Lot 85

Adolf Loos (1870 - 1933) A TEA TABLE (ELEFANTENRÜSSEL TISCH)

The tea table, known as the Elefantenrüsseltisch (referring to the shape of the legs), was first presented in 1900 by Schmidt at the Winter Exhibition of the Austrian Museum of Art and Industry. Loos first used the design indoors in 1902 in the apartment of Dr. Hugo Haberfeld. The table can be considered one of the most iconic modernist designs ever. The elegant curves of the legs with their moulded arched edge with brass combined with mahogany wood matched the Viennese taste of the most demanding clientele. Loos also used this model in other interiors, including those of Friedmann, Weiss and Rosenfeld. Adolf Loos designed this model in various versions. The offered table is in a larger version with eight legs and a top with inset ceramic tiles with green glaze. In good preserved condition. Literature. Ottilingerová, Adolf Loos. Living Concepts and Furniture Designs, Salzburg/Vienna, 1994, p. 47, fig. 39, p. 154F; Burkhardt Rukschcio, Roland Schachel, Adolf Loos. Life and Work, Salzburg, Vienna, 1982, p. 423f., Gustav and Marie Turnowsky's apartment, Vienna IV, Wohllebengasse 19, 1900, fig. 418, sitting room, Wohllebengasse, 1900; Behalová Vera, Die Wohnungen von Adolf Loos in Pilsen in: Adolf Loos 1870-1933. Berlin Akademie de Künste, 1983.