MNS18
This remarkable 19th-century Pashmina wool shawl from Kashmir exemplifies the artistry of that golden era. The design features numerous borders surrounding a magnificent central medallion, adorned with the classic boteh or paisley motif — a timeless pattern that symbolizes life and eternity in Persian and Kashmiri textile art.
Hand-woven from the finest Pashmina wool in the Kashmir Valley, this shawl embodies mastery and precision achieved through the traditional kani weaving technique. Multiple artisans often worked simultaneously on a single piece, using hundreds of color-coded wooden bobbins to create intricate motifs. A single shawl could take months or even years to complete.
The boteh, also known as the buta, originated in ancient Persia, representing a sprouting bud or flame — a symbol of fertility, unity, and infinity. By the 18th and 19th centuries, Kashmir artisans evolved it into complex interwoven forms, establishing the boteh as an enduring emblem of Indian artistry. Each woven motif reflects a dialogue between Persian inspiration and Kashmiri ingenuity.
Material: Hand-woven Pashmina Mens Shawl
Technique: Twill tapestry (kani weaving)
Region: Kashmir, India
Era: 19th Century
Date of Production: Circa 1850s
During the mid-19th century, these shawls were among the most luxurious exports of India, coveted by European aristocracy and fashion elites alike. Each piece told a story of cultural fusion, where Himalayan craftsmanship met Persian art and Western admiration.
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