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Object Timeline

  • We acquired this object.

2014

  • Work on this object began.

2016

2025

  • You found it!

Linguaglossa Vessel, from De Natura Fossilium collection

This is a Linguaglossa vessel. It was designed by Formafantasma, Andrea Trimarchi and Simone Farresin. It is dated 2014. Its medium is mouth-blown lava, lava rock, murano glass.

This vessel combines lava rock and murano glass. The amber, rectangular shape sitting atop the smooth black surface provides a stark counterpoint to the organic shapes and textures anchoring the object. Elemental shapes and materials sit in a precarious balance, with each form relying on the other to fully reveal itself. Formafantasma, founded by Trimarchi and Farresin in 2009, explore the origins, production, and contemporary narratives of materials throughout their work.

It is credited Courtesy of Gallery Libby Sellers, London.

  • Lamp Base
  • rock crystal.
  • Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Forsythe Sherfesee.
  • 1968-144-15
  •
  • Bowl
  • iron.
  • Museum purchase from General Acquisitions Endowment.
  • 1991-97-1-a,b
  •
  • Plate
  • polypropylene.
  • 1989-108-6

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Its dimensions are

H x W x D: 35 × 25 × 25 cm (13 3/4 × 9 13/16 × 9 13/16 in.)

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<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://www-6.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/69193925/ |title=Linguaglossa Vessel, from De Natura Fossilium collection |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=24 March 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>