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Ketchikan (Furnishing Fabric)

A work made of polyester, plain weave; screen printed.

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  • A work made of polyester, plain weave; screen printed.

Date:

1983

Artist:

Designed by Ben Rose (American, 1916–2004)
Produced by Ben Rose, Inc. (American, 20th century)
United States, Illinois, Chicago

About this artwork

Designer Ben Rose based this textile on formline art made by Tlingit communities in Ketchikan, Alaska, south of Juneau. Rose sought out patterns that audiences in other parts of the United States might have been less familiar with. He then transformed them into fabrics that could be used widely in furnishings and fashion. Because these motifs were appropriated by a non-Native artist for non-Native use, they became divorced from their rich meanings and histories in Indigenous communities. Here, Rose may have been inspired by objects similar to this làkt or bentwood box by James Johnson (Tlingit, Ch’áak’Dakl’aweidi Clan).

Status

Currently Off View

Department

Textiles

Artists

Ben Rose (Designer) , Ben Rose, Inc. (Producer)

Title

Ketchikan (Furnishing Fabric)

Places

Chicago (Object made in:), Illinois (Object made in:), United States (Object made in:)

Date

Made 1983

Medium

Polyester, plain weave; screen printed

Dimensions

90.8 × 127.7 cm (35 3/4 × 50 1/4 in.); Repeat: 29.9 × 25.4 cm (11 3/4 × 10 in.)

Credit Line

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Rose

Reference Number

1995.90.18

Extended information about this artwork

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.

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