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Object Timeline

-0001

1985

  • Work on this object began.

1986

  • We acquired this object.

2008

2014

2025

  • You found it!

Sculptural Vessel Vessel

This is a Vessel. It was designed by Toots Zynsky. It is dated 1985 and we acquired it in 1986. Its medium is glass threads. It is a part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts department.

Zynsky works in the distinctive medium of filet de verre, or “glass thread,” which she creates by pulling hot glass into very thin strands, then layering and fusing them together to create a glass “fabric.” The fabric is then heated as a whole and slumped over a form to produce sculptural vessels such as this one, whose folds complement the rich texture and patterns created by the threads.

This object was donated by Thonet Industries, Inc., U.S.A., James M. Osborn, Max B. Furman, Mrs. Max B. Furman, Carol B. Brener, Mrs. John Innes Kane and Stephen W. Brener. It is credited Museum purchase through gift of Anonymous Donor, Carol B. Brener and Stephen W. Brener, Mr. and Mrs. Max B. Furman, Mrs. John Innes Kane, James M. Osborn, and Thonet Industries, Inc..

  • Bowl (USA)
  • painted and glazed earthenware.
  • Gift of Marcia and William Goodman.
  • 1984-84-34
  •
  • Sculptural Vessel Vessel
  • glass threads.
  • Museum purchase through gift of Anonymous Donor, Carol B. Brener and Stephen....
  • 1986-20-2

Our curators have highlighted 14 objects that are related to this one. Here are three of them, selected at random:

  • Vase (USA)
  • glass.
  • Gift of Thomas Carnase.
  • 1978-177-1
  •
  • Liquid Skin Drinking Cup
  • mold-blown glass.
  • Museum purchase through gift of Dale and Doug Anderson, Anonymous Donor,....
  • 2009-18-148

Its dimensions are

H x W x D: 14 x 29.2 x 31.8 cm (5 1/2 x 11 1/2 x 12 1/2 in.)

It has the following markings

Maker's mark "Z" applied with glass thread at center of underside.

Cite this object as

Sculptural Vessel Vessel; Designed by Toots Zynsky (American, b. 1951); Netherlands; glass threads; H x W x D: 14 x 29.2 x 31.8 cm (5 1/2 x 11 1/2 x 12 1/2 in.); Museum purchase through gift of Anonymous Donor, Carol B. Brener and Stephen W. Brener, Mr. and Mrs. Max B. Furman, Mrs. John Innes Kane, James M. Osborn, and Thonet Industries, Inc.; 1986-20-1

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibitions Making Design and Rococo: The Continuing Curve 1730-2008.

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If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18620591/ |title=Sculptural Vessel Vessel |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=10 February 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>