Acanthus is a French woven jacquard wall tapestry. It is based on an embroidered silk door-curtain designed by Henry Dearle in 1890. This artist was the assistant of William Morris and after his death in 1896, he became the artistic director of the company. The symbolism of the acanthus leaf: as a perennial plant it represents enduring or recurring life. In ancient Greece, the acanthus leaf symbolized life emerging from death. As Christianity emerged and flourished, the meaning shifted to represent the Christian belief in resurrection. The thorns of the acanthus plant also symbolize sin in Christianity. The acanthus leaf has been be a very popular design theme throughout time. With its origins dating back to ancient Greece, choosing the acanthus leaf in your design plans may be a great way to connect to history.
