Snakeshead
William Morris (British, 1834–1896)
Early 20th century
Medium
plain weave cotton, printed
Dimensions
{"overall":{"height":0.851,"width":1.003}}
Classification
Textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift of Mrs. Henry Chisholm
Accession Number
1937.695
Tags
male
About this artwork
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.