Modern Design 
28 March 2013
Modern Design 
236

Gustav Siegel

armchairs model 728F, set of four

J. & J. Kohn
Austria, 1905
lacquered beech, upholstery 29 h × 20½ w × 21 d in (74 × 52 × 53 cm)
estimate: $5,000–7,000
result: $3,750
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In 1907 Josef Hoffmann used forms from this series, painted in black and white, for the interior of the Fledermaus Café, Vienna and as a result the forms have often been attributed to Hoffmann.
Signed with branded manufacturer's mark to underside of each example: [J & J Kohn Tescher Austria]. Signed with applied paper manufacturer's label to underside of three examples: [Jacob and Josef Kohn Wien].
literature: Il Mobile Moderno: Gebrüder Thonet Vienna, Jacob & Josef Kohn, Renzi, pg. 164-171 Casa Thonet: Storia dei Mobili in Legno Curvato, Massobrio and Portoghesi, pg. 122

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Popular Seating

At the Turn of the Century

The armchair, model 728F, is from a series designed by Gustav Siegel for Jacob & Josef Kohn in 1905; the suite of furniture is listed in the company’s 1906 catalog. In 1907 Josef Hoffmann used forms from the series, painted in black and white, for the interior of the Fledermaus Cabaret, Vienna and as a result the forms have often been attributed to Hoffmann. While not his design, Hoffmann’s use of these forms in this famous art nouveau interior very likely contributed to the popularity of these designs. The 728 series was so admired that Jacob & Josef Kohn’s chief competitor, Thonet, introduced similar designs just a few years later.


Interior of the Fledermaus Café (1907) designed by Josef Hoffmann. Josef Hoffmann: Architect and Designer 1870-1956, Meyer, pg. 32


Program from a J & J Kohn exhibition in Buenos Aires, 1909. Josef Hoffmann: Architect and Designer 1870-1956, Meyer, pg. 33


Page from J & J Kohn's 1906 catalog. Casa Thonet: Storia dei Mobili in Legno Curvato, Massobrio and Portoghesi, pg. 122

A related work:

237
Marcel Kammerer
cafe table
estimate: $1,000-1,500
236