The Bauhaus was a progressive German art and design school founded by the architect Walter Gropius that operated from 1919 to 1933. Authentic Bauhaus furniture — sofas, dining chairs, tables and more — and the school’s followers married industrial and natural materials in simple, geometric forms. The goal of the Bauhaus was to erase the distinction between art and craft while embracing the use of new technologies and materials.
ORIGINS OF BAUHAUS FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF BAUHAUS FURNITURE DESIGN
BAUHAUS FURNITURE DESIGNERS YOU SHOULD KNOW
AUTHENTIC BAUHAUS FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The name Bauhaus is derived from the German verb bauen, “to build.” Under the school’s innovative curriculum, students were taught the fine arts, such as painting and sculpture, as well as practical skills like carpentry and metalworking.
The school moved from Weimar in 1925 to the city of Dessau, where it enjoyed its heyday under Gropius, then Hannes Meyer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. The period from 1932 to 1933 when it operated in Berlin under Mies was its final chapter. Despite its brief existence, the Bauhaus has had an enduring impact on art and design in the United States and elsewhere, and is regarded by many as the 20th century’s chief crucible of modernism.
The faculty roster at the Bauhaus reads like a who’s who of modernist creative genius — it included such artists as Paul Klee, Wassily Kandinsky and László Moholy-Nagy along with architects and designers like Mies and Marcel Breuer, who became known for his muscular brutalist-style concrete buildings in the postwar years. In 1925, while he was head of the Bauhaus carpentry workshop, Breuer gave form to his signature innovation: the use of lightweight tubular-steel frames for chairs, side tables and sofas — a technique soon adopted by Mies and others. Breuer’s Cesca chair was the first-ever tubular steel frame chair with a caned seat to be mass produced, while the inspiration for his legendary Wassily chair, a timeless design and part of the collection crafted to furnish the Dessau school, was the bike he rode around campus.
Bauhaus design style reflects the tenets by which these creators worked: simplicity, clarity and function. They disdained superfluous ornament in favor of precise construction. Seating pieces such as side chairs, armchairs or club chairs for example, were made with tubular metal or molded plywood frames, and upholstery was made from leather or cane. Above all, designs in the Bauhaus style offer aesthetic flexibility. They can be the elements of a wholly spare, minimalist space, the quiet foundation of an environment in which color and pattern come from one’s own collection of art and artifacts.
Today, from textiles to typefaces, architecture, furniture and decorative objects for the home, Bauhaus creations continue to have an outsize influence on modern design.
Find a collection of authentic Bauhaus furniture on 1stDibs.
Wonderful Bauhaus Style Lidded Studio Pottery Bowl 1930s
Located in Meer, VAN
Wonderful Bauhaus Style Lidded Studio Pottery Bowl 1930s Bauhaus influenced lidded ceramic box. Most probably made in Czechoslovakia, 1930s. A wonderful bowl, this is. It features...
Pottery
WMF Ikora sculptural Bauhaus bowl, silver-plated brass, by Paul Haustein, 1920
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
The silver-plated, sculptural brass bowl, with its conical shape and dark rays radiating from the center, exudes absolute elegance in the clear language of the Bauhaus. The bowl disp...
Brass
WMF Ikora Sculptural Bauhaus Bowl Silver-Plated by Paul Haustein, 1920
By Paul Haustein, WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
This extraordinary silver-plated WMF Ikora bowl combines the avant-garde design language of modernism with the exceptional craftsmanship for which WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfa...
Silver Plate, Brass
$1,216Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Bauhaus Era Art Deco Box by WMF Ikora Design Breuhaus de Groot
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik, Fritz August Breuhaus de Groot 1
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This stunning and ultra rare hand-hammered Art Deco lidded box designed by Fritz August Breuhaus de Groot for WMF Ikora in the 1920s is a true masterpiece of the era. Its design is a...
Silver Plate, Brass
set of 2 Brass handmade Shell Plates by HAYNO FOCKEN, BAUHAUS, Germany, 1950s
By Hayno Focken, Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Karl Hagenauer
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: set of 2 Brass metal shell plate element with abstract pattern DESIGN AND PRODCUER: HAYNO FOCKEN Hayno Focken completed his initial training at the Berlin Art Academy ...
Brass
$556Sale Price|20% Off
Important Bauhaus Era Art Deco Bowl Dish by WMF Design Paul Haustein Ikora
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik, Paul Haustein
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Stunning silverplated reticulated Art Deco Bauhaus Era bowl or centerpiece by WMF probably designed by Paul Haustein dating to the early 1920.
