Design Classics Man Ray Kuen Surface Sterling Silver Cufflinks

Man Ray’s favorite mathematical form, cast in 925 sterling silver as a pair of cufflinks.

The Kuen surface is a mathematical form, a rare example of a surface with constant negative curvature. It is symmetrical along two of its axes and, seen from the side, resembles a human figure holding a disc. Man Ray and the artists of the Surrealist and Constructivist movements were fascinated by such forms, which bridged modern art and the hidden beauty of mathematics; his 1938 photography and his 1948 painting of the Kuen surface inspired these 925 sterling silver pieces. The Kuen Surface cufflinks measure 1.5″ × 0.75″ and come as a pair. Wear them with French cuffs, for weddings, gallery openings and any day that calls for a shirt worth noticing.

Specifications

• Brand: Design Classics
• Design: After Man Ray’s Kuen Surface photograph (1938) and painting (1948)
• Type: Cufflinks, pair
• Material: 925 sterling silver
• Dimensions: 1.5″ × 0.75″ (3.8 × 1.9 cm)
• Made in: United States
• Item number (MPN): IC-MRKC

Features

• Solid 925 sterling silver
• The Kuen surface, a form Man Ray photographed and painted
• 1.5″ × 0.75″ (3.8 × 1.9 cm)
• Made in the United States
• Sold as a pair

Best for

Gifts for art lovers, architects and mathematicians; wear it alone or with the other Kuen Surface pieces as a set. See also: Design Classics Man Ray Kuen Surface Silver Earrings, Pierced, Design Classics Man Ray Kuen Surface Silver Pendant Necklace.

Who this is not for

• Shirts without French or double cuffs: cufflinks need cuff holes.
• Anyone allergic to silver (our advice: check with your jeweler if unsure).
• Buyers expecting a figurative charm: this is an abstract, mathematical form.

Why we carry it

We’ve been curating design-led pieces since 2009. Man Ray (Emmanuel Radnitzky) was the American artist who became the leading figure of Dada and Surrealism and of the early avant-garde. The Kuen Surface pieces belong to our Design Classics: icons and forgotten pieces of 20th-century design, re-editioned with care.

Buy once: durability and care

Sterling silver tarnishes slowly with air. Polish it with a soft silver cloth, keep it away from perfume, chlorine and lotions, and store it dry in a pouch or box (our advice).

Frequently asked questions

What are the Kuen Surface cufflinks made of?

925 sterling silver, made in the United States.

How big are the Kuen Surface cufflinks?

Each measures 1.5″ × 0.75″ (3.8 × 1.9 cm).

Which shirts work with the Kuen Surface cufflinks?

Shirts with French (double) cuffs or other cufflink cuffs.

Are the Kuen Surface cufflinks a good gift?

Yes: for a groom, a mathematician, an art lover or anyone who collects Man Ray.

How should I care for the Kuen Surface cufflinks?

Polish them with a silver cloth and store them dry in a pouch or box to slow tarnish (our advice).

What look do the Kuen Surface cufflinks suit? (our styling advice)

A white or pale blue shirt and a dark suit, or a black-tie evening; the sculptural form reads as art, not ornament.

Trade pricing for design professionals

Interior designers, architects, contractors and builders can apply to the MetropolitanDecor Trade Program for trade pricing on Design Classics and the rest of our catalog, a dedicated trade support line, and free catalogs and finish swatches. Applying takes about three minutes; our trade team reviews every application personally, usually within one business day. Ordering for a hotel, office, studio or corporate gifts? Contact us with models and quantities and we’ll confirm availability and lead time.

Shipping & returns

Ships in 2–3 business days. Orders over $100 ship free by ground to the 48 contiguous states. All sales are final, so check the size and specifications above before ordering; if your order arrives damaged or isn’t what you ordered, contact us within 48 hours of delivery with photos and we’ll make it right.

Please note: Because this item is made to order or specially sourced, it is final sale.