Wiener Werkstätte beaded purse
Object No. A8902
The Wiener Werkstätte, operated from 1903-1932. Josef Hoffman and Koloman Moser were two of the founders. Joined by a group of talented avant-garde designers, they created jewellery, fabrics, ceramics, furniture and interiors for a select European market. Their style featured geometric patterning, simple lines and strong colours, especially black. Key principles were that designers should be familiar with the whole creative process and that fine arts, decorative arts, interior design and architecture should be held in equal esteem and work together as one. Though the workshops closed in 1932, the Wiener Werkstätte, had a profound impact upon European decorative arts for many years. Lindie Ward 28/2/08
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Summary
Object Statement
Drawstring purse, kid leather / silk / glass beads, designed by Maria Likarz-Strauss, made by Wiener Werkstätte, Vienna, Austria, 1925
Physical Description
Drawstring purse, kid leather / silk / glass beads, designed by Maria Likarz-Strauss, made by Wiener Werkstätte, Vienna, Austria, 1925 U-shaped drawstring purse made from tiny orange glass beads with Art Deco pattern of circles in black/white beads. It has an orange silk cord drawstring at top and is lined with kid leather.
PRODUCTION
Notes
Maria Likarz-Strauss was one of the leading female designers of the Wiener Werkstätte, from 1920-1931. This is thought to be one of her best designs. 'Wiener Werkstätte (Vienna Worshop) was established in 1903 as an association of artists and craftspeople working together to manufacture fashionable household goods.' ..Established by Joseph Hoffman and Koloman Moser,.. 'the firm was an offshoot of the late 19th century Vienna Secession, a group of artists and architects who sought to establish a "new art" for the new century. Simplified shapes, geometric patterns, and minimal decoration characterized Wiener Werkstätte products. Almost from the beginning, jewelry making was part of the Wiener Werkstätte curriculum, and by 1905 it had become singled out as its own discipline. Over the years, additional fashion accessories like hats, hatpins, fans, and evening bags were added. The earliest handbags and purses were of tooled leather, but as the fashion department grew, beaded bags and belts were made as well. At first, the designs were quite austere and often lacked decoration of any kind. This evening bag, one of Maria Likarz-Strauss's finest works, features an abstract pattern and minuscule beadwork.' (text from the Minneapolis Institute of Arts who have an indentical bag in their collection)
SOURCE
Credit Line
Gift of Anne Schofield, 1983
Acquisition Date
29 March 1983
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