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Object Timeline

1980

  • We acquired this object.

2004

2015

2018

2019

2024

  • You found it!

Shawl Fragment (India)

This is a Shawl fragment. It is dated early 19th century and we acquired it in 1980. Its medium is wool and its technique is twill tapestry weave, embroidered. It is a part of the Textiles department.



Over time, the boteh motif lost its base or mound and became the more abstracted, stylized shape we recognize as paisley today. No longer a realistic depiction of nature, it became a space for displaying color, form, pattern, and the weaver’s skill.

This object was donated by Mrs. John Rolph. It is credited Bequest of Dorothy Franklin Rolph.

Its dimensions are

H x W (A): 40.6 × 39.1 cm (16 in. × 15 3/8 in.) H x W (B): 16.5 × 15.2 cm (6 1/2 in. × 6 in.)

Cite this object as

Shawl Fragment (India); wool; H x W (A): 40.6 × 39.1 cm (16 in. × 15 3/8 in.) H x W (B): 16.5 × 15.2 cm (6 1/2 in. × 6 in.); Bequest of Dorothy Franklin Rolph; 1980-38-6-a,b

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition Paisley.

This image is in the public domain (free of copyright restrictions). You can copy, modify, and distribute this work without contacting the Smithsonian. For more information, visit the Smithsonian’s Terms of Use page.

If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18615341/ |title=Shawl Fragment (India) |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=24 April 2024 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>