Spirit Cup by Marina Abramovic
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Marina Abramović's Spirit Cup for illy Art Collection (2002)
Marina Abramović, the acclaimed performance artist known for her avant-garde approach to corporeality and ritual, redefined the experience of drinking coffee through her collaboration with illy. Abramović crafted the "Spirit Cup," a unique ceramic piece that marries artistic vision with functional design.
Limited Edition #438
Whole Bean 2.2 pounds
Medium Roast - Case of 6
Concept and Design:
The Spirit Cup features a striking 23.5 kt gold interior, visible both from the rim and through a distinctive hole on the top. This design element was intended to enhance the sensory experience of drinking coffee, symbolically connecting the beverage to the "spirit" through its precious gold lining. The hole allows the coffee to flow in a way that Abramović described as reaching the drinker’s spirit, reflecting her exploration of ritual and sensation in art.
Edition and Packaging:
This limited edition release consists of 750 cups, with 500 in a wooden case and 250 in special packaging. Each cup is numbered and signed, making it a highly collectible item. The Spirit Cup was released to coincide with Abramović’s performance at the New Museum in New York in May 2002. It is accompanied by a special edition of her book Public Body, co-authored with critic Germano Celant, and published by Charta, a prominent European art book publisher.
Specifications:
- Year: 2002
- Material: Ceramic with 23.5 kt gold paint
- Dimensions: Approx. h. 14.75", w. 19", d. 3.25" (box)
- Edition: 750 copies total (500 in wooden case, 250 in special packaging)
- Features: Numbered, signed
The Spirit Cup stands as a rare and precious artifact within illy’s art collection, merging contemporary art with everyday ritual in Abramović’s distinctive style.
