Design by Theophil v. Hansen 1872, produced by Stefan Wichers, sculptural work by Johann Schindler. A bassinette-shaped iron structure, partly painted brown and with gold motifs, set on a moulded walnut plinth with turned feet, and with cast figures of putti. Ca. 60 x 57.5 x 37. 5 cm. Some ageing and wear. (DOC)

This piece was presented for the first time at the World Fair in Vienna in 1873. On the photograph “Salon in der Wohnung Lobmeyr II” the model can be easily recognised. What is interesting, however, is the fact that it is made in metal, unlike the one in the Lobmeyr II apartment and the one sold at the auction of furniture and antiquities on 12 October 2011 at Dorotheum. Both of these examples were made from turned walnut. Given the not inconsiderable weight of a pile of logs, we can assume that for reasons of improved stability the basket was then produced in a more solid material at the request of customers.

Lit.:
Eva Ottilinger, Lieselotte Hanzl: Kaiserliche Interieurs, Die Wohnkultur des Wiener Hofes im 19th century, pp. 360 ff, Böhlauverlag 1997,
Kreisel/Himmelheber:
Die Kunst des deutschen Möbels, Vol III, pp. 189 ff, fig. 883,
Verlag C. H. Beck, Munich
Dorotheum - “Antiquitäten und Möbel” 12 October 2011, Cat No. 293