Steinbock Email MCM Colorful MARDI GRAS Motif. Enamel on Copper Oval Bowl 14X5”

Email Studio Steinböck was started by Vienna, Austria, Academy of Art students and brothers Hannes (John) and Haimo Steinböck. Both from Carinthia, the southernmost Austrian state. They began producing something that had not been seen before with their enamelware. Items they produced included trays, vases, jewelry, trinket boxes, platters, plates, and many other colorful pieces.

The studio became world famous and was supposedly a secret tip in many tourist guides. Some of Vienna’s famous artists such as Ernst Fuchs and Hans Staudacher did some work at the studio and experimented with the material. Up until the 1980s, they had about 100 employees who hand painted the wares. Later this fell to about 20 family members who switched to handprint with hand-painting. They continued to still use metals, enamels, and 24 karat gold print and plating.

A former employee of Studio Steinböck was Michaela Frey who later founded Michaela Frey Emaillemanufaktur which later became the famous Frey Wille that continues to make fire enamel jewelry and accessories. The Arta and Brimmer enamelware also have ties to Studio Steinböck.

Eventually, the two brothers, Hannes and Haimo Steinböck, retired leaving their sons Micheal and Peter to run the studio. After two more years, the studio was sold. In 1993 the factory was closed ending the more than 45-year successful studio run.

Why is it called Email?
Being in the digital age this word seems out of place as it has nothing to do with electronic mail. Email Studio Steinböck was in Vienna, Austria. In Austria, they speak German along with several other languages. In German, the word email or emaille means enamel in English. So if fully translated to English it is Enamel Studio Steinböck.

BTW...Its out there on the bay.....