Floral Motifs on Early Chintz
Nelumbo nucifera - Lotus
Nelumbo nucifera (Lotus) (published as Nelumbium speciosum) from Curtis's Botanical Magazine, vol. 23: t. 903 (1806)
Nelumbo nucifera (Lotus) plant growing in an Indonesia pond taken by Shin-改 [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons.
Nelumbo nucifera (Lotus) from Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Appliqued Counterpane Made by Achsah Goodwin Wilkins, Museum Purchase, Object Number 2009.609.1, 1815-1830
Common Names: Lotus, Sacred Lotus, Sacred Bean of India, Indian Lotus, Egyptian Bean
Description: Nelumbo nucifera (Lotus) is a member of the Sacred Lotus Family (Nelumbonaceae). The Hortus Kewensis, ed. 2, vol. 3 recorded that this native of "both Indies" (published as Nelumbium speciosum) was introduced to Britain in 1787. The above picture shows Lotus flowers and ruffled leaves immediately below the flowers and buds intertwined with narrow grass stems and seed heads.
Quilts with the above Nelumbo nucifera (Lotus) motif:
Chintz with this Nelumbo nucifera (Lotus) motif:
Description: Nelumbo nucifera (Lotus) is a member of the Sacred Lotus Family (Nelumbonaceae). The Hortus Kewensis, ed. 2, vol. 3 recorded that this native of "both Indies" (published as Nelumbium speciosum) was introduced to Britain in 1787. The above picture shows Lotus flowers and ruffled leaves immediately below the flowers and buds intertwined with narrow grass stems and seed heads.
Quilts with the above Nelumbo nucifera (Lotus) motif:
- Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Appliqued Counterpane Made by Achsah Goodwin Wilkins and Unidentified African Americans, Museum Purchase, Object Number 2009.609.1, 1815-1830
- Ardis and Robert James Collection, International Quilt Study Center and Museum, Medallion Quilt, Object Number 2006.003.0001, 1840-1850
- Collection of Mrs. Jacob Baer, Appliqued Coverlet Possibly Made by Achsah Goodwin Wilkins and Unidentified African Americans, Old Quilts, p. 192, no date given
- Collection of Mrs. Adams-Coffyn, Tree of Life Appliqued Coverlet Made by Achsah Goodwin Wilkins and Unidentified African Americans, Old Quilts, p. 197, no date given
- National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution, Achsah Goodwin Wilkins's Appliqued Counterpane, ID Number 1995.0011.01, 1820-1840
- Virginia Quilt Museum, Chintz Medallion quilt by Jane Weakley Leche, Object Number 1991.004.001, no date
Chintz with this Nelumbo nucifera (Lotus) motif:
- None known at this time
Additional Nelumbo nucifera (Lotus) Motifs
Nelumbo nucifera (Lotus) from the Musée d'impression sur étoffes, 19th century fabric sample with birds, corals, shells, and flowers, manufactured by Thierry-Mieg & Cie, Mulhouse, France 1862
Cretonne with this Nelumbo nucifera (Lotus) motif:
- Musée d'impression sur étoffes, 19th century fabric sample with birds, corals, shells, and flowers, manufactured by Thierry-Mieg & Cie, Mulhouse, France, 1862
© Updated 7/24/2022 Author: Terry Terrell