#4024 $1,800 Sold
Spanish hand-embroidered tulle shawl, early 20th century
This superb shawl is a work of needle art! The black silk tulle ground is covered with a profusion of hand-embroidered, polychrome flowers and exotic, multicolored birds (including a peacock who gazes approvingly at the artists work).
The sheen of the silk embroidery floss lends a rich glow to the color. The shawl is bordered all around with hand-knotted silk fringe. I love the unusual scalloped border.
The overall effect is an artistic testament to the rich prodigality of nature's palette. How was it achieved? Surely, it is due to the brilliant, variegated kaleidoscope of colors—a multitude of pastels competing with more intense hues.
The fine lightweight shawl feels luxuriously soft against the skin. The shawl is ideal for covering your shoulders on a summer evening. Anna Pavlova, the greatest ballerina of all time, had an especially creative way of wearing shawls.
Pavlova was also an icon of the fashion world in Paris before World War I. She would drape a large shawl "in the Spanish manner. They took the place of dresses for her. It became very popular, and many imitated her," according to Nina Kirsanova, who danced with Pavlova.
The condition is excellent. It is a special treat to find one of these delicate shawls in such perfect condition.
The shawl is 79" square, including the 13"-wide border of fringe.
