Details
Description
Cabinet ensemble by josef frank (1927)
werkstätten haus & garten, vienna
commissioned by hugo and malvin blitz, vienna
design:
this …
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Cabinet ensemble by josef frank (1927)
werkstätten haus & garten, vienna
commissioned by hugo and malvin blitz, vienna
design:
this rare and fully documented cabinet ensemble was designed in 1927 by austrian architect and designer josef frank (1885–1967), and produced by the viennese workshop haus & garten, which he co-founded with oskar wlach. Created as a private commission for the blitz residence in vienna, the ensemble consists of two distinct yet harmoniously designed modular cabinets:
a mirrored bar cabinet with original drawers and compartmentalized storage
a fall-front writing cabinet (sekretär) with internal shelving and functional compartments
both pieces exhibit frank’s early modernist vocabulary: geometric restraint softened by high-quality natural materials and subtle asymmetry.
materials and construction
structure: solid wood
veneer: figured cuban mahogany (swietenia mahagoni)
fittings: original brass ball-hinges, locks, escutcheons, and working keys
mirror glass: original to the period
dimensions (combined)
width: 310 cm
height: 147 cm
depth: 40 cm
restoration (2024-25)
the ensemble underwent a conservation-focused restoration, with emphasis on preserving historical integrity:
the structural framework was stabilized without altering original elements.
a non-original back panel (installed ca. 1960s) was retained for historical continuity.
no synthetic polish or shellac was applied; surfaces were treated with hard wax oil only.
original patina, minor wear, and aged surfaces were intentionally preserved
all original fittings, hinges, and mirror elements remain intact and functional.
provenance and documentation:
commissioned in 1927 by hugo and malvin blitz, vienna
documented photographically in situ in innen-dekoration (darmstadt), 1928
registered in the mak museum archive, vienna
authenticated and valued via barnebys platform.
full photographic and restoration documentation available upon request.
historical context:
this ensemble represents one of the most complete and architecturally cohesive examples of josef frank’s domestic design during his viennese period, prior to his emigration to sweden.
following the anschluss in 1938, the furniture was confiscated by the gestapo during the aryanization of jewish property. Its probable redistribution through dorotheum reflects the fate of many cultural assets looted during this period. I have official proof of authenticity such as vintage catalogs,
designer records,
or other literature sources and take full responsibility for any authenticity issues arising
from
misattribution
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- Dimensions
- 122.05ʺW × 15.75ʺD × 57.87ʺH
- Styles
- Mid-Century Modern
- Designer
- Josef Frank
- Period
- 1920s
- Country of Origin
- Austria
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
- Materials
- Mahogany
- Condition
- Good Condition, Restored, Some Imperfections
- Color
- Maroon
- Condition Notes
- Patina Consistent with Age and Use Patina Consistent with Age and Use less
Returns & Cancellations
Return Policy - All sales are final 48 hours after delivery, unless otherwise specified in the description of the product.
Cancellation Policy - Prior to shipping or local pickup, buyers may cancel an order for up to 48 hours, unless otherwise specified.
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