Large Sycamore Hand Embroidered Wool Wrap / Scarf

The Sycamore leaf is a classic motif used by artisans in Kashmir.

The Sycamore tree was originally imported to Kashmir from Central Asia in the 17th century and over time came to symbolize Kashmir. It now finds its place in many artisanal forms, including embroidery. In Fall, the deep green sycamore leaves bring life to grey skies as they change to vibrant reds, ambers and yellows. This scarf has been hand embroidered in the Chain Stitch (Aari) style of work by farmer-artisans.

The fabric for the scarf is a premium soft wool that is woven in Kashmir on old-world mechanized looms that produce about five-six scarves a day. They are subsequently hand-dyed and then the farmer-artisans in the villages embroider the motifs using patterns and skills that have been passed down the generations .

Apart from their elegance, the light weight premium wool provides warmth without being bulky, which makes them a handy companion for many seasons and occasions.

Hand Embroidered in Kashmir
Premium Soft Wool
Dimensions: 28" x 78"
Weight: 160g

Embroidery colour patterns may vary slightly between shawls as no two are the same.

Visit us at www.nisbashawls.com



ARE YOU UNSURE WHETHER THE SCARF YOU ARE CONSIDERING IS AN AUTHENTIC/ HAND-EMBROIDERED PIECE THAT IS MADE FROM QUALITY WOOL IN KASHMIR? Caveat emptor, i.e. let the buyer beware, applies just as equally when purchasing hand-embroidered shawls.

We suggest that before you part with your hard-earned money, ask the seller for pictures of the back of the shawl and use some of the tips noted below to make an informed purchase. Happy Shopping!

1) There are primarily two styles of embroidery in Kashmir (i) Chain Stitch (Aari) & (ii) Needle work (Sozni).

2) (i) Chain-stitch patterns are often bolder and floral - The back of the hand-embroidered pieces will look uneven and often have visible threads (see some of our listings for sample pictures). In contrast, machine made ones tend to (a) have a flat face embroidery with a bit of a shine & (b) have an even/clean embroidery pattern in the back. Machine-made chain-stitch shawls are unfortunately more common than the original hand-embroidered ones.

3) (ii) Needle work embroidery is finer, and paisley motifs are common. The back of the hand-embroidered pieces will clearly look uneven and the pattern will not be discernible (see some of our listings for sample pictures). In contrast, the machine made ones look almost picture perfect, both from the front and the back.

4) Traditional art should offer both beauty and utility. If the embroidery is not authentic, then the wool used for the scarf comes into question, with an increased likelihood of mixed fibres (sometimes with as low as 20% wool).

5) Shawls made in Kashmir are not the same as ones made of Cashmere wool, which is much more expensive and should have more intricate and finer embroidery. Quality cashmere wool scarves with just an inch of embroidery at the border often start at more than $500, and one with all-over embroidery is hard to find below $1,000. Pashmina, the traditional name of Cashmere, is so misused now that it can literally mean anything, even 0% wool!

6) Vintage/Antique embroidered shawls are hard to come by as most people don't part with theirs.

7) Stated raison d'être to help artisans should be taken with a grain of salt.