This delicate fragment is from the palla (end panel) of a dochalla or two shawls, also known as a long shawl. Kashmir shawls were also made in a square form, known as the rumal. The long shawl is usually regarded as the older form and was worn primarily by men, draped on the body for warmth or thrown around the shoulders for display of wealth and status. The main field of the shawl which this fragment once belonged to would have been of a plain indigo ground. Due to the intricacy and beauty of the palla, they were often saved and reused once the shawl was no longer in a useable condition. The root securing device at the boteh's base here is seen only on 17th century shawls (Frank Ames, The Arts of Kashmir, exhibition catalogue, 2007, p.202). For a similar example in the sale, see Lot 19.
Post Lot Text
This lot has been imported from outside the EU for sale and placed under the Temporary Admission regime. Import VAT is payable (at 5%) on the hammer price. VAT at 20% will be added to the buyer’s premium but will not be shown separately on the invoice. Please see Conditions of Sale for further information.