Description
Single threads of thick indigo dyed cotton form quite wavy lines between rows of small woven openwork on this minimal nineteenth or very early C20th wild silk sanyan woman’s shawl or wrapper cloth. On the two edge strips the indigo threads are reversed part way to form triangular patterns, a very rare effect. The wild silk is used for both warp and weft, making a soft flexible texture. Looking at the full photo we can see that there is a slight colour difference between the upper and lower part, and looking more closely, also a slight difference in the layout of openwork and blue lines. The strips are sewn and hemmed by hand throughout but at some point probably many years ago sections of two slightly different cloths were joined together. Very old cloths like this were family heirlooms, passed down from mother to daughter over generations. Particularly prized cloths did sometimes get divided up and as we see here later re-joined as part of this transfer between generations. Anyway it is part of the history of this lovely cloth. Otherwise very good condition, no holes or stains.
Measurements 6’4″ x 4’9″, 194 cm x 136 cm.
All items on this site are vintage. That means that they may have a few small marks or blemishes consistent with use. We will try to highlight any significant issues in the description above but in the event you are not happy with your purchase please notify us within 48 hours of receipt and you may return it for a full refund (excluding return shipping costs.)
