This object is currently on display in room 212 as part of Botanical Lessons. There are 2 other images of this object. See our image rights statement.

 

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Object Timeline

  • We acquired this object.

2019

2023

  • You found it!

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 June 2023 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>