Embroidered silk crêpe shawl in silks, China, ca. 1870-1920

Shawl formed by two triangular pieces of silk crêpe, one red and one yellow, embroidered with coloured twisted silks in satin, stem and split stitches. Knotted fringe at all sides. In the corner of the red triangle are two Pai-tse on rocks, a monkey with a human face climbing up a branch, two birds, butterflies and insects amongst peonies and other flowers. Insects, small animals, birds and flowers fill the remaining spaces. In the corner of the yellow triangle are two Pai-tse on rocks, two birds, butterflies and insects amongst peonies, ears of barely and other flowers. Insect, bird, flower and animal motifs fill the rest of the space. The seam joining the red and yellow triangles decorated with a line of brown satin stitch ornamented with geometrical shapes and flowers. Scrolling peony border all round the edge.

Given by Mrs Burton Baldry

This shawl is formed by two triangular pieces of silk, each with a knotted fringe. The wearer can choose the ground colour - red or yellow. In Britain, these fringed shawls were popular from about 1840 to 1910 because they were seen as 'artistic' and bohemian rather than as mainstream fashion accessories.

T.316-1960