#6721 $1,200
Devoré velvet shawl, early 20th century
This early 20th century shawl features robust Deco velvet flowers cut to a ground of sheer black chiffon. Especially striking is the graphic red-and-black pattern. The two tone border of hand-knotted silk fringe has an appealing antique charm.
The shawl is rectangular with fringe on three sides. The top edge, which is without fringe, has been folded and ruched to form a collar. You can wear the shawl like this or snip the hand-stitched threads that hold the folds in place to have a flat shawl to use in your home.
Although velvet was first made from silk in the Middle Ages, the devoré technique was invented in France only about 100 years ago. The process uses a chemical gel to dissolve (devour or "devoré" in French) cellulose plant fiber to leave shadows of silk chiffon amid deep velvet pile. Devoré velvet became all the rage in the 1920s and is just now making a comeback.
The condition is excellent. It is clean and ready to wear.
It measures 37" by 53", excluding the fringe, which is 14 1/2" wide.
