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Object Timeline

1950

  • Work on this object began.

1999

  • Work on this object ended.

2016

2024

  • You found it!

Textile, Kaleidoscope

This is a Textile. It was produced by Jack Lenor Larsen Incorporated. It is dated 20th century and we acquired it in 2016. Its medium is 72% linen, 17% cotton, 11% polyester; pile 100% linen and its technique is supplementary pile (velvet). It is a part of the Textiles department.

In composition, Kaleidoscope closely resembles Larsen’s famous design of concentric squares, Magnum. But whereas that design was machine-embroidered around mirror-like squares of Mylar, Kaleidoscope is a durable, hard-wearing upholstery in a technique called epinglé velvet – so named for the wires which are inserted into the shed during the weaving and over which the pile loops are formed. Also sometimes called Wilton looms, they were also used to create carpets. Luxurious touches like a rich palette of many closely related colors and use of both cut and uncut pile keeps this practical fabric sensuous.

This object was donated by Longhouse Reserve. It is credited Cowtan and Tout Larsen Archive Collection, Gift of Longhouse Reserve.

Its dimensions are

H x W: 285.1 × 133.7 cm (9 ft. 4 1/4 in. × 52 5/8 in.)

Cite this object as

Textile, Kaleidoscope; Produced by Jack Lenor Larsen Incorporated (United States); 72% linen, 17% cotton, 11% polyester; pile 100% linen; H x W: 285.1 × 133.7 cm (9 ft. 4 1/4 in. × 52 5/8 in.); Cowtan and Tout Larsen Archive Collection, Gift of Longhouse Reserve; 2016-32-21

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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/420565451/ |title=Textile, Kaleidoscope |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=26 April 2024 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>