Silver Plate, Brass
Hand Graved Metal Plate Regensburg Bauhaus Industrial Style
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Heavy handcrafted metal pewter plate with design of scenes from early 20th century depicting the city life of Regensburg in Germany. People, dog, horse, architectural buildings. Handcrafted in West Germany relief...
Art Glass
Rare Vintage Aubock bowl, Signed , Vienna 1950
Located in Vienna, AT
Ashtray, bowl, signed Auböck. Rare biomorph shape. Good condition. Ninor brassing to surface due to age. Pictured in the large Aubock Cataolg Book. Created in the 1950`s. Executed ab...
Brass
Querandi Hand Graved Art Glass Plate Bauhaus Industrial Style
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Querandi art glass plate, colored hand graved glass depicting a factory. Bauhaus industrial style. Cameo-cut and sandblasted plum-colored glass platter. Hand...
Art Glass
Hayno Focken Footed Bowl Hammered Brass Bauhaus
By Hayno Focken
Located in Munich, DE
Very nice, rare and original footed bowl from Hayno Focken. German Bauhaus 30th Art Deco hammered brass bowl with model number 2019. Signed on the underside with "HF" and Modell numb...
Brass
21 Piece Collection of German Bauhaus Pottery by KMK / manner of Otto Lindig
By Karlsruhe
Located in Chicago, IL
21 Piece Collection of German Pottery in the manner of Otto Lindig. Produced by KMK (Kunstkeramik Manufaktur Krösselbach) SIGNED KMK on some of the pieces Please request additiona...
Pottery
Art Deco, Ikora Glass Bowl 1925 by WMF
By WMF Ikora
Located in Vienna, Austria
Small Art Deco glass bowl from the manufacture WMF, Germany. This bowl belongs to the technique Ikora, that was patented from the producer in the early 1920's with this technique, tr...
Blown Glass
Art Deco Dinanderie Ikora Bowl by WMF, Germany
Located in Grythyttan, SE
This is a significant and exceptionally sought-after WMF Ikora art deco dinanderie bowl, is manufactured by Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik (WMF) in Germany during the 1920s to 19...
Brass, Bronze, Copper
Art Deco Large WMF Ikora Silver Plated Bowl Center Piece
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Bochum, NRW
Art Deco Large WMF Ikora Silver Plated Bowl Center Piece This rare vintage bowl is a stunning example of Bauhaus – German Art Deco from the 1930s. Crafted from silver-plated brass, ...
Silver Plate, Enamel
Anna-Lisa Thomson Upsala Ekeby Lidded Bowl, Sweden 1930s
By Upsala Ekeby, Anna-Lisa Thomson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Exceptional Swedish Art Deco lidded ceramic bowl designed by Anna-Lisa Thomson for Upsala Ekeby, dating to the 1930s. This sculptural piece features a softly rounded form finished i...
Ceramic
Art Deco Bauhaus Bakelite Fruit Bowl Germany, German, 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An Art Deco Bauhaus Bakelite fruit bowl. Hard to find in this condition, a nice addition to every room or table. It is an vintage original probably fr...
Bakelite
$32Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 6 in W 8 in D 6 in
Vintage Handmade Wicker Baskets, Pair of Two, Decorative, 1950s
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Cute pair of small vintage handmade wicker baskets.
Wicker
$225
H 1.47 in W 5.41 in D 5.96 in
Mid Century Modern Shell Shaped Footed Brass Tray Bowl, Japan 1950s-1960s
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage brass or bronze bowl or tray features sea shell shaped body, supported on two small feet. Highly detailed, meticulously crafted tray can be used either as a catch-all bowl or...
Brass
$365
H 2.29 in Dm 11.02 in
'Ikora' Art Glass Bowl, Produced, by WMF in Germany, 1930s by Karl Wiedmann
By Karl Wiedmann, WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Verviers, BE
Large WMF 'Ikora' crackled art glass bowl German glass bowl by Karl Wiedmann for WMF Ikora, 1930s Baushaus Art Deco. A decorative 'Ikora' glass bowl, produced, by WMF (Wurttember...
