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  • We acquired this object.

2019

2025

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Model, Aesculus Hippocastanum

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 Aesculus hippocastanum, or horse chestnut, is native to the Balkan region. The wood has little value as timber, but it is suitable for carving. Unlike true chestnuts, this seed is not fit for human consumption because it contains high doses of aesculin, which can be fatal if ingested raw.

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

Its dimensions are

H x W x D: 53.3 × 29.2 × 29.2 cm (21 in. × 11 1/2 in. × 11 1/2 in.)

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

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian’s Terms of Use page.

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/2318793582/ |title=Model, Aesculus Hippocastanum |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=10 March 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>