Carl Auböck magazine rack

This rare magazine rack, designed and produced by Carl Auböck in Austria, is a refined and sculptural object that exemplifies the designer’s unique synthesis of modernist geometry and handcrafted materiality. As with much of Auböck’s work, the piece balances utility with artistic form, offering both visual appeal and practical function.

The structure is composed of a patinated brass frame, gracefully formed into a triangular silhouette with rounded corners and a central arching handle. The frame’s proportions are carefully considered, combining stability with a sense of lightness. The brass has aged naturally, developing a warm, mottled patina that enhances the surface richness and historic character of the piece. The soft sheen and tonal variation in the brass emphasize its authenticity and mid-century provenance.

Suspended within the frame is a green leather sling that serves as the storage space for magazines or papers. The leather has a deep, saturated hue and retains a subtle natural texture, highlighted by carefully executed hand-stitching along the edges. The stitching not only reinforces the form but also adds a visual rhythm and handcrafted detail that reflects the artisanal quality of the Auböck workshop.

Measuring 30.5 cm in width, 22 cm in depth, and 43 cm in height (12 x 8.7 x 16.9 inches), the rack is compact and well-proportioned—suitable for placement beside a sofa, armchair, or in an office or study setting. Its compact footprint and sculptural silhouette make it equally suited as a standalone decorative object or as an integrated part of a living space.

Condition is good vintage. The leather shows minor, age-appropriate wear, including soft creasing and slight fading, which enhance the piece’s authenticity and tactile charm. The brass frame is structurally sound, with a rich, even patina and no signs of corrosion or damage.

Carl Auböck (1900–1957) was a pioneering Austrian designer whose workshop produced an influential body of work combining traditional materials such as leather, brass, and wood with clean, modern forms. This magazine rack is a rare and highly collectible example of his design philosophy—unifying function, craftsmanship, and aesthetic clarity in a timeless form.