Karl Hagenauer table mirror

This rare table mirror, designed by Karl Hagenauer and produced by Werkstätte Hagenauer Wien in Austria during the 1930s, exemplifies the distinctive combination of decorative artistry and refined craftsmanship characteristic of Viennese modernist metalwork. The mirror is executed in nickel-plated brass with a beveled rectangular glass pane, and it is supported by a functional, integrated folding stand.

The most striking feature of the piece is the cast and sculpted ornamental crest adorning the top of the frame. It depicts an exoticized female figure in a stylized tropical setting, surrounded by palm-like foliage and fauna. This highly detailed relief shows the influence of Art Deco aesthetics and reflects the period’s fascination with colonial and orientalist themes, rendered here with flowing, elongated forms and sharp stylization. The composition has a sense of movement and elegance that contrasts with the clean, rectangular geometry of the mirror frame itself.

The finish of the nickel-plated brass is consistent with 1930s production techniques, showing a soft luster with some natural patina and minor wear, particularly around the edges and high points of the cast ornamentation. Overall, the mirror remains in excellent condition, both structurally and cosmetically, preserving its clarity and intricate surface work.

The back is stamped “HAGENAUER WIEN” and “MADE IN VIENNA AUSTRIA” along with the firm’s iconic wHw monogram in a circle. These markings confirm the authenticity and origin of the piece, associating it directly with the Werkstätte Hagenauer, a workshop known for its refinement in metal art, active in Vienna from the early 20th century.

The dimensions of the mirror are 11.5 cm (4.53 inches) wide, 20 cm (7.87 inches) deep including the support, and 41.5 cm (16.34 inches) in height. Its scale makes it ideal as a table or vanity mirror, but its sculptural quality also allows it to function as a decorative object in its own right.

This mirror represents the high point of Austrian Art Deco metalwork, blending functionality with bold, stylized iconography.