original oxidization to the background which heightens the relief decoration.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

One of the three founders of the Wiener Werkstätte in 1903, the painter Koloman Moser also excelled in the design of both graphic work and three-dimensional forms.  In their form, ornament and materials, these vases display a synthesis of Moser's skills and are iconic examples of the Wiener Werkstätte's early production.  The integration of hard stones and organic materials was evident in much of the firm's metalwork as early as 1904 and the attenuated proportions of the vases were a critical component of the firm's vocabulary at that time. The decorative bands were a framing device used frequently in textile and furniture designs of the era, with the most lavish use of these elements seen in the firm's most famous commission of the era, the Palais Stoclet in Brussels (1906-1911).

According to the Wiener Werkstätte archives, the present lot, one of only two known pairs of this model (S698) was sold on October 19, 1905.  The second pair was later sold on August 17, 1911.  In 1906, the present lot was shown at an exhibition of Wiener Werkstätte tablewares at Neustiftgasse 32-34 in Vienna.  Filled with flowers, those vases were installed on a sideboard with numerous other luxurious items utilizing ivory and lapis lazuli.  Other examples from the same service are in the collection of the Museum für angewandte Kunst, Vienna, Inv. Nos. Go.2006/37576 and Go.2007/37577.

Moser did not design any additional silver objects after resigning from the Wiener Werstätte in 1907, although the firm continued to retail his designs until the First World War.   

Derek E. Ostergard

Sotheby's would like to thank Dr. Elisabeth Schmuttermeier, Curator Metalwork Department/Wiener Werkstätte Archive – MAK, Vienna  for her assistance in cataloguing this lot.