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Exhibitions

Quicktake: Doshi Levien for Moroso

Quicktake: Doshi Levien for Moroso

On View Now Through July 29, 2007

In summer 2007, Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum will present "Quicktake: Doshi Levien for Moroso," a special installation in the museum's Great Hall showcasing the designers' new "Charpoy" collection of daybeds and pillows for Moroso.

Doshi Levien's new project for Moroso combines Italian industrial production with the intricate, highly skilled handwork of Indian artisans. "Charpoy," meaning four legs, is a reworking of an eponymous Indian daybed and comprises a mattress of cotton and silk embroidered with the traditional chess-like game called "Chaupar." The artisans involved in the meticulous creation of each textile mattress stitch their names in Hindi on the final piece, thus helping to tell its story and origin. Doshi Levien has also designed a range of cushions entitled "Tools for Inspiration," in collaboration with a workshop of master textile craftswomen from Ahmedabad, India. The women specialize in patchwork, appliqué, mirror work and traditional embroidery, using beautiful tools such as hand-forged scissors, thimbles and marking chalk. The celebration of these tools was extended to include all of the simple objects Doshi and Levien use and admire in their studio and home. Some of these objects are anonymous design classics from around the world; others relate the story of sensual activities like making Chai, cooking or sewing. The workshop was set up by Doshi's aunt in 1986 to responsibly train, encourage and provide employment to highly skilled craftswomen.

This is the first in a series of "Quicktake" installations that will represent distinctive and inventive design from recent trade fairs and shows. "Doshi Levien for Moroso" debuted at the April 2007 Salone Internazionale del Mobile, the annual furniture fair in Milan, Italy.

 

Photo: Daybed, sofa, table, and pillows. Designed by Doshi Levien. Manufactured and distributed by Moroso. India and Italy, 2007.
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