Cubic Lattice Basket, 1905

The world of geometry was the greatest source of inspiration for Josef Hoffmann (1870–1956) and Koloman Moser (1868–1918), co-founders of the Wiener Werkstätte, in its early years. Hoffmann’s predilection for square shapes even earned him the nickname “Quadratl-Hoffmann” (Squary Hoffmann) among friends. In many cases, however, the designs of the two are so similar that they cannot be unequivocally attributed to either one without a signed design drawing. This is also true of this cubic lattice basket. It is a simple open cube, whose four sides consist of a zinc-plated steel sheets with a grid of mechanically punched-out squares. After soldering the individual parts together, the basket was lacquered white.

MR, 2021