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Form & Function: An Artist’s Experimentations

20th-century sculptor, designer, and landscape architect Isamu Noguchi created innovative forms with multi-cultural influences. Let’s explore his practice and consider his work's legacy.

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Kouros, Isamu Noguchi American, Marble — Kouros
Isamu Noguchi
1945

Marble statue of a kouros (youth), Marble, Naxian, Greek, Attic — Marble statue of a kouros (youth)
Greek, Attic
ca. 590–580 BCE

Work (Mask), Isamu Noguchi 野口勇 American, Unglazed Bizen stoneware, Japan, Imbe — Work (Mask)
Isamu Noguchi 野口勇
1952

Haniwa (Hollow Clay Sculpture) of a Warrior

, Earthenware with painted, incised, and applied decoration (Kanto region), Japan — Haniwa (Hollow Clay Sculpture) of a Warrior
Japan
5th–early 6th century

"Radio Nurse", Isamu Noguchi American, Bakelite, cellulose acetate — "Radio Nurse"
Multiple artists/makers
1937

Table Lamp, Pattyn Products Co. (Detroit, Michigan) American, Aluminum, Bakelite, and glass, American — Table Lamp
Pattyn Products Co. (Detroit, Michigan)
Unknown Designer
ca. 1935

"Akari E", Isamu Noguchi American, Mulberry bark paper, bamboo, wire — "Akari E"
Isamu Noguchi
Ozeki & Co., Ltd.
designed ca. 1951

Canopic Jar Inscribed for King Nesibanebdjedet (Smendes), Travertine (Egyptian alabaster) — Canopic Jar Inscribed for King Nesibanebdjedet (Smendes)
ca. 1070–1044 B.C.

South Wind, Clear Sky (Gaifū kaisei), also known as Red Fuji, from the series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku sanjūrokkei), Katsushika Hokusai Japanese, Woodblock print; ink and color on paper, Japan — South Wind, Clear Sky (Gaifū kaisei), also known as Red Fuji, from the series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku sanjūrokkei)
Katsushika Hokusai
ca. 1830–32

Lamp, Louis C. Tiffany American, Leaded Favrile glass and bronze, American — Lamp
Louis C. Tiffany
Tiffany Studios
1904–15

Teapot in the form of a cauliflower, Lead-glazed earthenware, British — Teapot in the form of a cauliflower
British
ca. 1755–70

Lyre Guitar, Spruce, cedar, ebony, brass, ivory, French — Lyre Guitar
French
early 19th century

Isamu Noguchi, Yousuf Karsh Canadian, born Armenia, Gelatin silver print — Isamu Noguchi
Yousuf Karsh
1980