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1938

  • Work on this object began.

1998

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Box Box

This is a Box. It was designed by Tommi Parzinger and fabricated by Peter Albert Reimes. It is dated 1938 and we acquired it in 1998. Its medium is silver. It is a part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts department.

This circular box, part of a unique and charming silver toilet set, is a fine example of Tommi Parzinger’s specially commissioned work—an important component of his design activity throughout his career. The Greek decorative motifs provide a fascinating example of the survival of ancient classical design in the 20th century. Although the museum has a large group of drawings by Parzinger, as well as his archives, this toilet set will be the first three dimensional Parzinger material in our collections.

It is credited Museum purchase from Walter R. Scholz Memorial Fund.

Its dimensions are

H x diam. (overall): 3 × 12.3 cm (1 3/16 × 4 13/16 in.) H x diam. (box (a)): 2.5 × 12.3 cm (1 in. × 4 13/16 in.) H x diam. (cover (b)): 1.5 × 12.3 cm (9/16 × 4 13/16 in.)

It has the following markings

On underside of box: [1] "RP”, impressed (fabricator's mark, Peter Albert Reimes) [2]“STERLING”, impressed (standard)

It is inscribed

On side of cover: "SYLVIA HOFFMAN 1938"

Cite this object as

Box Box; Designed by Tommi Parzinger (American, b. Germany, 1903–1981); Fabricated by Peter Albert Reimes (American, born Germany, 1900 - ca. 1945); USA; silver; H x diam. (overall): 3 × 12.3 cm (1 3/16 × 4 13/16 in.) H x diam. (box (a)): 2.5 × 12.3 cm (1 in. × 4 13/16 in.) H x diam. (cover (b)): 1.5 × 12.3 cm (9/16 × 4 13/16 in.); Museum purchase from Walter R. Scholz Memorial Fund; 1998-21-3-a,b

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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/18666937/ |title=Box Box |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=6 February 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>