Making Design | Exhibitions | Collection of Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum

This exhibition was on display from December 12, 2014 to September 01, 2016.

This exhibition has been divided in to the following sections:

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Up-curved form composed of joined steel segments that flex to expand or contract into square or rectangle; circular diamond chip mounted at one corner.

Bowl (Brazil), 2007
stainless steel, diamond.
Gift of H. Stern.
2007-47-1

This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
There are 2 images of this object.

Length of woven cotton with white and black undulating vertical lines. Gradual color transition from predominantly white at one end to predominantly black at the other.

Textile, Cloned Line, 1996
cotton.
Museum purchase through gift of Mrs. Florence Matthews, Mrs. Edward Stern,....
1996-105-1

This object is part of the Textiles collection.
There are 2 images of this object.

Drawing, Textile Design: Rectangular and Triangular Shapes in Perspective

Drawing, Textile Design: Rectangular and Triangular Shapes in Perspective
black chalk on cream tracing paper.
1971-57-7

This object is part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design collection.

Drawing, Design for Greeting Card, "Vanishing"

Drawing, Design for Greeting Card, "Vanishing"
brush and gray and black gouache, graphite on white wove paper .
1975-11-57

This object is part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design collection.

Photograph, Spiral Staircase, 1927

Photograph, Spiral Staircase, 1927
photograph.
Courtesy of Smithsonian Libraries.
32.2019.1

Length of woven cotton with white and black undulating vertical lines. Gradual color transition from predominantly white at one end to predominantly black at the other.

Textile, Cloned Line, 1996
cotton.
Museum purchase through gift of Mrs. Florence Matthews, Mrs. Edward Stern,....
1996-105-1

This object is part of the Textiles collection.
There are 2 images of this object.

Circular form, the center decorated with black, double-headed imperial eagle on green ground within a circular band of Cyrillic lettering (translation: Nicholas the Emperor and Ruler of All the Russias), surrounded by decoration of red flowers in gilded lozenges alternating with green foliate forms; the rim with green and blue foliage intertwined with black scrollwork on gilded ground.

Kremlin Service Dessert Plate, ca. 1830
gilt and glazed hard-paste porcelain.
Museum purchase from General Acquisitions Endowment Fund.
2005-6-1

This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
There are 2 images of this object.

Drawing of a porcelain punch ball in elevation with a fluted rim containing blue and brown (gold toned) bands, with scattered floral clusters. Detail of handle at lower left.

Drawing, Design for a Painted Porcelain Punch Bowl, 1765–75
pen and brown ink, brush and watercolor on cream laid paper.
Museum purchase through gift of various donors and from Eleanor G. Hewitt Fund.
1938-88-8316

This object is part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design collection.
There are 3 images of this object.

Digital Print, Tel Aviv Museum of Art (TAMA ), Tel Aviv, Israel, Lightfall I

Digital Print, Tel Aviv Museum of Art (TAMA ), Tel Aviv, Israel, Lightfall I
digitally enhanced fujiflex print, laminated and mounted on plexiglass.
2005-4-1

This object is part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design collection.
There are 3 images of this object.

Textile, Abacus

Textile, Abacus
linen.
2003-7-1

This object was made by L. Anton Maix, Inc..
This object is part of the Textiles collection.
There are 3 images of this object.

Straight-sided, tapering circular cup (a) with glazed decoration consisting of series of narrow black vertical wedges on white ground; black along edge of rim; white loop handle and white interior. Circular saucer (b) with upraised rim and same tapering black decoration on white ground; black at rim; white underside.

Zebra Cup And Saucer, 1955
molded, glazed, and enameled porcelain.
Gift of Dorothy T. Globus.
1992-95-1-a,b

This object was made by Gefle Porselinsfabrik.
This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.

Silver-plated bulbous body tapering into elongated spout on one side; opposite spout, long handle composed of two curved, deep purple anodized aluminum elements overlapping and extending outward, joined by two green onyx beads at point of contact with each other. Circular lid with small square knop topped with curved, deep purple anodized aluminum tab handle.

