Kashmiri "Pieced" Shawl 1507

An exceptional and museum-worthy textile, this mid-19th century Kashmiri Pieced Shawl is a rare and exquisite example of the artistry and craftsmanship of Kashmir’s textile tradition. Featuring the highly sought-after “Butterfly” pattern, the shawl is composed of hand-embroidered antique textile fragments that have been meticulously hand-sewn together to form a unified, richly detailed design.

The vibrant palette—featuring shades of red, black, turquoise, and ivory—enhances the dynamic movement of the butterfly motif and underscores the artisan’s precision and creativity. This type of textile, known as a pieced shawl, represents a labor-intensive process that required not only technical mastery in embroidery but also a refined aesthetic sense in piecing the individual segments to achieve visual harmony.

Provenance:
This rare textile comes from the personal collection of the esteemed textile scholar Mildred Davison, former Head Curator of the Textile Collection at The Art Institute of Chicago. Her scholarship and curatorial legacy underscore the historical and cultural significance of this extraordinary piece.

A true collector’s treasure, this Kashmiri Pieced Shawl would make a distinguished addition to any textile or museum-quality collection.

Dimensions: 72" x 75"

Date of Manufacture:  2nd Quarter of the 1800s

Place of Origin:  India

Material:  Wool, cotton, silk with vegetable dyes

Condition:  Wear consistent with age and use

SKU: 1507