oval tray with dark wood handles; alternating three beads and spaces at rim; handles joined to tray by flower and spiral leaves

"Cosmos" coffee and tea service, 1929 (designed 1915)

The "Cosmos," servingware designed by Rohde around 1915 is widely recognized as an icon of 20th century Scandinavian design. The collaboration between Rohde, an artist and designer who worked in many media, and Jensen began in 1906 and continued until 1935, the year of their deaths. Rohde's design synthesizes classical motifs, like the fluting on the lower portions of the pieces, with modern touches, like the stark ebony handles and spherical forms, resulting in a service that is both elegant and modern.

In 1929, Frederick Weyerhaeuser III and his bride Margaret Gertrude Ludwig received as a wedding present the seven pieces from the "Cosmos" line of servingware shown here: the oval tray, teapot, coffee pot, waste bowl, creamer, covered sugar bowl, and hot milk jug. Twenty-five years later, their children presented them with a hot water kettle on stand from the original line in celebration of their silver wedding anniversary. In 1999, the family donated the set to the Institute.

Details
Title
"Cosmos" coffee and tea service
Artist Life
1856-1935
Role
Designer
Accession Number
99.195.19.1
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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oval tray with dark wood handles; alternating three beads and spaces at rim; handles joined to tray by flower and spiral leaves