Contemporary Design
Although the Brooklyn Museum held several groundbreaking exhibitions of contemporary industrial design beginning in the 1930s, it was not until after the mid-twentieth century that the Museum began to build a permanent collection of industrial design. Those early exhibitions were probably considered educational, and the objects too new to be included in a historical collection. Today, however, the Museum actively collects contemporary design through purchases, gifts from collectors, and direct solicitation from manufacturers.
As an art museum rather than a museum of technology, the Brooklyn Museum collects contemporary objects on their aesthetic merit. The beautiful red glass Pyrex iron (1992.167) is actually too heavy to have been popular with housewives, and the sleek Predicta television (1998.44) was plagued by technical problems. Because of space limitations, relatively few contemporary objects can be placed on exhibition on the fourth floor, which is largely devoted to decorative arts, and we have therefore included many works of industrial design here in the Visible Storage Study Center.
| Visible Storage: Case 17, Shelf A (Contemporary Design) |
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2001.12.21 |
Lurelle Guild
Charger, ca. 1930
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| Visible Storage: Case 17, Shelf B (Contemporary Design) |
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1993.110.1a-d |
Michael A. Cousins
"Space Tel" Telephone, Designed 1984; Manufactured 1985
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1993.110.2 |
Michael A. Cousins
"Magic Stat" Thermostat, ca. 1989
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1993.110.3 |
Michael A. Cousins
"Pro Max Compact" Hair Dryer, Designed 1977; Manufactured 1978
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1998.143.2 |
Clarence Karstadt
Silvertone Turbine Radio, Model 6110, 1938
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2004.93.1 |
Scott Henderson, Smart Design
Signature Thermal Carafe, Designed 2002
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2004.96.1 |
TODA (The Office of Design and Architecture)
"Uplift" Tea Kettle, designed 1998
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| Visible Storage: Case 17, Shelf C (Contemporary Design) |
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82.114a-g |
Manning Bowman and Co.
Tea Kettle on Stand, ca. 1935
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84.124.14 |
American
Dinner Plate, "Manhattan" Pattern, ca. 1938-1941
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84.124.15 |
Anchor Hocking Glass Company
Salad Plate, "Manhattan" Pattern, ca. 1938-1941
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84.124.16 |
Anchor Hocking Glass Company
Bread and Butter Dish, "Manhattan" Pattern, ca. 1938-1941
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84.124.17 |
Anchor Hocking Glass Company
Soup or Serving Bowl, "Manhattan" Pattern, ca. 1938-1941
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84.124.18 |
Anchor Hocking Glass Company
Dessert Bowl, "Manhattan" Pattern, ca. 1938-1941
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84.124.19 |
Anchor Hocking Glass Company
Finger Bowl (?), "Manhattan" Pattern, ca. 1938-1941
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84.124.20 |
Anchor Hocking Glass Company
Cocktail Glass, "Manhattan" Pattern, ca. 1938-1941
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85.163.3 |
Theodore Hess
Mug, ca. 1937
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85.163.4 |
Theodore Hess
Mug, ca. 1937
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2004.93.2 |
Scott Henderson, Smart Design
Bowl,
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2004.93.3 |
Scott Henderson, Smart Design
Mini Twist Bowl, Designed 2002
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2004.93.4 |
Scott Henderson, Smart Design
Chip 'N Dip Bowl, Designed 2001
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| Visible Storage: Case 17, Shelf D (Contemporary Design) |
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70.24.3 |
Otto Natzler
Bowl, ca. 1955
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| Visible Storage: Case 17, Shelf E (Contemporary Design) |
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66.73.11 |
Henry Varnum Poor
Vase, ca. 1927
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1994.155.1 |
La Gardo Tackett
Vase, ca. 1946-1954
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1994.205.9 |
Viveca Heino
Vase, 1955-1960
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| Visible Storage: Case 17, Shelf F (Contemporary Design) |
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72.40.25 |
Cowan Pottery
Vase, ca. 1930
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74.1.2 |
American
Bowl, ca. 1924
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85.10 |
Maija Grotell
Vase, ca. 1951
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87.20 |
Mrs. M.E. Chichester
Bowl, ca. 1916
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1992.92.10 |
Peter Shire
Peach Cup, ca. 1980
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1992.165.1 |
Beatrice Wood
Chalice, ca.1975
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| Visible Storage: Case 17, Shelf G (Contemporary Design) |
