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Paisley Shawl

Paisley Shawl - Shawl
Accession #: 1809.1
Title: Paisley Shawl
Object Type: Shawl
Participants:
Physical Description: This large woven paisley shawl has a black medallion at the center and fringe on each of two ends. The colors are predominantly browns, rusts, green, black, and some teal.
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 shape of the shawls changed over time with fashion. Shawls were square-shaped, folded in half and worn as triangles in the 1820s; in the 1840s they became quite long, so they could be wrapped around crinolines. By the 1880s, they were no longer a luxury item, but were desirable as decorating accessories.
Category: Textiles
Dimensions:
Object L x W 116 x 60 1/4" (without fringe)
Materials/Techniques:
wool (textile) (Material)
woven (Technique)
Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Lyle Schultz

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