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Object Timeline

-0001

1907

  • Work on this object ended.

1963

  • We acquired this object.

2008

2015

2024

  • You found it!

Writing Desk (Italy)

This is a Writing desk. It was designed by Carlo Zen. It is dated ca. 1902 and we acquired it in 1963. Its medium is joined, bent and turned fruitwood, inlaid with brass, white metal and mother-of-pearl, leather. It is a part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts department.

This object was featured in our Object of the Week series in a post titled A Bit of Zen.

This object was donated by John Goodwin. It is credited Gift of John Goodwin.

  • Drawing, Inkstand
  • pen and brown ink, brush and brown wash, graphite on off-white laid paper.
  • Museum purchase through gift of various donors and from Eleanor G. Hewitt Fund.
  • 1938-88-8189
  • Desk
  • nickel-plated steel.
  • Courtesy of Thom Browne.
  • 74.2015.1

Its dimensions are

H x W x D: 104.1 x 64.8 x 63.5 cm (41 x 25 1/2 x 25 in.)

Cite this object as

Writing Desk (Italy); Designed by Carlo Zen (1851–1918); joined, bent and turned fruitwood, inlaid with brass, white metal and mother-of-pearl, leather; H x W x D: 104.1 x 64.8 x 63.5 cm (41 x 25 1/2 x 25 in.); Gift of John Goodwin; 1963-29-1

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition 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://collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18446625/ |title=Writing Desk (Italy) |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=19 April 2024 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>