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Paisley Shawl

Paisley Shawl - Shawl
Accession #: 1298.29
Title: Paisley Shawl
Object Type: Shawl
Participants:
Physical Description: This shawl is made of natural fibers (likely wool) in a coarse weave which appears to be combined with applique and embroidery. Its colors are predominantly dark red, teal, black, green with a black center medallion. The shawl is edged with pentagonal patches of different fabrics. It shows wear with some losses over all.
Description: Handwoven wool shawls from the Kashmir Valley were highly prized in England and France during the 18th century. British and French weavers copied them, although they continued to be made in India. These pieces became known as "paisley" shawls when weavers in Paisley, Scotland, increased production by using a Jacquard mechanism on their looms. The increase in production resulted in lower prices, which threatened the livlihood of the Kashmiri weavers. In response, some weavers cut production time by embroidering designs instead of weaving them.
Category: Textiles
Dimensions:
Object L x W 66 x 66"
Materials/Techniques:
embroidery (Technique)
woven (Technique)
wool (textile) (Material)
Marks/Inscription:
11338
Credit Line: Mr. and Mrs John Huneke, 1954

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