Master Art

Designed and executed by: Johann Backhausen & Söhne, Vienna, 1907, for Gustav Bamberger, sample book no. 6401

Knotted wool, "Smyrna" knotting, geometric décor border, small repairs, very good condition.

Gustav Bamberger ordered the carpet in 1907 from Backhausen & Söhne. The painter and architect was also a jury member for the Vienna Post Office Savings Bank, which decided in favour of Otto Wagner’s design. The carpets that Wagner designed for the boardroom of the Post Office Savings Bank were also made by Backhausen.

The sample book of Backhausen & Söhne assigns the number 6401 to the design of our carpet and gives it the designation "Smyrna, Hausentwurf, für Bamberger" [in-house design for Bamberger]. Art nouveau carpets are very rare as most of them have been discarded or are much worn, so this specimen in very good condition is a decorative and important collector's piece.

We would like to thank Mr Peter Backhausen for his friendly help in providing us with the documentation.