Hafis (Dress or Furnishing Fabric) by Koloman Moser

Hafis (Dress or Furnishing Fabric) 1899

weaving, textile

type repetition

homemade paper

pale colours

light coloured

weaving

textile

flower

paper texture

text

chalky texture

folded paper

soft and bright colour

imprinted textile

design on paper

modernism

Koloman Moser’s “Hafis” (Dress or Furnishing Fabric) from 1899 is a prime example of the artist’s work in textile design. Moser was a leading figure in the Wiener Werkstätte, a Viennese arts and crafts movement that emphasized decorative arts and design. The repeating pattern of stylized floral motifs in “Hafis” showcases the movement's key principles of geometric abstraction and refined aesthetic. The textile, which is currently located at the Art Institute of Chicago, was likely intended for either clothing or interior decoration. This fabric design is a perfect example of the refined, highly crafted objects championed by the Wiener Werkstätte.