About this artwork
In 2011 Andrea Trimarchi and Simone Farresin of Studio Formafantasma were commissioned by the Italian Plart Foundation to undertake a retrospective study of the centuries-old technology of making plastics from natural polymers extracted from plant or animal sources, rather than from petroleum. The results of this study, entitled Botanica, include a collection of tableware that combines organic plastics derived from historical techniques with traditional materials like wood, ceramic, and metal. The Botanica Plastic Eco-Vase, for example, is made of beeswax, wood, and shellac—a natural polymer extracted from insect excrement that was popular up to the 1930s. The vase’s textured finishes and details evoke tradition and the handcrafted, yet display desirable qualities of contemporary design.
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Status
- Currently Off View
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Department
- Architecture and Design
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Artist
- Formafantasma (Designer)
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Title
- Botanica Plastic Eco-Vase
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Place
- Netherlands (Artist's nationality:)
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Date
- 2011
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Medium
- Shellac and white ceramic
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Dimensions
- 44 × 21 × 21 cm (17 × 8 × 8 in.)
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Credit Line
- Funds provided by the Architecture & Design Society
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Reference Number
- 2011.272
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.
