Snakes Head Jacquard Chenille Cushion - Indigo/Leaf Green

This Snakes Head cushion carries a jacquard-woven William Morris design dating from 1876, worked in soft chenille so the pattern stands up from the cloth rather than being printed flat. The front is a dense floral, with flame-like blooms and spiky clusters of foliage held on scrolling tendrils, set against a deep indigo ground with leaf-green foliage and touches of cream and warm tan. The named motif comes from the nodding snake's head fritillary, and the drawing was influenced by Indian textiles. Woven in 100% polyester at 55 x 55cm, it is a generous square that holds its shape and its colour well.

A 55cm cushion is the size to reach for when you want a piece with presence on a sofa, a reading chair or the head of a bed. This one suits a room that leans traditional or earthy, sitting comfortably against dark wood, cane and warm neutral walls, and it works with the wider Morris look if you are pairing it with patterned curtains or a plain green throw. Because the design is symmetrical and reads as a full motif rather than a repeat, a single cushion carries the pattern on its own, while a pair balances a larger seat.

The construction is where the cushion earns its keep. The face is a proper jacquard, so the colours are woven in and the raised chenille gives the foliage a slight pile you can feel. The reverse is a plain chenille in the same tone, and a piped edge runs the full perimeter to define the shape. A zip closure lets you remove the cover, and being polyester throughout the cover resists fading and keeps its colour through everyday use. If you like this pattern, the Snakes Head design runs across matching pieces in the same range.

What is the cushion made from?

The cover is woven from 100% polyester, both on the patterned jacquard front and the plain chenille reverse, which helps it hold its colour with everyday use.

Does the cover come off for cleaning?

Yes, there is a zip closure along one edge, so you can take the cover off the pad whenever you need to freshen it up.

What size is it and what does it suit?

It measures 55 by 55cm, a generous square that reads well on a sofa, an armchair or a bed rather than getting lost among smaller scatter cushions.

Is the pattern printed or woven in?

The design is a jacquard, meaning the colours are woven into the cloth, with raised chenille giving the foliage a slight pile you can feel by hand.

What is the snakes head pattern?

It is a William Morris design from 1876, named after the nodding snake's head fritillary flower, with flame-like blooms and spiky foliage on scrolling tendrils.