Early 1920s Piano Shawl

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About the Item

This is a piano shawl from the late 1910s or early 1920s. These garments were originally meant just as their names suggest: as shawls for pianos. During the Orientalism craze of the 1910s, these sumptuous and heavily decorated textiles, which had been imported from China steadily throughout the Victorian period, took on a new popularity. Art of the 1920s frequently depicted women wrapped in a piano shawl like a cape, and wearing nothing underneath. The heavy embroidery and long fringes, meant to protect the piano from harm, became important elements of 1920s flapper dress. Thus the piano shawl, originally a protective covering for an instrument or a piece of furniture, became a luxurious sex symbol of the Jazz Age, and was worn in various iterations as a peignoir or dressing gown, a fine shawl, or even an evening wrap. We made this particular piece from a stunning cream and ivory shawl, with scrolling floral whitework embroidery all over. Cut in a drapey, kimono-like T-shape, it allows as much of the fine fabric to show as possible. The front edge of the shawl, which extends up into the kimono collar, is bound in a wide piece of cream antique silk-satin which reflects light back onto the face and draws the eye down the figure. The silk fringe is attached to the body of the shawl with an incredible border of worked lace, from which the raw ends eventually fall in a curtain of champagne threads which shimmer as the wearer moves. The fringe follows the entire bottom edge of the shawl as well as the wrists of the sleeves, making the whole garment seem to ripple in the light. This century-old piece is in remarkable condition, with intact fringes and supple silk, and will make a stunning addition to any collection.

Dimensions:
Width: 44 in (111.76 cm)Length: 54 in (137.16 cm)Marked Size: OS (US)
Place of Origin:
China
Period:
Early 20th Century
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Phenomenal condition, exceedingly rare to find an all white shawl such as this. may be one tiny spot here or there however we did not notice any. Newly constructed with very strong seams.
Seller Location:
New York, NY
Reference Number:
Seller: SKU EE4351stDibs: LU16121029022

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