Floral Motifs on Early Chintz
Sinningia speciosa - Gloxinia
Sinningia speciosa (Gloxinia)  by Maritzaandradeangel, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Sinningia speciosa (Gloxinia) from the Private Collection, Prussian Blue Floral Furnishing Fabric with Gloxinias and Pansies, mid to late 1800s 
Sinningia speciosa (Gloxinia) Louis Van Houtte, Flore des serres et des jardin de l’Europe, vol. 14, plate preceding p. 115, 1861
Common Names: Gloxinia, Florist's Gloxinia, Rough-Leaved Gloxinia, Brazilian Gloxinia

Description: Sinningia speciosa (Gloxinia) is a member of the Gesneriad family (Gesneriaceae). The Hortus Kewensis, ed. did not mention it however Curtis's Botanical Magazine, vol. 44, record 193 described it as a native of Brazil. That volume, printed in 1817, described it a recent addition to British heated greenhouses.  The tan on the flowers may have been purple on the original textile as early purple dyes often faded to brown tones.
 
Quilts with this Sinningia speciosa (Gloxinia) motif: 
 
  • None currently known 
 
Cretonne with this Sinningia speciosa (Gloxinia) motif: 
 
  • Private Collection, Prussian Blue Floral Furnishing Fabric with Gloxinias and Pansies, mid to late 1800s
 
  



   ©  Updated 5/29/2022     Author: Terry Terrell