Teaspoon

The geometric grid pattern at the tops of these candlesticks suggests the influence of Viennese design, rare in American works of the period. Abstracted rectilinear designs were a hallmark of the work of Josef Hoffman (Austrian, 1870–1956), a founder and leading artist of the avant-garde Wiener Werkstatte (Vienna Workshop), a cooperative dedicated to Arts and Crafts ideals, which sought to elevate the decorative arts and make them accessible to the public. Despite the vitality of the Wiener Werkstatte in Europe, Americans had, at best, minimal exposure to Viennese design limited to exhibitions at the St. Louis Exposition of 1904 and to publications such as The Studio. The Pairpoint Manufacturing Cornpany probably was more willing to experiment with different motifs in silver plate because it was a less expensive medium.