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Snakeshead
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When Morris designed <em>Snakeshead</em> 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.
| Artist / Maker | William Morris |
|---|---|
| Date | Early 20th century |
| Culture / Origin | England, Walthamstow, Early 20th century |
| Medium | plain weave cotton, printed |
| Dimensions | Overall: 85.1 x 100.3 cm (33 1/2 x 39 1/2 in.) |
| Department | Textiles |
| Type | Textile |
About the Artist
BiographyWilliam Morris (1834–1896) — Textile designer, artist, writer, printer (1834–1896).William Morris worked as architect, poet, designer, graphic designer and painter and is associated with United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and United Kingdom. Their documented life spans the years 1834 to 1896, born in Walthamstow, died in London. Their work is linked to Arts and Crafts movement, Symbolism.Disciplinesarchitect, poet, designer, graphic designer, painterBorn1834, WalthamstowDied1896, LondonNationalityUnited Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, United KingdomMovementArts and Crafts movement, SymbolismSources: Wikidata ·… Full biography →
Provenance & Source
Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.
Condition
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