Paisley Shawls

[esther]

When does paisley start to show up on shawls? Is paisley approriate for the regency period?

I that know paisley is not approriate for 18th century wear and that paisley came into vogue during the 19th century, I'm just not sure when. Thanks!

[dawnluckham]

You will hear all kinds of people declare that paisley is “Victorian”. You’ll even hear them proclaim that it’s inappropriate for Regency.

Sigh!

The boteh design is ancient. During the early 19th century “Indianne” patterns were admired. Many cottons were imported or print designs were inspired by imported cottons.

Granted, there is something about the look of Victorian “paisley” that is not quite the same as Regency era paisley. This is a super general description – but – Victorian patterns tend to be large and filled and very busy. The Regency era patterns seem to have more “air” space around the patterns.

Interestingly – Kashmir shawls were huge in the extended Regency/Empire/Federal era. They were a real status symbol. They were SUPER expensive. Weaver’s in Paisley, Scotland (yes, it’s the name of a town) set up weaving copies. They made very nice copies. And they were much less expensive than the imported shawls. This is where the name for the pattern comes.

Wikipedia link: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paisley_(design)

Edit to add: www.scribd.com/doc/25012414/The-Kashmir-Shawl

[bennettgirl]

oh yes paisley was HUGE!
though many of the regency shawls tended to have a paisley border rather than the whole shawl being paisley but sooo many variations existed...
for a not 100% authentic but easy and affordable look there are many modern pashmina shawls out there that have period appropriate patterns.

[esther]

Thank you for the advice. Would a paisley shawl ike this be appropriate for the regency era? It is a much smaller paisley design with a plain background and a border print, so I was hoping that it would work. What do you think?

[gypsy]

for any in the future who want more info:

www.tartansauthority.com/resources/archives/the-archives/harrison/the-paisley-shawl/