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Coffee Maker

Decorative Arts and Design

On View: Decorative Art, 4th Floor
The Chemex coffeemaker was designed to be easy to grasp, like a chemistry beaker. The form of the human hand itself thus dictated its shape, at least insofar as the central hand-hold was concerned. The evocation of the “hourglass” female shape was probably incidental.
MAKER Chemex
MEDIUM Glass, wood, leather
  • Place Manufactured: New York, New York, United States
  • DATES Designed 1941
    DIMENSIONS 11 3/8 x 6 7/8 x 6 7/8 in. (28.9 x 17.5 x 17.5 cm)  (show scale)
    MARKINGS Etched on bottom: "CHEMEX ® / U.S. PATENT / 2.4 340 / MADE IN U.S.A. / FROM PYREX ® BRAND / GLASS"
    ACCESSION NUMBER 1997.117
    CREDIT LINE Gift of Dr. Barry R. Harwood
    CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Colorless glass coffee maker, with wood and leather accents. General hourglass shape with angled sides and wide, flaring opening at top, raised on three low bands. Two wooden grips conform to and are wrapped around narrow neck; they are secured with a leather string knotted with a wooden bead. Pulled spout at top edge runs in a channel down to the neck. Condition: Good; wooden grips show some wear and leather tie is cracked. Conservation report on file.
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in Decorative Art, 4th Floor
    CAPTION Peter Schlumbohm (American, born Germany, 1896–1962). Coffee Maker, Designed 1941. Glass, wood, leather, 11 3/8 x 6 7/8 x 6 7/8 in. (28.9 x 17.5 x 17.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Dr. Barry R. Harwood, 1997.117. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1997.117_transp5213.jpg)
    IMAGE overall, 1997.117_transp5213.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
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    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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