Teapot And Lid (USA), 1988
silver-plated electroformed copper, anodized aluminum, onyx.
Purchase in memory of Mildred Rosenberg, Gift of her Family..
1992-33-1-a,b

This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
There are 2 images of this object.

Silver-plated bulbous body tapering into elongated spout on one side; opposite spout, long handle composed of two curved, deep purple anodized aluminum elements overlapping and extending outward, joined by two green onyx beads at point of contact with each other. Circular lid with small square knop topped with curved, deep purple anodized aluminum tab handle.

Teapot And Lid (USA), 1988
silver-plated electroformed copper, anodized aluminum, onyx.
Purchase in memory of Mildred Rosenberg, Gift of her Family..
1992-33-1-a,b

This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
There are 2 images of this object.

Straight-sided, tapering circular cup (a) with glazed decoration consisting of series of narrow black vertical wedges on white ground; black along edge of rim; white loop handle and white interior. Circular saucer (b) with upraised rim and same tapering black decoration on white ground; black at rim; white underside.

Zebra Cup And Saucer, 1955
molded, glazed, and enameled porcelain.
Gift of Dorothy T. Globus.
1992-95-1-a,b

This object was made by Gefle Porselinsfabrik.
This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.

Hanging of linen, wool and silk; open weave construction in white and shades of gray and light brown. Abstract pattern of curving lines.

Hanging, Vitae, 1959–60
linen, wool, silk.
Gift of Elizabeth Gordon.
1964-24-65

This object is part of the Textiles collection.
There are 2 images of this object.

Buff-colored clay body, thrown. Free-formed body, variously crumpled and folded with slightly ruffled rim; low flat foot. Variegated rose and pink glaze with dark brown splotches covering exterior. Glaze has a certain white opaqueness with various burst bubbles on surface, thick at base. Interior is glazed a light yellow-green with mottled green specks. Kiln stilt marks on interior of bowl, near bottom.

Bowl (USA), 1893–1909
painted and glazed earthenware.
Gift of Marcia and William Goodman.
1984-84-34

This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
There are 4 images of this object.

Poster, Tropon est l'aliment le plus concentré (Tropon, the most concentrated food supplement)

Poster, Tropon est l'aliment le plus concentré (Tropon, the most...
lithograph on wove paper, lined.
2007-2-1

This object is part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design collection.
There are 2 images of this object.

A simply constructed three story building in the shape of a Z, signifying the Zurich museum is the single element of this poster; the only ornament is the lettering running over the flat roof. Executed in black, gray and blue with white lettering.

Poster, Schweizerische Stadtbau-Ausstellung (Swiss Urban Planning Exhibit), 1928
lithograph on white wove paper.
Museum purchase through gift of Eric Kellenberger Collection, Switzerland and....
2008-33-1

This object is part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design collection.
There are 3 images of this object.

Five-piece coffee set includes covered sugar bowl, milk jug, cup and saucer, and plate. Coffee Pot (-1a,b): tall slightly conical form with broad, flat triangular handle with circular opening; small curved triangular spout; white ground overall, the bottom decorated with various sized circles in brown, some overlapping; white lid with large flat triangular handle with pierced circle at back. Sugar bowl (-2a,b): circular bowl (a) tapering toward base; white ground overall, the bottom decorated with various sized circles, some overlapping; slightly domed white lid with large flat triangular handle with pierced circle at back. Cream jug (-3): White porcelain ovoid form, tapered toward flat circular base; broad, flat triangular handle pierced with circular opening; curved triangular spout; white ground overall, the bottom decorated with various sized circles, some overlapping. Cup and saucer (-4a,b): circular cup (a) tapering toward flat base; curved flat triangular handle on side, pierced with circle; white body, the lower portion enamelled with red-orange semi-circles and dots arranged in asymmetrical pattern. Circular saucer (b) with slightly upturned edge; cup recess molded off-center; surface enamelled with red-orange dots and overlapping semi-circles clustered around cup recess. Plate (-5): circular form with slightly upturned edge; white ground overall, the surface enamelled with scattered red-orange dots and clusters of overlapping semi-circles.