Art Glass
$3,875
H 11.25 in Dm 7.88 in
1950s Carl Auböck Stamped Austrian Leather & Brass Loop Handle Wastepaper Basket
Located in St. Louis, MO
An exceptional, rare, and highly collectible Mid-Century Modern wastepaper basket, designed by the master of Austrian "tactile modernism," Carl Auböck II (1900–1957), and hand-crafted at the prestigious Werkstätte Carl Auböck in Vienna, Austria, circa 1950s. Officially designated as Model No. 4202 in the archival Auböck workshop records, this exquisite piece features a beautifully tapered cylindrical form—measuring 7.88 inches in diameter at the top and elegantly narrowing to 5.88 inches at the bottom—meticulously hand-wrapped in a rare white/cream-toned thick double-cowhide leather. The basket features structural vertical seams bound by contrasting, robust black hand-stitching that beautifully frames the piece. Serving as the design's signature focal point is a heavy, organically sculpted teardrop-shaped cast brass/bronze loop handle mounted to the front via a leather loop sleeve. The interior reveals a rich, warm natural cognac leather lining. Distinguishing itself entirely from common modern replicas and unauthorized reproductions, this rare vintage original features the definitive workshop hallmarks. Besides the proper dimensions, the bronze handle is crisply hand-stamped "Auböck" alongside the official "Made in Austria" origin mark, providing ironclad provenance for the serious collector. A quintessential example of the Bauhaus and Wiener Werkstätte traditions that defined the Auböck workshop, this functional objet d'art showcases an incredible, authentic original patina. Offered in very good vintage condition with age-appropriate light wear and minor scuffing to the white leather exterior, this investment-grade desk accessory is a magnificent addition for discerning collectors of fine mid-century Austrian design. Carl Aubock leather bin, Werkstatte Carl Aubock basket, Austrian mid century desk accessory, Vienna modern brass handle, Bauhaus waste basket leather, Illums Bolighus Aubock, Tactile modernism object, Luxury leather paper bin, 1950s Vienna office decor, Rare white leather basket.
Bronze
WMF Ikora Art Deco Footed Bowl in Patinated Metal, Germany, 1930s
By WMF Ikora
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elegant Art Deco footed bowl produced by WMF as part of the celebrated Ikora line in Germany during the 1930s. The shallow, wide form is raised on three rounded feet and finished wit...
Metal
Rare Silver Plated Bauhaus Art Deco Shell Bowl by WMF Ikora, Germany 1930s
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: silver plated shell element Producer: WMF, Germany (marked with the wmf ikora signature) AGE: 1930s Description: Wonderful art deco element designed and produced ...
Metal
Vintage Original Studio Pottery Bowl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This hand-crafted studio pottery bowl is a stunning example of expressive ceramic art, featuring bold, gestural brushwork and a deep oxblood red glaze over a crisp ivory base. The pi...
Pottery
Sold
H 3.55 in Dm 13.78 in
WMF Ikora sculptural Bauhaus bowl, silver-plated brass, by Paul Haustein, 1920
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
The silver-plated, sculptural brass bowl, with its conical shape and dark rays emanating from the center, exudes absolute elegance in the clear language of the Bauhaus. The bowl disp...
Silver Plate, Brass
Large French Square Glass Ashtray, Bauhaus Style
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Beautiful large square French glass ashtray, 1930s design, mid-20th century heavy cut glass ashtray in Bauhaus, Art Deco style. Thick clear glass slab tray or desk tidy. Square sh...
Glass
Sold
H 2.69 in W 4.32 in D 5.19 in
Small Decorative Contemporary Blue and Green Geode Detail Ceramic Bowl Signed
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Ceramic bowl in green and blue with geode shaped detail at front. The exterior is a lovely green color, and blue glazed geode shaped ceramic pieces protrude at the front in blue. ...
Ceramic
Brass Hammered Dish by Hayno Focken Numbered 818
By Hayno Focken
Located in Houston, TX
Perfectly circular hammered brass dish by Hayno Focken. The bottom of the dish is stamped with the artist seal and a number of 818. Around the rim is a unique circular detail of diff...
Brass
Brass Hammered Oval Dish by Hayno Focken Numbered 998
By Hayno Focken
Located in Houston, TX
Brass hammered oval dish with two indentions on either side. The dish is stamped by the artist and numbered 998. Hayno Focken was a German modernist known for making hammered table a...
Brass
Sold
H 2 in W 9.5 in D 9.5 in
1930s Hayno Focken No.1042 Triangle Brass Footed Bowl Dish Midcentury Pearson
By Hayno Focken
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Hayno Focken (1905-1968) was an eminent German metal artist. He completed his training under Professor Karl Mu¨ller (1888-1972) at the design and arts school on Giebichenstein Castle in Halle (Saale), which was strongly tied to the ideals of the Deutsche Werkbund...
Brass
Monumental Bauhaus Footed Bowl Hand-Hammered Hayno Focken, Germany
By Hayno Focken
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Beautiful original finish on the brass. Largest we have found at 13 inches wide.
Brass
German Brass Bauhaus Cat Bowl
Located in New Windsor, NY
Signed Germany on the back. Decorated with an amazingly realistic relief of a cat's head. This piece has Secessionist and Bauhaus features.
Brass