Josef Hoffmann was able to push and develop his designs for the Wiener Werkstätte continuously, and contributed undeniably to the "Wiener Stil" (Viennese style). With its graceful elegance and delicately suggested floral form, this rare candelabrum testifies to Hoffmann’s genius. Like flower calyxes, the stylistically reduced, six-fold fluted nozzles of the candle holder rise from the center. The arms are supported by an inventive construction of five additional feet, held up by tiny globes, giving the chandelier a light and floating appearance. The perfect processing, with fine, technically sophisticated hammered decoration, is exemplary of the outstanding craftsmanship of the executing silversmiths of the Wiener Werkstätte. It was crafted between 1928 and 1930, and the design was also executed in a version with eight arms. Probably the five-armed candelabrum was a custom order and is not listed in the pattern books. A comparable eight-armed candleholder can be seen in the permanent exhibition "Vienna around 1900" at the Vienna Museum of Applied Arts, MAK.



Marked with hallmark "Wiedehopfkopf" (hoopoe-head) after 1922, silver fine "900", "WW" for Wiener Werkstatte, artist's monogram "JH" for Josef Hoffmann and "MADE/IN/AUSTRIA"