Coffee Set (Austria), ca. 1902
enameled porcelain.
Museum purchase from Charles E. Sampson Memorial Fund.
1986-83-1/5

This object was made by Wiener Porzellan Josef Böck and Schule Professor Koloman Moser.
This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
There are 3 images of this object.

Five-piece coffee set includes covered sugar bowl, milk jug, cup and saucer, and plate. Coffee Pot (-1a,b): tall slightly conical form with broad, flat triangular handle with circular opening; small curved triangular spout; white ground overall, the bottom decorated with various sized circles in brown, some overlapping; white lid with large flat triangular handle with pierced circle at back. Sugar bowl (-2a,b): circular bowl (a) tapering toward base; white ground overall, the bottom decorated with various sized circles, some overlapping; slightly domed white lid with large flat triangular handle with pierced circle at back. Cream jug (-3): White porcelain ovoid form, tapered toward flat circular base; broad, flat triangular handle pierced with circular opening; curved triangular spout; white ground overall, the bottom decorated with various sized circles, some overlapping. Cup and saucer (-4a,b): circular cup (a) tapering toward flat base; curved flat triangular handle on side, pierced with circle; white body, the lower portion enamelled with red-orange semi-circles and dots arranged in asymmetrical pattern. Circular saucer (b) with slightly upturned edge; cup recess molded off-center; surface enamelled with red-orange dots and overlapping semi-circles clustered around cup recess. Plate (-5): circular form with slightly upturned edge; white ground overall, the surface enamelled with scattered red-orange dots and clusters of overlapping semi-circles.

Coffee Set (Austria), ca. 1902
enameled porcelain.
Museum purchase from Charles E. Sampson Memorial Fund.
1986-83-1/5

This object was made by Wiener Porzellan Josef Böck and Schule Professor Koloman Moser.
This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
There are 3 images of this object.

Buff-colored clay body, thrown. Free-formed body, variously crumpled and folded with slightly ruffled rim; low flat foot. Variegated rose and pink glaze with dark brown splotches covering exterior. Glaze has a certain white opaqueness with various burst bubbles on surface, thick at base. Interior is glazed a light yellow-green with mottled green specks. Kiln stilt marks on interior of bowl, near bottom.

Bowl (USA), 1893–1909
painted and glazed earthenware.
Gift of Marcia and William Goodman.
1984-84-34

This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
There are 4 images of this object.

Hemispherical bowl formed of layered glass threads in iridescent black, scarlet, pale and medium green, mauve. Individual threads pulled and slumped into form, edges manipulated to create irregular edge folds and indentations. Interior layered with red; exterior primarily black with green and mauve passages at opposite edges.

Sculptural Vessel (Netherlands), 1985
fused and thermo-formed glass threads (filet-de-verre technique).
Museum purchase through gift of Anonymous Donor, Carol B. Brener and Stephen....
1986-20-1

This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
There are 2 images of this object.

White tassel of braided and knotted linen. A braided cord descends to an upper ball, from which hang six pendant elements of three braided balls each, terminating in clusters of knotting.

Tassel (Italy), 17th century
linen.
Bequest of Richard Cranch Greenleaf in memory of his mother, Adeline Emma....
1962-51-14

This object is part of the Textiles collection.

Brisé Cockade Fan (USA)

Brisé Cockade Fan (USA)
drilled vulcanized rubber, silk ribbon.
1951-106-3

This object is part of the Textiles collection.
There are 3 images of this object.

Drawing, Design for Sportshack

Drawing, Design for Sportshack
brush and gouache, black ink, airbrush over stencil, graphite on illustration....
1988-101-1515

This object is part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design collection.
There are 2 images of this object.

