A unique Gold-plated Silver and Topaz Tiara
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VA… Read more
A unique Gold-plated Silver and Topaz Tiara

DESIGNED BY JOSEF HOFFMANN, MANUFACTURED BY THE WIENER WERKSTÄTTE, 1912

Details
A unique Gold-plated Silver and Topaz Tiara
Designed by Josef Hoffmann, manufactured by the Wiener Werkstätte, 1912
Stylised foliate decoration inset with topaz cabochons
7½in. (19cm.) approximate diameter
Stamped with designer's monogram, Wiener Werkstätte mark, Viennese poinçon, Rosemark and goldsmith's mark for Karl Ponocny
Special notice
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

The design for the present tiara is recorded in the archive of the Wiener Werkstätte at the Österreichisches Museum für angewandte Kunst, Vienna, described as Kopfschmuck under Inventory No. WWF Vol. 92/p. 78, Work book number G1452, Platte 760/III, Order book Ref. No. G5, p. 1452.
The archive records that the tiara was completed on 25.1.12, and the original cost for materials and salaries in total was 105.05 Austrian Schillings. The tiara was sold for 400 Austrian Schillings.
It is unusual for pieces executed around this date to bear the monogram of the goldsmith; this may indicate that the tiara was made for an important client or possibly for an acquaintance of Hoffmann or a member of the Wiener Werkstätte.

We are grateful to Elisabeth Schmuttermeier at the MAK for her assistance in preparing this catalogue entry.

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