Sun, 09/09/2012 – Sun, 12/30/2012
Goodman Gallery
Drawn from the Museum’s permanent collection, The Paisley Pattern showcased the exotic and luxurious paisley shawls of India and Europe. Kashmir shawls were prized above all others for their light weight, warmth, natural sheen, and meticulously intricate designs. It could take several weavers over a year to complete a single shawl, and they were often reserved for the middle and upper classes before exporting became crucial to the local economy. Also included in this exhibition were European shawls that reflected the influence of the boteh, or paisley, design and twill tapestry weaving techniques that had been perfected over hundreds of years by East Asian weavers. Visitors were able to see what made paisley shawls the accessory of choice for the fashionable lady of the 1800s.