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  • We acquired this object.

2019

2024

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Model, Sambucus Nigra, 1875–1898

This is a model. It is dated 1875–1898. Its medium is wood, papier-mâché, cardboard, plaster, reed pith, metal, string, feathers, gelatin, glass and bone glue beads, cloth, metallic thread, horsehair, hemp, silk threads, paint, and shellac varnish. It is a part of the department.

The European elderberry, as the Sambucus nigra is popularly called, has been known for centuries for its medicinal properties and culinary applications, through the use of the bark, leaves, flowers, and fruit. The mature wood can be carved, while the hollow young stems are suitable to fabricate musical instruments.

It is credited Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.

  • Drawing, Floral Ornament
  • pen and brown ink, brown wash support: white paper laid down.
  • Museum purchase through gift of various donors and from Eleanor G. Hewitt Fund.
  • 1938-88-2479
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Its dimensions are

H x W x D: 41.9 × 20.3 × 20.3 cm (16 1/2 in. × 8 in. × 8 in.)

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition Botanical Lessons.

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If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318793583/ |title=Model, Sambucus Nigra, 1875–1898 |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=19 April 2024 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>