#7031 $1,200
Chinese hand-embroidered silk shawl, c.1900-1920
Fine hand embroidery was an art form in China before Marco Polo arrived there in the 13th century. Chinese export goods were still popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As interest waned after the 1920s, so did the quality of hand work. Modern copies produced in China today are of inferior quality.
The exceptional color makes the dazzling shawl a special find. It is made from substantial weight turquoise silk crepe and bordered all around with hand-knotted silk fringe. The color is breathtaking. Each corner features a large bouquet of roses and mixed small flowers in shades of magenta, rose, burgundy, lavender, peach, and blue.
The variety, brilliance, and verisimilitude of the flowers (2nd picture down) testify to the peerless artistry of the designer. The large roses, especially in the corners, draw the viewer's eyes. Each rose is like a queen surrounded with vines and bright hued smaller flowers, paying homage to her majesty's resplendent beauty.
Queen rose of the rosebud garden of girls,
Come hither, the dances are done,
Sing out, little head, sunning over with curls,
To the flowers, and be their sun.
This type of shawl was a favorite evening accessory of the 1920s flapper. It would be just as beautiful today over a slender evening slip dress; or drape the shawl over your couch where you and your friends can enjoy the embroidery art. This is the essence of connoisseurship. You might even take a leaf from Anna Pavlova's book.
The greatest ballerina of all time, Pavlova was also a fashion idol in Paris before WWI. A ballerina who danced with Pavlova in the Ballets Russes reminisced that Pavlova used to drape a large shawl "in the Spanish manner...They took the place of dresses for her. It became very popular, and many imitated her."
The condition is excellent.
It measures 106" square, including the 26"-wide fringe border.
