JOSEF HOFFMANN Enamel Medaillons, Wiener Werkstätte, Vienna, ca. 1910

These rare evening shoes from circa 1910 are a remarkable example of early 20th-century Austrian fashion craftsmanship, originating from Vienna. Made of elegant black silk, each shoe is adorned with an oval enamel medallion featuring the “Blätter” (Leaves) design by renowned architect and designer Josef Hoffmann, one of the founding members of the Wiener Werkstätte. The medallions, crafted in brass and white enamel, measure approximately 2.9 × 3.2 cm and were executed by Johann Souval for the Wiener Werkstätte. Each is stamped on the reverse with “WW”, confirming its authenticity and origin around 1910.

The Wiener Werkstätte GmbH, founded in 1903 by Hoffmann, Koloman Moser, and industrialist Fritz Waerndorfer, was a pioneering collective of fine artists and designers committed to merging art with everyday life. Their creations—ranging from furniture and jewelry to fashion accessories and interior objects—embodied the ideals of the Viennese Secession and Jugendstil movements. At its height, the collective operated boutiques in New York, Berlin, and Zurich, before closing in 1932. Today, original Wiener Werkstätte objects are highly sought after, and shoes featuring authentic WW medallions are considered exceptionally rare.

This pair is in very good original condition, with gentle signs of wear consistent with age. The silk shows slight abrasion, a few beads are missing, and one insole is broken. The enameled medallions display minor surface wear, adding to the authenticity and charm of the piece. Shoe trees are not included.

Collectors of historic fashion, Jugendstil design, or Wiener Werkstätte memorabilia will appreciate the unique value of these shoes - not only as wearable art but as a tangible link to one of the most influential artistic movements of the early 20th century.