Porcelain, underglaze green, black and blue pigment
Austria, designed circa 1933, manufactured later
Josef Hoffmann (1870 – 1976)
Manufactured by Augarten
Hallmarks: the bases of the pieces have crowned beehive marks with, ‘Wien’, ‘15/5539’, ‘63’, and a red cartouche with, ‘Augarten Austria’
Lobed melon shape with the rare green underglaze color
Josef Hoffmann Designs, Peter Noever, pg 259
Includes: coffee pot, sugar, creamer, six small saucers and six small cups
Coffee pot dimensions: 6” x 6 ½” x 3 ½” (height x width with handle x diameter)

This fifteen piece ‘Mocca’ coffee service is a Josef Hoffmann design. As a Vienna Secessionist and a founder of the Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann’s designs like this one feature fine geometry and naturalism. This particular service includes one gourd form coffee pot, one sugar, one creamer, six saucers and six cups. This melon form service is decorated with the less-frequently seen green and white striped decoration.

The bases of the coffee set have crowned beehive marks with, ‘Wien’, ‘15/5539’, ‘63’, and a red cartouche with, ‘Augarten Austria’. This service is in good condition with minor traces of age and wear. The largest piece, the gourd form coffee pot, is 6” x 6 ½” (height x width) with the handle and spout with a 3 ½” diameter. The sugar bowl is 3 ½” x 3 ¾” (height x diameter). The creamer is 3” x 4” with handle (height x width). The cups are 1 7/8” x 2 ¾” with handle (height x width). The saucers have a 4” diameter.

Josef Hoffmann (1870-1956)

Josef Hoffmann was an Austrian architect, designer and draughtsman born in Brtnice, Moravia (now Czech Republic). Studying at the Higher State Crafts in Brno and the Academy of Fine Arts, Vienna, Hoffmann helped found the Vienna Secession in 1897 with Koloman Moser and Gustav Klimt. Some of his notable architecture projects include the Purkersdorf Sanatorium (1903), Stoclet House (1905) and the Austrian Pavilion for the International Art Exhibition in Rome (1911) and for the Venice Biennale (1934). From 1899 to 1936 Hoffmann held a teaching position at Vienna’s School of Applied Arts. Hoffmann’s product designs, such as the “Sitzmaschine” chair, sets of glasses and a lamp, can be found in the MoMA, and his tea service can be seen at the MET.

Wiener Werkstätte

Founded by Josef Hoffmann and Koloman Moser, Wiener Werkstätte produced across crafts, from furniture and ceramics to fashion. Employing key members of the Vienna Secessionists movement, Wiener Werkstätte objects encompass the concept of Gesamtkunstwerk – being total works of art. The fine quality in Wiener Werkstätte workmanship is a testament to the company’s battle against mass produced commercialism. In the world of 20th century design, Wiener Werkstätte handmade pieces are still respected as a symbol of craft and artistry.