Master craftsmanship, luxurious materials, and sensuous forms are highlighted in an exhibition of objects designed to amplify the pleasure of their use. Design disguises what we wish to remain private, tempts us with luxuries large and small, feeds sensuous appetites, and—should we envy someone else’s possessions—eases our discontent with clever imitations. Pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and sloth—the seven deadly sins—find irresistible outlet in these objects chosen from Cooper Hewitt’s collection.
highlights
Textile, Lippen, 1968, Switzerland, designed by Verner Panton (Danish, 1926–1998), screen printed cotton, H x W: 448.9 × 121.9 cm (14 ft. 8 3/4 in. × 48 in.), Gift of Evan Snyderman and Zesty Meyers of R 20th Century and museum purchase from General Acquisitions Endowment Fund, 2011-36-1
Tongue Chair, 1967; Designed by Pierre Paulin (French, 1927 – 2009); Manufactured by Artifort (Maastricht, The Netherlands); tubular steel frame, rubber belts, foam rubber, nylon-jersey covering; H x W x D: 61.5 × 86 × 91 cm (24 3/16 × 33 7/8 × 35 13/16 in.); Promised gift of George R. Kravis II
Healey Gold Chocolate Pot And Lid, ca. 1893; Decorated by Emily Healey (American, b. 1854) and Mary Healey (American, b. 1852); Manufactured by Chryso-Ceramics (Washington D.C., USA); molded and gilt porcelain; H x W x D (a,b): 24.7 × 12.5 × 10.5 cm (9 3/4 × 4 15/16 × 4 1/8 in.); Gift of Elizabeth Taylor; 1991-11-3-a,b
dewall (Belgium), 1910–20; machine printed on paper; 65.5 x 56.5 cm (25 13/16 x 22 1/4 in); Gift of Jones and Erwin, Inc.; 1945-13-1-a/c
