#6722 $450
Assuit shawl, 1920s
Assuit cloth is a cotton mesh fabric embroidered with hammered metal pieces. The metal is wrapped around the mesh, and the ends are hammered under to hold the piece in place. (It makes me think of staples.) This type of cloth, produced since biblical times, is named for the Assuit region of Egypt, where it originated.
Assuit shawls were popular souvenirs brought home by Americans who visited King Tut's tomb, which was opened for tourists in the early 20th century. The shawls are still being produced today, but they do not have the substantial weight and quality of design found in the earlier pieces. Our shawl features silver-covered copper pieces on an ivory cotton mesh ground.
The condition is almost excellent. I do not consider the small areas of oxidation a flaw but rather part of the antique charm.
It measures 29" wide by 86" long.
