The decoration of Kashmir moon shawls can be divided into two major groups. The first is distinguished by Kashmir vase-flower arrangements organised in stripes, while the second, as shown in the present shawl, is characterised by delicate boteh and elaborate arabesques set within a coloured field (Jack Cassin, "Chand-Dar: The Moon-Shawls of Kashmir" HALI 3, 4 (1981), pp. 290-93, p.290). Like the Ottoman carpets that inspired them, moon shawls were largely produced according to Western stylistic demands and became particularly favoured by British and French ladies in the last quarter of the eighteenth century (Ryan Paveza, “Moon Shawl (Chand-Dar).” Art Institute of Chicago Museum Studies, vol. 34, no. 1, 2008, pp. 88–96, p.88). For a moon shawl with similarly intricate floral boteh, see lot 22 in the present sale.
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.