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Star (Christchurch), Issue 18393, 20 February 1928, Page 15

Shawls: Ancient and Modem. The shawl is one of the oldest forms of clothing worn by mankind. The shawl was known in the East in ancient times, and its introduction to Europe is due to Nadir Shah, the Persian invader of India. The shawls which he sent to Constantinople were of the magnificent specimens from Kashmir. These wonderful shawls were made from the under wool of the Tibetan goat, and were remarkably light and warm. The patterns in true Kashmir shawls are woven separately in small pieces and are joined together with invisible seams, whilst the shawls made at Amritsar are woven throughout and are easily distinguished from the famous Kashmir shawls. Modern Paisley shawls, the design of which was copied from the shawls of Kashmir, are wonderful examples of the weaver’s art. Shawls were, in common use in England about the middle of the eighteenth century. They they feLl out of use, except for the aged and babies. Of recent years there has been a revival in shawls, and embroidered shawls have been very fashionable for evening wear. The embroidered shawl came originally from Spain. By tradition and association embroidered shawls are typically Spanish. They have been handed down as heirlooms Jlrom generation to generation, and are regardsa-d as a most important item of a bridal trousseau.