Werkstätte Hagenauer Wien
Karl Hagenhauer (Austrian, 1872 – 1928)
Gazelle Inkwell, c. 1928
Art Deco, Brass
4 ¾” high x 3 ½” wide
Description & Notes: Rare Austrian Art Deco gazelle inkwell no. 1344 in brass, made by Werkstätte Hagenauer Wien, c. 1928. The Viennese were masters of Secessionist design and this piece is a prime example of the luxurious sensual whimsy of the high deco objects produced.
The figural handle is formed from a lean stylized gazelle, the front feet are affixed to the lid and the rear feet are affixed to the hinge. When opened the gazelle rocks backwards removing the lid and revealing the well. The well is of simplified square form with short-funnel mouth sloping inwards where an ink filled glass insert can be placed. Suspended half-way up the well-front is a pen rest made from a horizontal piece of curved brass. The hinge is located two-thirds back on a short narrow platform extending from the bottom backside of the well.
The innovation of this deceptively simplified design is inspiring. It is simplified to its basic parts then stylized and ornamented to the perfection of the actions required for function: the handle is ergonomic and easily accessible, the lid remains integral so as not to be misplaced, the rest is short and raised for easy pen access, and the well is curved inward to contain drip. Furthermore, the forms gracefully follow the actions of their constituent parts: the circular motion of the opening action is reflected in the curved body and horns of the animal, the inward curve of the well allows for angled accessibility to the ink (in contrast to an awkward vertical angle), the curved shallow yet wide rest allows for more than one pen to be kept in place, and the hinge platform end is triple crimped sympathetic to the construction and action of the hinge.
Dimensions:
Height: 4 ¾”
Width: 3 ½”
Weight: 15.1 oz.
Markings: fully marked on base with round ‘WHW’ mark and ‘MADE / IN AUSTRIA’
Condition: Very Good Vintage Condition – some age and use wear as expected. The extreme tip (1/16”) of the left horn has broken off at some point in its history, this is barely noticeable. The inner well insert is missing, this is to be expected as they usually go missing and are rarely found. It has not been cleaned and is offered as found to preserve the patina for future generations and the buyer’s personal preferences. An uncommon find this inkwell represents the golden age of Austrian design.
Literature: Firmenkatalog Werkstätte Karl Hagenauer Wien, o. J. (um 1928), S. 16, Nr. 1344
Werkstätte Hagenauer : The Werkstätte Hagenauer was established in Vienna in 1898 by the father of designer Franz Hagenauer, Carl Hagenauer (1871-1928). The company’s most successful products were Viennese Secession metal goods, which were featured in many exhibitions and collected numerous awards. Designs lacked ornamentation, focusing rather on the object’s function. The workshop produced figures created by Josef Hoffmann and Otto Prutscher, as well as everyday items like corkscrews, bookends and inkwells, to name a few. Every design emphasized the unique shape and perfect craftsmanship of the object. The Werkstätte Hagenauer was the only place in the world producing this kind of arts and crafts objects. Despite the sculptures being almost a century old, most of them still look extremely contemporary. (cru)
