Cotton Tree Flowers

Unknown

ca. 1800–1805 · Ink and watercolor on paper · Islamic Art

This vividly colored drawing, made in Calcutta by an Indian artist, belonged to Edward Smith Stanley, 13th Earl of Derby (1772–1851). It was part of a collection of horticultural books, prints, and drawings kept at Knowsley Hall, his family's estate in Merseyside. The English inscription on the lower left indicates the full name of the plant according to the Linnaean system (Monadelphia Polyandra Bombax ceiba) as well as its common name in India, Seemal (spelled "Seemul"). In northern India, the Seemal tree blooms with bright orange flowers from February to April. When its fruits split open, silky fronds of cotton waft down to the ground, a common sight in the countryside.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1800–1805

Medium

Ink and watercolor on paper

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Purchase, Friends of Islamic Art Gifts, 2016