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Object Timeline

1988

  • Work on this object began.

2016

2024

  • You found it!

Embryo Chair Chair

This is a chair. It was designed by Marc Newson and manufactured by IDEE Japan. It is dated 1988 and we acquired it in 2016. Its medium is aluminum, neoprene, polyurethane foam. It is a part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts department.

The amorphic shape of Newson's Embryo chair is a postmodern rendition of the natural forms and shapes used by designers during the mid-20th century. Newson's futuristic vision of design has no boundaries, as he has designed everything from chairs to aircraft interiors to backpacks.

This object was donated by George R. Kravis II. It is credited Gift of George R. Kravis II.

  • Up 1 Chair
  • molded polyurethane foam, stretch fabric upholstery.
  • Gift of the Estate of Frederick N. Babbish.
  • 1991-94-5
  • Spine Chair
  • steel.
  • Museum purchase from Decorative Arts Association Acquisition Fund.
  • 1992-36-1
  • Terna Chair
  • steel, enamel, rubber, plastic.
  • 1986-96-1-a,b

Our curators have highlighted 4 objects that are related to this one. Here are three of them, selected at random:

  • Stool (Germany)
  • steel, rubber.
  • The Linda and Irwin R. Berman Stool Collection.
  • 2008-32-7
  • Wall Sconce (USA)
  • blown glass, metal.
  • Gift of Barbaralee Diamonstein-Spielvogel.
  • 2007-31-1

Its dimensions are

H x W x D: 88.3 × 78.1 × 83.8 cm (34 3/4 in. × 30 3/4 in. × 33 in.)

Cite this object as

Embryo Chair Chair; Designed by Marc Newson (Australian, b. 1962); Manufactured by Idée (Japan); aluminum, neoprene, polyurethane foam; H x W x D: 88.3 × 78.1 × 83.8 cm (34 3/4 in. × 30 3/4 in. × 33 in.); Gift of George R. Kravis II; 2016-5-12

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition Energizing the Everyday: Gifts From the George R. Kravis II Collection.

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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/404734421/ |title=Embryo Chair Chair |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=20 April 2024 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>