Set of Six "Fledermaus" Chairs Josef Hoffmann

Description

A set of six early first edition "Fledermaus" chairs designed by Josef Hoffmann in 1906 and executed by J. & J. Kohn, Vienna, between 1907 and 1912.
The chair takes its name from the famous cabaret for which it was designed, Kabarett Fledermaus, opened 1907. Not only the furniture but all aspects of Kabarett Fledermaus’ interior and paraphernalia were designed by members of the Wiener Werkstätte -a cooperative of architects, artists, and designers. The space can thus be referred to as a Gesamtkunstwerk, or total work of art, as all components of the cabaret such as the stage, costumes, cutlery, textiles, as well as posters and postcards (of the performances) were designed in consideration of each other in order to create a coherent expression of the shared ideas on aesthetics and modernity. In addition to Hoffmann; Koloman Moser, Gustav Klimt and Oskar Kokoschka (to name but a few) were involved in the project. Built as a space for experimental dance, theatre, poetry etc… Kabarett Fledermaus became a lively late-night destination for the cultural avant-garde and an integral part of Viennese social life.

The chairs are made of solid beech that has been lacquered black. Its form is essentially a variety of circles and spheres which are shapes that Hoffmann often incorporated into his work. Perhaps most visually satisfying and most redolent of Hoffmann’s work are the spheres/balls that sit in the 90 degree angles between the legs & seat and between the top rail of the chair & back rest. Circles and squares and their three-dimensional counterparts were dominant decorative motifs used throughout the cabaret.

Considering their age each chair is in excellent condition. The lacquer has worn beautifully -namely on the cresting rail/arm rest where the wood grain is reemerging with an excellent reddish hue. Each chair has been newly upholstered in a radiant green fabric designed by Raf Simons for Kvadrat and finished with green leather piping.

Specification

Width: 53 cm
Height: 83 cm
Depth : 52 cm
Seat Height: 46.5 cm