VIENNA SECESSION 1897-1905
The Vienna Secession was a reaction to the conservative artistic institutions in Vienna at the end of the 19th century, and spread rapidly via media such catalogues and magazines. These certainly reached Japan, as is evidenced by the Secession’s influence on Japanese design of the era.
With roots in Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau, the Secession did not promote the development of any one style, instead encouraging innovation in contemporary art.
Silk Haori, Taisho Era
Ver Sacrum was the official journal of the Vienna Secession, and member Josef Hoffmann designed many of its pages.
Josef Hoffmann
Illustration for a poem by Rainer Maria Rilke
Ver Sacrum, Year I, 1898, Issue 9, pg 23
Vienna, Austria
Stair Rail
Glascow, Scotland, 1902
Silk Blend Haori, Meisen technique, probably Taisho Era
Private Collection
This haori captures two influential art forces of the time—Vienna Secessionist design with the exoticism and palette of the Ballets Russes.
Koloman Moser
Poster for the Jacob & Josef Kohn furniture company, 1904
Vienna Austria
Léon Bakst
Shéhérazade costume for the Ballets Russes 1910
France
Silk Kimono, Taisho Era
Private Collection
Gustav Klimt’s Golden Phase paintings seem to have inspired this kimono design. Klimt, a founding member of the Vienna Secession, broke away in 1905 over disagreements in the movement’s priorities.
Gustav Klimt
Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I (detail)
1907
Vienna, Austria
Silk Kimono, Meisen technique, Taisho Era
Slik Kimono, Meisen technique, Taisho Era
The Vienna Secession encompassed every aspect of art and design, including painting, sculpture, furniture, textiles, household items, and architecture.
Otto Wagner, architect
Majolica House, 1898
Vienna, Austria
Edoardo Stucchi
Silk Textile, 1905-1910
Archivo Stucchi
Italy