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Object Timeline

1935

  • Work on this object began.

1945

  • Work on this object ended.

1992

  • We acquired this object.

2007

2014

2017

2025

  • You found it!

Frieze (USA)

This is a Frieze. It was designed by Ilonka Karasz. It is dated ca. 1940 and we acquired it in 1992. Its medium is hand painted on drafting cloth. It is a part of the Wallcoverings department.

This design for a frieze or mural decoration was never produced and is being shown here for the first time. The view captures New York City’s Lower East Side with the fish market in the background and Staten Island Ferry in the distance. The appearance of the limousine in both the left and right sides indicate the design was meant to repeat. This landscape view has a greater sense of depth than many of Karasz’s designs, and uses a selection of bright colors.

It is credited Gift of Abraham Edelman.

Our curators have highlighted 2 objects that are related to this one.

Its dimensions are

H x W: 205.7 x 60 cm (6 ft. 9 in. x 23 5/8 in.)

Cite this object as

Frieze (USA); Designed by Ilonka Karasz ((American, born Hungary, 1896–1981)); hand painted on drafting cloth; H x W: 205.7 x 60 cm (6 ft. 9 in. x 23 5/8 in.); Gift of Abraham Edelman; 1992-28-3

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition Ilonka Karasz, Works from the Collection.

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<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18639865/ |title=Frieze (USA) |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=10 March 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>