Wiener Werkstätte Necklace by Max Snischek, Fine Glass Bead Embroidery
A very rare and beautiful antique Art Deco necklace with bead embroidery, circa 1925.
Designed by Max Snischek (Dürnkrut 1891-1958, Hinterbrühl near Mödling).
Attributed to Wiener Werkstätte.
Exquisite micro-bead embroidery in silver and carnelian glass beads.
The tufts (pom-poms) of the bows are strung with the finest glass beads and connect to the fine strand of glass beads.
The tufts are approximately 2 cm in diameter and 2.5 cm long at the center.
Consisting of smaller tufts towards the end of the necklace, it is an endless chain without a clasp.
An interesting museum-quality collector’s item, a rarity.
In good original condition (no dissolution of the beads, etc.).
Lit.: Werner J. Schweiger – Wiener Werkstätte – Kunst und Handwerk 1903-1932
Compare the design of the necklace with the pom-poms: image on page 231, bottom center
Total length of the necklace: approx. 65 cm
Red beads: 1.1–1.2 mm
White/gray beads: 1.2 mm
Strand diameter: 3.7 mm
Dimensions of the largest pom-pom: Diameter: 2 cm x Length: 2.5 cm
Decorative Graduated Bead Necklace (Wiener Werkstätte, c. 1920)
Form & Structure: A sculptural, graduated necklace featuring three-dimensional, pom-pom-
or blossom-like decorative elements. The spherical bead clusters are arranged in a graduated
pattern—becoming noticeably larger and more voluminous toward the center—which lends
the design a beautiful sense of dynamism.
Color Composition: A vibrant, warm contrast between an autumnal brick-red/terracotta hue and
sparkling silver-colored (or silver-lined) seed bead details. The blend of matte red beads with
glittering silver beads creates fascinating depth and a subtle play of light.
Beads: Finest, tiny glass beads (seed beads/rocailles) of exceptional uniformity, meticulously
handcrafted into dense, almost organic-looking structures.
Supporting Cord: The individual pom-poms are secured to a color-coordinated, knitted or
crocheted textile cord (likely fine yarn or silk). The cord itself is also delicately embellished with
smaller bead structures at the back, ensuring the necklace is fully adorned throughout.
Technique: Characteristic bead-crochet or bead-stringing work of the Wiener Werkstätte. These
textile-style jewelry pieces were extremely time-consuming to create, making each one a unique
work of superior craftsmanship.
Period: Late Art Deco / Wiener Werkstätte (c. 1920–1925).
Aesthetic: Playful and textile-inspired, yet grounded in a strict geometric concept (the linear
arrangement of the spheres). At the time, these necklaces were the perfect accessories for the
reformed, flowing dress designs of the Wiener Werkstätte, embodying a purely artistic individuality
far removed from traditional gemstone jewelry.
A truly museum-quality piece of textile and fashion history worthy of any collection—one that
appears strikingly modern and bold thanks to its high-contrast color palette!








