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1973

  • We acquired this object.

2007

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2025

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Samples (USA), ca. 1890

This is a Samples. It was made by Interiors Import Co. Inc.. It is dated ca. 1890 and we acquired it in 1973. Its medium is asphaltum composition, wood. It is a part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts department.

Called “imitation wood carvings”, composition ornaments were formed of a press-molded material typically composed of chalk, glue, linseed oil and resin. Since the latter part of the 18th century, architectural composition ornaments have been a less expensive alternative to ornamental plaster and carved wood for moldings, mantelpieces, paneling and frames. These samples give an indication of the proliferation of ornamental styles in the late 19th century available to craftsmen and architects.



Wall Label from exhibition, "Multiple Choice, From Sample to Product," Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum, New York, NY.

This object was donated by Milton Fisher. It is credited Gift of Milton Fisher.

Cite this object as

Samples (USA), ca. 1890; Made by Interiors Import Co. Inc.; asphaltum composition, wood; Gift of Milton Fisher; 1973-68-2-a/n

This image is in the public domain (free of copyright restrictions). You can copy, modify, and distribute this work without contacting the Smithsonian. 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/18482167/ |title=Samples (USA), ca. 1890 |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=26 February 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>