Cashmere Shawl, Tapestry weave and patchwork; paisley design on red ground (detail), Kashmir, India, 18th century
Asian Gallery (Toyokan) Room 13
September 3, 2019 (Tue) - November 24, 2019 (Sun)
The Kashmir goat, which lives in the Kashmir region of northeastern India, has wool of lustrous soft hairs, Cashmere shawls feature this high-quality wool dyed in various colors and with detailed designs achieved through hand-woven brocade and embroidery. From the 16th to the 18th century, these shawls were produced in great quantity. They were immensely popular particularly in Europe, so many shawls were exported there through the East India Company. The shawls were also used to make dress and gowns. In the portraits of European aristocrats from this time, women are frequently depicted wearing a cashmere shawl, an item that was highly sought after. After the Industrial Revolution, a woolen fabric was produced in Paisley, Scotland, in imitation of the cashmere shawl. It was adored throughout Europe to the extent that the traditional kalka motif used in India textiles was named "paisley."
Current exhibit includes:
Sash with Flowering Plants and Vines, Iran, Safavid dynasty, 17th century
Shawl with Paisley Cones, Kashmir, India, 18th century
Wall Hanging with Trees and Parrots, Kerman, Iran, 18th–19th century
Shawl with Paisley Cones and Floral Pattern, Kashmir, India, 19th century