Block Printed Paisley Shawl Circa 1850s

As paisley shawls grew in popularity manufacturers continued to look for ways in which to cuts costs and sell their goods at lower prices. One solution was the printed paisley shawl which was originally manufactured and marketed as an alternative to the more expensive woven paisleys as well as the shawls imported at great cost from India.

This long shawl dates to the 1850s and features as intricate a pattern as one would hope to find. Floral sprays and boteh are strewn across an ivory wool ground. The borders are elaborate paisley patterned designs with both large and small boteh found on the wide borders at each end.

Overall condition is good with some scattered spotting, light brownish in color, noted in the field. There are a few thin spots as well but nothing that detracts at all from the beauty and usability of this shawl.