MOSER, Koloman
(b. 1868, Wien, d. 1918, Wien)

Inlaid Armoire from the Eisler-Terramare Apartment Bedroom

1903
Various wood, 210 x 130 cm
Leopold Museum, Vienna

This magnificent cabinet was part of Koloman Moser's design for the domicile known as the Terramare of a young couple, Gerta and Dr Hans Eisler. The Wiener Werkstätte's philosophy declared that everyday objects become works of art through artistic design in combination with the careful selection of high-quality materials and perfect craftsmanship. On the doors of this cabinet, the inlaid female figures wear lilies of the valley in their hair, an acknowledgement of the hostess' favourite flower. Kolo Moser's sketch for this inlay decoration also graced the cover page of the prestigious journal "Deutsche Kunst und Dekoration".