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81.113.2 |
James Prestini
Bowl, ca. 1943-1953
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81.113.3 |
James Prestini
Bowl, ca. 1943-1953
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81.113.4 |
James Prestini
Vase, ca. 1943-1953
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81.113.7 |
James Prestini
Bowl, ca. 1943-1953
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81.113.8 |
James Prestini
Tray, ca. 1943-1953
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81.113.9 |
James Prestini
Bowl, ca. 1943-1953
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| Visible Storage: Case 17, Shelf H (Contemporary Design) |
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82.168.1 |
Walter Dorwin Teague
Desk Lamp, Model #114, ca. 1939
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1992.154 |
Peter Voulkos
Plate, 1980
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1995.109 |
Emily McLennon
Steelite #5, Lamp, Designed and Made 1994
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1999.141.9 |
Donald Deskey
Table Lamp, 1927-1931
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2006.55 |
Harry Allen
Kila Lamp, 2005
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| Visible Storage: Case 17, Shelf I (Contemporary Design) |
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74.192.2 |
Robert Sonneman Associates, Inc.
Desk Lamp, ca. 1970
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84.6 |
Polaroid Corporation
Table Lamp, mid 1930s
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84.125 |
Kurt Versen
Table Lamp, ca. 1930
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85.78.2 |
Walter von Nessen
Lamp, ca. 1930
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1992.165.2 |
Russel Wright
Lantern, ca. 1935
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2000.104a-e |
Harry Allen
Plato Wall Sconce, Designed 1998
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2007.8 |
Jay Moulding
Lantern, ca. 1955
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| Visible Storage: Case 17, Shelf J (Contemporary Design) |
.JPG) |
83.158 |
Sparks-Withington Co.
Sparton Table Radio, ca. 1936
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| Visible Storage: Case 17, Shelf K (Contemporary Design) |
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82.168.2a-b |
Walter Kidde Sales Co.
Seltzer Bottle, ca. 1935
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84.276a-b |
Louis V. Aronson
Cigarette Lighter, "Ronson Touch-Tip", ca. 1935
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85.110 |
Paul T. Frankl
Clock, late 1920s
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85.158.4 |
Russel Wright
Tray, from Four-Piece Corn Set, mid 1930s
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85.158.5 |
Russel Wright
Butter Pitcher, from Four-piece Corn Set, mid 1930s
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85.158.6a-b |
Russel Wright
Salt Shaker, from Four-piece Corn Set, mid 1930s
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85.158.7a-b |
Russel Wright
Pepper Shaker, from Four-piece Corn Set, mid 1930s
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.JPG) |
87.121 |
Gilbert Rohde
Desk Lamp, ca. 1933
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88.67 |
Isamu Noguchi
Radio Nurse, ca. 1938
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1990.194.7a-b |
Consolidated Lamp and Glass Company
Covered Box, "Ruba Rombic", ca. 1928
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1994.109.1a-c |
George Howe
Inkstand and Calendar, ca. 1931
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1994.156.4 |
Walter von Nessen
Cat Bookend, One of Pair, 1930-1935
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1994.156.5 |
Walter von Nessen
Cat Bookend, One of Pair, 1930-1935
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1998.143.5 |
Henry Dreyfuss
Wafer Clock, Model SK 174, ca. 1940
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| Visible Storage: Case 17, Shelf L (Contemporary Design) |
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72.18a |
Ingraham Company
Camera, No. 1A Gift Kodak, ca.1930
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72.18c-d |
Ingraham Company
Box with Lid, ca. 1930
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84.67 |
Peter Muller-Munk
"Normandie" Pitcher, ca. 1935
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85.74 |
Edward P. Schreyer
"Petipoint" Iron, Model #W410, ca. 1941
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85.160.3 |
Harry Bertoia
Vase, 1937-1938
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1992.98.9a-b |
Eva Zeisel
Cruet and Stopper, "Town and Country" Pattern, ca. 1942-1943
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1992.98.10a-b |
Eva Zeisel
Cruet and Stopper, "Town and Country" Pattern, ca. 1942-1943
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1992.167 |
Saunders Corporation
"Silver Streak" Iron, ca. 1946
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1992.247a-g |
Russel Wright
Tantalus Decanter Set: Holder, Two Decanters, Two Caps, Lock, Key, ca. 1930
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2000.5.1 |
Glen Lukens
Bowl, ca. 1960
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.JPG) |
X908a-c |
Stile Craft Manufacturers, Inc.
