#7030 $985
French jacquard paisley shawl, 1850s
The unusual green center makes the superb shawl a special find for the collector. The strong complementary color scheme is softened by an elaborate, all-over woven pattern, creating a rich, subtle effect. The ends are bordered with fringed gates of red, green, blue, and gold.
The complex Persian-style design evokes the mysteries of the East and the exotic locales where one could luxuriate in pleasure: Port Said, Shanghai, Turkestan, Constantinople—all lands of sad, haunting music and many odors, where lust could be a mode of life, where the shades of night skies and sunsets reflected the moods of passion, which had the color of lips and poppies.
The square shawl, originally worn folded over to form a triangle in place of a coat, can be used to add piquancy to your decor. Drape it over your couch where you can admire the intricate weave up close.
The condition is excellent.
It measures 70" square.
