Erosion Table by Joseph Walsh (photo: Andrew Bradley)

While it’s doubtful anyone would think of Ireland as a design powerhouse, a new show at the American Irish Historical Society on New York’s Upper East Side suggests the Emerald Isle deserves a second look. Curated by Brian Kennedy, the show includes furniture, ceramics, accessories, jewelery, a wall installation, as well as some models and sketches, and is an engaging crash course in Ireland’s emerging design scene. While there’s no one overriding style, an interest in organic shapes and natural materials is common in much of the work.Here’s a selection of some of the work. Material Poetry is on view through November 18.

Meniscus by Cara Murphy (all photos courtesy respective designers)

Laminated ash Sligo chair by Yaffe Mays

White sculptural neckpiece by Rachel McKnight

Sligo Twins by Yaffe Mays

Untitled by Laura Mays