project

This oval tray, with its essential lines and broad full rim, designed by Josef Hoffmann in 1923 can be considered the archetype of many trays now produced industrially (remember the rectangular tray, art. 5006, designed by Sottsass in 1982?). In the Wiener Werkstaette catalogue of 1 August 1928, on p. 13, two smaller trays, Visitenkarten-tasse and Tasse, are listed, though larger versions (I am the lucky owner of one in polished brass) have also appeared on the antique market in recent years. In agreement with the curator of the MAK in Vienna, Elisabeth Schmuttermeier, we have decided to produce two of the historical models, one 26 cm and the other 32 cm long, and to create two new larger versions which will however remain faithful to the original. I like to think that this project is yet another excellent example of a top designer’s reinterpretation of an object intended both for professional use and home use. When Hoffmann designed the 26 cm tray, in fact, he was clearly inspired by the archetypal small tray on which a cup of coffee was served with a glass of iced water in all the Viennese cafés.

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