White tassel of braided and knotted linen. A braided cord descends to an upper ball, from which hang six pendant elements of three braided balls each, terminating in clusters of knotting.

Tassel (Italy), 17th century
linen.
Bequest of Richard Cranch Greenleaf in memory of his mother, Adeline Emma....
1962-51-14

This object is part of the Textiles collection.

Hemispherical bowl formed of layered glass threads in iridescent black, scarlet, pale and medium green, mauve. Individual threads pulled and slumped into form, edges manipulated to create irregular edge folds and indentations. Interior layered with red; exterior primarily black with green and mauve passages at opposite edges.

Sculptural Vessel (Netherlands), 1985
fused and thermo-formed glass threads (filet-de-verre technique).
Museum purchase through gift of Anonymous Donor, Carol B. Brener and Stephen....
1986-20-1

This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
There are 2 images of this object.

Length of woven fabric with wide horizontal bands of brown, greens, red and pink, some with woven patterns of dots or rings in varied sizes, over-printed with a column of large white dots.

Textile, Repeat Dot Print, 2002
cotton, rayon, polyester.
Gift of Maharam.
2003-13-1

This object was made by Maharam.
This object is part of the Textiles collection.
There are 3 images of this object.

Small square sampler with bands of circles and squares filled with needle lace in a variety of patterns including hearts, crowns, flowers, and geometric motifs. One hollie point square has three crowns, WA, Mary Finkel 1730, and AC beneath the crowns. Border of acorns and plants.

Sampler (England), 1730
silk and linen embroidery on linen foundation.
Bequest of Rosalie Coe, from the collection inherited from her mother, Eva....
1974-42-3

This object is part of the Textiles collection.
There are 2 images of this object.

Oval-shaped bowl with scalloped rim, on the sides a wide band of shallow diamonds filled with small diamonds or stars, a row of husks beneath; inverted baluster-shaped stem, high, spreading lobed foot with scalloped edge; molded star bottom side.

Bowl (Ireland), ca. 1810
cut glass.
Bequest of Walter Phelps Warren.
1986-61-142

This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
There are 3 images of this object.

Malleable form composed of polyster disks joined along their edges to form a globe; interior bent-metal support form and housing for light bulb.

Cloud Pendant Lamp, 2010
polyester, enameled bent steel wire.
Gift of Vitra.
2010-41-3

This object was made by Vitra AG.
This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
There are 6 images of this object.

Curvilinear body composed of fine turquoise canes in clear glass, with applied loop ring foot in clear glass inset with gold leaf.

Model 3461 Vase, ca. 1934
hand-molded glass set with fire-joined turquoise canes (mezza filigrana),....
Museum purchase from the Members' Acquisitions Fund of Cooper-Hewitt,....
2013-11-1

This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
There are 2 images of this object.

Length of woven fabric with wide horizontal bands of brown, greens, red and pink, some with woven patterns of dots or rings in varied sizes, over-printed with a column of large white dots.

Textile, Repeat Dot Print, 2002
cotton, rayon, polyester.
Gift of Maharam.
2003-13-1

This object was made by Maharam.
This object is part of the Textiles collection.
There are 3 images of this object.

Curvilinear body composed of fine turquoise canes in clear glass, with applied loop ring foot in clear glass inset with gold leaf.

Model 3461 Vase, ca. 1934
hand-molded glass set with fire-joined turquoise canes (mezza filigrana),....
Museum purchase from the Members' Acquisitions Fund of Cooper-Hewitt,....
2013-11-1

This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
There are 2 images of this object.

Oval-shaped bowl with scalloped rim, on the sides a wide band of shallow diamonds filled with small diamonds or stars, a row of husks beneath; inverted baluster-shaped stem, high, spreading lobed foot with scalloped edge; molded star bottom side.

Bowl (Ireland), ca. 1810
cut glass.
Bequest of Walter Phelps Warren.
1986-61-142

This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
There are 3 images of this object.