Small Pillbox, c. 1908

The design of this small sweets tin or pillbox is owed to the creative synergy of two artists working for the Wiener Werkstätte, founded in 1903. The tin’s simple, round basic form was created by the architect and designer Josef Hoffmann (1870–1956). The motif of a putto riding a fish, however, was designed by the painter, graphic artist and designer Bertold Löffler (1874–1960) in 1909. It was used by the Wiener Werkstätte also for hatpins, belt buckles and hand mirrors, among other objects. Löffler chose a bead and reel design to frame his mythological scene. The tin was realized using silver or, as in the present case, non-ferrous metal. The execution was carried out by the Wiener Werkstätte.

MR, 2023