Shawl

Unknown

1885–1910 · silk, metal · Costume Institute

This foldover shawl is a tour de force of Chinese embroidery. The orientation of the needlework indicates that it was to be worn folded into a triangle; each side incorporates a different color palette. The monochromatic side uses variations in hue to define details. The polychrome side employs beautiful gradations in color, particularly in the configuration of the bird motif. It also features gilt thread, making it unique among other examples in the collection.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1885–1910

Medium

silk, metal

Culture

Chinese

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Pratt Institute, 1934