Pencil Sharpener, "Electro-Pointer", ca. 1930
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| Visible Storage: Case 17, Shelf M (Contemporary Design) |
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83.105.1 |
National Silver Company
Dinner Fork, ca. 1935
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83.105.2 |
National Silver Company
Dinner Knife, ca. 1935
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83.105.3 |
National Silver Company
Soup spoon, ca. 1935
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83.105.4 |
National Silver Company
Teaspoon, ca. 1935
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83.105.5 |
National Silver Company
Dessert Spoon, ca. 1935
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83.105.6 |
National Silver Company
Butter Knife, ca. 1935
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83.108.15 |
Norman Bel Geddes
"Manhattan" Candlestick, One of a Pair, 1937
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1992.165.4 |
Frederick Carder
Fork, ca. 1930
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1992.165.5 |
Walter Dorwin Teague
Spoon, ca. 1930
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2003.56.1 |
Sol Lewitt
Drinking Glass, One of a Set of Four, 2002
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2003.56.2 |
Sol Lewitt
Drinking Glass, One of a Set of Four, 2002
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2003.56.3 |
Sol Lewitt
Drinking Glass, One of a Set of Four, 2002
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2003.56.4 |
Sol Lewitt
Drinking Glass, One of a Set of Four, 2002
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2003.70.1 |
James Amster
Candle Holder, One of Pair, ca. 1930
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2003.70.2 |
James Amster
Candle Holder, One of Pair, ca. 1930
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| Visible Storage: Case 17, Shelf N (Contemporary Design) |
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83.108.114 |
Russel Wright
Stem Glass, "Theme Formal Ware", 1963
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84.124.6 |
Russel Wright
Stem Glass, "Theme Formal Ware", ca. 1963
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.JPG) |
85.109.1a-d |
Russel Wright
Four-Piece Flatware Setting, ca. 1950-1958
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85.158.24 |
Robert Venturi
Glass, ca. 1985
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85.158.25 |
Robert Venturi
Glass, ca. 1985
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85.158.26 |
Robert Venturi
Glass, ca. 1985
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87.22.1 |
Unknown
Candlestick, One of Pair, ca. 1935
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87.22.2 |
Unknown
Candlestick, One of Pair, ca. 1935
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1990.188.1 |
A.H. Heisey & Company
Champagne Glass, ca. 1930
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1990.188.2 |
A.H. Heisey & Company
Water Glass, ca. 1930
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1990.188.3 |
A.H. Heisey & Company
Wine Glass, ca. 1930
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1991.93.1 |
Izabel Lam
Knife from a 5 Piece Place Setting, Sphere Pattern, ca. 1990
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1991.93.2 |
Izabel Lam
Dinner Fork from a 5 Piece Place Setting, Sphere Pattern, ca. 1990
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1991.93.3 |
Izabel Lam
Salad Fork from a 5 Piece Place Setting, Sphere Pattern, ca. 1990
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1991.93.4 |
Izabel Lam
Soup Spoon from a 5 Piece Place Setting, Sphere Pattern, ca. 1990
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1991.93.5 |
Izabel Lam
Teaspoon from a 5 Piece Place Setting, Sphere Pattern, ca. 1990
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1992.41 |
Reed & Barton
Footed Bowl, ca. 1931
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1994.165.72 |
Russel Wright
Glass, "Theme Formal Ware", Designed and Manufactured 1963
