Koloman Moser

executed by the Wiener Werkstätte and silversmith Eugen Pflaumer, Vienna
painted beech, silver, lapis lazuli

Mr and Mrs Stonborough-Wittgenstein, Berlin
Galerie bei der Albertina Zetter, Vienna
Acquired from the above by the present owner, 2005

Vienna, Galerie bei der Albertina, Wiener Werkstätte: A Total Work of Art, 23 October, 2003 - 31 January, 2004

Charles Holme, ed., The Art-Revival In Austria: The Studio, Special Summer Number, London, 1906, pl. C 34 for a period illustration of a relatable example in situ
Deutsche Kunst und Dekoration, vol XVII, Darmstadt, October 1905 - March 1906, pp. 160-161 for period illustrations of relatable models
Maurizio Fagiolo, Hoffmann i "mobili semplici": Vienna 1900/1910, Rome, 1977, n.p. for a relatable example
Daniele Baroni, Antonio D'Auria, Kolo Moser: Graphic Artist and Designer, New York, 1984, p. 45 for a period illustration of a relatable example in situ, p. 128 for a drawing of a two-door example
Werner Fenz, Pierre Mardaga, eds, Koloman Moser, Brussels, 1987, p. 164, fig. 69 for a relatable example
Galerie bei der Albertina, Wiener Werkstätte: A Total Work Of Art: Sales Exhibition For The 100th Birthday, exh. cat., 23 October 2003 - 31 January 2004, pp. 50-51, illustrated
Werner Adriaenssens et al, Roberto Polo: The Eye, London, 2011, pp. 470-471, illustrated
Christian Tröster, "Kosmos für das Auge", Architektur & Wohnen, no. 6/13, December 2013 - January 2014, p. 126, illustrated
Janis Staggs, ed., Koloman Moser: Designing Modern Vienna 1897-1907, exh. cat., 23 May - 2 September 2013, Munich, 2013, p. 172, cat. no. 85 for period illustrations of relatable examples

Overall very good condition consistent with age and gentle use. The white painted exterior has been touched up as can be witnessed under ultra violet light and is concentrated mainly to the outer edges with touching up in other minor areas throughout, however the majority of the finish is original and displays craquelere consistent with a finish of this age. The bottom right corner of the door with a minor chip approximately 1 cm high. The interior shelves with three circular stains, the largest approximately 7 cm in diameter. The silver plate with very faint scattered surface scratches. One key is included. An important and stunning cabinet which presents very well overall.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Josef Hoffmann and Koloman Moser were commissioned by Karl Wittgenstein to furnish various interiors for his daughter’s new Berlin residence on the occasion of her marriage to Dr Jerome Stonborough in 1882. All works for the home were completed by April of 1905.  Single door cupboards with silver inlay were designed for the bedroom of Jerome and Margaret Stonborough, as well as the guest room.  Additionally, this model cabinet was incorporated in the scheme for the Purkersdorf Sanatorium, but in these examples the cabinet contained a variation on the silver panel motif as well as ball feet with integrated castors.  The form is wonderfully modern in design and precise in construction.  Stressing a vertical, elongated form, the cabinet is distinguished by four lacquered posts which radiate the full length of the piece, disguising any obvious signs of corner joinery or supports.  This verticality is further enhanced with the rectangular silver panel, which draws the eye upward and is further embellished with patterning on the female figure's garment and smaller rectangular lapis lazuli inlay.  Chamfered side panels add an additional, yet subtle element of creativity and elegance to the design.