A KASHMIRI RUMAL SHAWL
Kashmir, Northern India, late 19th century

Of square shape, twill tapestry-woven with rafu inserts in predominantly red-coloured wools, with a symmetrical sweeping pattern of elongated buti converging towards a black centre invaded by a filigree of floral motifs, the centre with a pseudo-Persian cartouche and number ‘No. 669’ in white silk embroidery, with charming white and turquoise highlight inserts, the embroidered harlequin borders possibly a later addition, cotton tape on the verso stamped 7218 in blue, G98(?) in black ink, 192cm x 182cm.