18th-19th century
This lightweight shawl was woven from extremely fine wool. In the region of Kashmir, wool was traditionally taken from the soft under-hair of the Himalayan goat. The main pattern of this shawl features rows of flowers, tilted as though swaying in the wind. The repetition of these finely rendered motifs, the delicacy of its materials, and the translucency of the cream background create a light-weight, luxurious garment.
117.4 x 67.6 cm (46 1/4 x 26 5/8 in.)
Silk
19th centuryUzbekPale beige satin with embroidered decoration
19th-20th centuryChinesewool pile on a foundation of cotton warps and wefts
19th centuryPersianSilk, silver foil, and gilded silver foil. Lampas with foundation of warp-faced plain weave and discontinuous supplementary wefts bound in plain weave.
17th centuryNorth AfricanWoven silk velvet
19th centuryUzbekBook of swatches mounted on paper (56 sheets)
19th-20th centuryJapanese