Artwork Page for Snakeshead

Details / Information for Snakeshead

Snakeshead

Early 20th century
designed in imitation of

William Morris

(British, 1834–1896)
Culture
England, Walthamstow, Early 20th century
Medium
plain weave cotton, printed
Measurements
Overall: 85.1 x 100.3 cm (33 1/2 x 39 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Henry Chisholm 1937.695
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

When Morris designed Snakeshead in 1877, Indian silks were in style and widely imported from British India. This design stands out for its diminutive motifs and the strong red and black colors, which were fashionable only for a short time before paler hues regained favor with clients. While its color scheme suggests distant lands with warmer climates, the pattern showcases one of Morris’s favorite flowers: the fritillary, a wildflower that he remembered growing in the meadows near Oxford.
Textile covered in a stylized floral pattern in muted medium-blue and dark blue, medium-green, and cream with pops of red. Red, flame-like flowers extend among interweaving blue and green vines and staggered with clusters of flaring cream petals or leaves. Clusters of three snakeshead buds separate them, pointed petals in red outlined in cream spotted with red.

Snakeshead

Early 20th century

William Morris

(British, 1834–1896)
England, Walthamstow, Early 20th century

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