An exceptional octagonal centre table designed by Oskar Kaufmann for the villa of Leo Lewin in Breslau, circa 1920.
The table retains its remarkable original painted finish and features intricate fretwork detailing throughout, complemented by a bevelled-edge glass top.
Provenance: Acquired directly from Leo Lewin’s granddaughter.
In good solid antique condition. Scratches to the glass top.
H 81 W 72 D 72 cm
Oskar Kaufmann (1873–1956) was a celebrated Hungarian architect and designer, best known for his influential work in Berlin during the early 20th century. Among his most notable architectural achievements are the Kroll Opera House, the Hebbel Theater, the Renaissance Theater, the Neue Stadttheater in Vienna, and the Habima Theater.
In 1917, Kaufmann was commissioned by Leo Lewin — a prominent German businessman, horse breeder, and distinguished art collector — to redesign the interiors of his villa in Breslau. Lewin’s renowned collection included works by Picasso, Van Gogh, Renoir, and Monet.
The villa at Akazienallee 12 was completely transformed under Kaufmann’s direction, with contributions from artists including César Klein. Art critic Max Osborn later described Kaufmann’s distinctive decorative style as “Expressionist Rococo” in 1928.
Furniture designed for the Lewin villa was publicly exhibited for the first time after World War II in 2015 by Markus Winter at Lampedo Gallery. The exhibition included works originally commissioned for the house, among them a stained-glass window by César Klein created for the villa’s game room. Kaufmann’s complete interior scheme for the Lewin residence is now regarded as one of his most important private commissions.
