Antique Arts & Crafts Intarsia Inlay Turned Wood Darning Eggs, Set of 5

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Set of 5, antique Austrian Arts & Crafts intarsia (solid wood piecing vs. marquetry veneering) decorative Easter Eggs or Darning … Read more Set of 5, antique Austrian Arts & Crafts intarsia (solid wood piecing vs. marquetry veneering) decorative Easter Eggs or Darning Eggs with various patterns of the period - checkerboard, harlequin, "target". Such eggs were first introduced in 1905 by Wiener Werkstette designer and artist Therese Trethan (1879-1957), a student of Wiener Werkstette co-founder Koloman Moser who is known for her innovative toys, decorative boxes and screens. These pieces are not made using marquetry techniques in which woods are applied as layers of veneer but they are constructed of solid pieces of light and dark stained woods or various species of woods pieced and laminated together and then turned on a lathe to reveal a surface with special patterns. The concentric circle pattern was developed by Moser and Josef Hoffman around the same time as they kicked off the shift in design from the flowing Art Nouveau patterns of the time to the stark, geometric look of mathematical abstraction for which the Viennese workshops became known. During this time, these designs were adapted by the local folk artists and wood artisans in the Erzebirge of Germany, where there was already a well established community of specialty artisans producing both decorative and practical wooden products, some of which were made for use as darning tools. This set of unmarked eggs were found at a Swiss flea market from an Austrian dealer. The set includes:

1. Large, goose egg size - 3 1/4" L x 2 1/4" diameter (3.7 oz)
2. Striped - 2 1/2"L x 2" diameter (2 oz)
3. Harlequin - 2 1/2" L x 1 7/8" diameter (1.9 oz)
4. Oblong with stripes - 2 1/8"L x 2" diameter (2 oz)
5. "Target" - 2 1/8" globe (2.3 oz)

In very good condition, with patina and light wear on all surfaces - see photos for details. Plate shown is NOT included. A remarkable set displayed in egg cups or in a bowl that gives an interesting and whimsical touch to a bookshelf or table. See less