78 
“That French Gothic wood-carving over the case contains 
three plant motives, the thistle, the grape, and the oak, each 
represented by foliage and fruit. Specimens of the thistle are 
attached to the wall adjoining, while grape and oak specimens 
are to be found elsewhere in the room.” 
THe ACANTHUS EXHIBIT 
PuLants: The classic acanthus, “Acanthus mollis, and a wild species from tropical 
Africa in flower; the artichoke, also used in architecture, and the poet’s nar- 
sus. 
Art Opjects: Capital of Roman Corinthian column in plaster, with a splendid 
dark-green tapestry on the wall behind it, over which is suspended a melophone; 
many objects in the museum case showing the acanthus used as a decorative 
motive in wood-carvings, textiles, silver, steel; bronze, terra cotta, etc. In 
the Syrian prayer rug covering the back of the case the pomegranate is the 
principal motive. 
“The acanthus is the plant beloved by architects. Two 
species grew wild in southern Europe, Acanthus mollis and 
Acanthus spinosus, both used on account of their wonderful 
foliage. This is beautifully shown in the seventeenth-century 
Italian tapestry behind the Roman capital and in the handsome 
breastplate of embossed steel by Negroli, of Milan. As you 
walk through the halls of this building or along the streets, you 
will recognize the acanthus as a fundamental motive. Loo 
through the window at the two main columns of this building, 
which are surmounted with capitals of this order. Callimachus, 
the inventor of the Corinthian capital, is said to have obtained 
the idea from a tile-covered basket placed over a tomb, about 
. m7 . 7 
which the leaves of an acanthus plant had grown in profusion. 
THE Lotus EXHIBIT 
PLants: Herbarium specimens and fruits of the American lotus, which is practically 
identical with the oriental species in form, and a colored figure of a water-lily 
to show the structure of the flower; several water-lilies in vases. 
Art Oxjects: Chinese silk with foliage and flowers of lotus and chrysanthemum 
treated naturalistically, but with medallions conventionally arranged; handles 
of a bronze vase showing unopened lotus flowers; a Japanese bronze of the last 
century showing the entire lotus plant with foliage, fower, and fruit; vases, 
pottery, brasses, and other objects using the lotus as a motive. 
“The lotus is one of the oldest, as well as one of the most 
beautiful, plant motives ever used. It grows in the valley of the 
