Jacob & Josef Kohn

JACOB & JOSEF KOHN. Vienna, ca. 1900-1910.
Bench.
Steamed bent beech wood and grille.
Original maker's label on stretcher frame.
Good overall condition. Wear and marks consistent with use and age.
Measurements: 100 x 143 x 55 cm.

The back of this Jacob & Joef bench, faithful representative of its style, presents a sinuous design of undulating lines and spiral motifs, with an oval central medallion, while the arms are continuously integrated into the structure. The piece is an outstanding example of the steam bending technique, where the structure is resolved by fluid circular lines that connect armrests and glides in a continuous, enveloping gesture. Representative of the transitional Viennese furniture between Jugendstil and Viennese Secession, it combines organic forms with a progressive structural refinement; the backrest incorporates an openwork panel with a radial geometric motif, characteristic of the Secession, which balances the expressiveness of the lateral curves with Austrian formal rigor. The warmth of the finish, together with the visual lightness of its forms, reinforces its sculptural character as a piece of the European avant-garde of the early 20th century.