cover image: Shawl

20.500.12592/43q1kk

Shawl

Research in Progress A square shawl with a symmetrical design radiating toward each corner from a central black field. Swirling patterns in shades of red, yellow, violet, and green, with minute floral elements used as pattern filler. Larger pattern areas are outlined with sinuous lines of solid white or black. The harlequin borders are additionally patterned with embroidery. The shawl is made up of hundreds of small sections of tapestry – some are as small as a few centimeters wide. The patches follow the curvilinear outlines of the pattern. This method allows different color warps to be used, as seen in the solid color fields of black, purple, red and white.
Collection
Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum Collection Textiles Department
Date published
ca. 1860
Dates
ca. 1860
Format
Medium: cashmere Technique: 2/2 twill with discontinuous wefts (tapestry) with double-interlocking; embroidered borders, pieced together Label: cashmere wool double-interlocked twill tapestry with embroidered borders, pieced together
Pages
H x W: 208 x 207 cm (81 7/8 x 81 1/2 in.)
Place Discussed
India for European market
Provider
Smithsonian Institution
Published in
India
Reference
2002-2-1
Rights
Bequest of Harmon H. Goldstone
Source
Digital Public Library of America https://dp.la/item/407f4166a1ba2bfdaec923edc66c5128