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Industrial designers often have a difficult time trying to convey playfulness in their designs. This is especially evident during the mid 20th century, with the proliferation of poodles and boomerangs as design elements. This scenario of kitch design is about as polar opposite of what Eva Zeisel was able to say with her Town & Country line for Red Wing. It is direct and sophisticated in its playfulness, where other less successful designers were producing the simple and goofy. Zeisel was able to accomplish this sophistication through the use of one simple tool: asymmetry.
But Town & Country's raised and uneven edges not only give a feeling of playfulness, they also provide utility for the designs. A raised rim on a dinner plate not only makes a startling visual gag for the user, it also provides an easy and unobtrusive handle making the plate easy to pick up. All in all, Town & Country is a fascinating design that goes much deeper than its initial appearance.
Found on May 18, 2005 in Columbia Heights, MN.
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