The or shawl this is based on is owned by the DAR Museum, and was   Inspired by the many red-grounded 18^th century textiles of Provence, we re-colored this one to that mode.  The original handkerchief most likely has a French or English provenance and was imported into America c 1780 - 1810.  Its style and coloring is similar to many in collections in both France and England, with French, English or Indian provenance.  

This handkerchief was especially fashionable in the last quarter of the 18th century, as the waistline began to rise and such gowns as the "Italian Gown," with its tight bodice and long sleeve were often set off by an over-sized handkerchief or shawl, which crossed over the bosom, and wrapped to the back.  The printed motifs often imitated the costlier hand-woven motifs of the India shawls.  

• Measures approximately 48 inches square
• 100% hand-loomed cotton mull.
• Hand-printed and hand-finished.