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  • We acquired this object.

2019

2025

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Model, Ricinus Communis

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.

Ricinus communis, popularly known as castor bean or castor-oil plant, is indigenous to Eastern Africa. The plant’s oil has been applied to many pharmaceutical and industrial uses throughout history, from fueling lamps in ancient Egypt to lubricating airplanes’ rotary engines flown by the Allies during World War I.

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

  • Textile, Eden
  • 83% polyester, 17% cotton.
  • Gift of Maharam.
  • 2018-25-2
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Our curators have highlighted 1 object that are related to this one.

Its dimensions are

H x W x D: 52.1 × 26.7 × 26.7 cm (20 1/2 × 10 1/2 × 10 1/2 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://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318793578/ |title=Model, Ricinus Communis |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=10 March 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>