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1995.16.15 |
Boris Bally
Knife, Tablewear Series, Designed and made 1987
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1995.16.16 |
Boris Bally
Fork, Tablewear Series, Designed and made 1987
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1995.16.17 |
Boris Bally
Spoon, Tablewear Series, Designed and made 1987
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1995.16.18 |
Boris Bally
Spoon, Tablewear Series, Designed and made 1987
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1995.17 |
Paul J. Stankard
Paperweight, Designed and made 1994-1995
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| Visible Storage: Case 17, Shelf O (Contemporary Design) |
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72.40.5 |
Walter Dorwin Teague
Vase, ca.1933
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72.40.6 |
Walter Dorwin Teague
Audubon Plate, ca. 1933
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72.40.17 |
Steuben Glass, a division of Corning Glass Works, founded 1903-present
Champagne Glass," St. Tropez," Part of Nine-Piece Setting, ca.1933
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72.40.18a-b |
Steuben Glass, a division of Corning Glass Works, founded 1903-present
Sherbet Glass and Plate, "St. Tropez," Part of Nine-Piece Setting, ca.1933
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72.40.19 |
Steuben Glass, a division of Corning Glass Works, founded 1903-present
Cocktail Glass, "St Tropez," Part of Nine-Piece Setting, ca.1933
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72.40.20 |
Steuben Glass, a division of Corning Glass Works, founded 1903-present
Wine Glass, "St. Tropez," Part of Nine-Piece Setting, ca.1933
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72.40.21 |
Steuben Glass, a division of Corning Glass Works, founded 1903-present
Goblet, "St. Tropez," Part of Nine-Piece Setting, ca. 1933
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72.40.22 |
Steuben Glass, a division of Corning Glass Works, founded 1903-present
Goblet, "St Tropez," Part of Nine-Piece Setting, ca. 1933
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72.40.23 |
Steuben Glass, a division of Corning Glass Works, founded 1903-present
Plate, "St. Tropez," Part of Nine-Piece Setting, ca. 1933
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72.40.24 |
Steuben Glass, a division of Corning Glass Works, founded 1903-present
Double Old Fashioned Glass, "St Tropez," Part of Nine-Piece Setting, ca.1933
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77.190.1a-b |
Steuben Glass, a division of Corning Glass Works, founded 1903-present
Decanter and Stopper, ca. 1940
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77.190.3a-b |
Donald Russell
Cocktail Shaker and Stopper, ca. 1941
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1990.194.1 |
Frederick Carder
Champagne Glass, ca. 1934
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1990.194.2 |
Frederick Carder
Red Wine Glass, ca. 1934
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1990.194.3 |
Frederick Carder
White Wine Glass, ca. 1934
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| Visible Storage: Case 17, Shelf P (Contemporary Design) |
.JPG) |
86.15a-f |
Lurelle Guild
Vacuum Cleaner, ca. 1937
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1994.165.1a-d |
Russel Wright
Coffee Urn, ca. 1935
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1994.165.80 |
Unknown
Magazine Holder, ca. 1930
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1998.143.1 |
Harold L. van Doren
Sentinel Scale, 1930-1940
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1998.143.3a-b |
Egmont Arens
Meat Slicer, ca. 1935
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1998.184 |
John Gordon Rideout
Water Kettle, ca. 1940
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1999.51.1 |
Karim Rashid
Multi-purpose Container, "Garbino", Copyright 1997
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1999.51.2 |
Karim Rashid
Multi-purpose Container, "Garbo", Copyright 1996
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