Paisley Shawl c. 20th century

This "Paisley Shawl" from the Minneapolis Institute of Art is a large 20th-century example of the intricate textile designs that are associated with paisley, a style originating in India and popularized in the West in the 19th century. The shawl's complex pattern featuring flowing "paisley" motifs, a teardrop-shaped design, is woven into the fabric's surface with great detail. The shawl's prominent border, featuring a series of bands in alternating colors, adds to the piece's visual appeal and likely would have been used to accentuate the wearer's silhouette.