Superb, large and rare white on white embroidered silk shawl. Approx 160cm square, finished with an additional 41cm of hand knotted silk macrame fringe (63 inches with extra 16 inch fringing).
 
Of an unusually high quality, the embroidery is dense, fine and in exceptional condition. Eschewing the more common Art Deco stylings common to shawls of the period and featuring instead stylised floral motifs, vines, leaves and sweeping fronds that seem more in keeping with earlier, Victorian sensibilities. One other, very rare feature is the use of asymmetry; the design, concentrated in two opposing corners, is completely different at either side. We have never seen another example designed in this way.
 
This extremely classy piece was by repute originally purchased from Harrods and sent out to India in a diplomatic bag in 1936, later returned to the UK in the same way at the end of the owner's residence. Picture it draped over a piano in a diplomatic, colonial mansion surrounded by elegant Kentia Palms.
 
Condition overall is superb, with no loose threads to the embroidery, the ground intact without holes or shattering. Localised yellowing commensurate with age (this is 90 year old white silk) concentrated at the high point of one corners embroidery, otherwise very clean and bright. See images for full condition, lots more available here and video here.
 
UK Mainland shipping is £15 by standard parcel courier. Please contact for international shipping price