A Kashmir moonshawl, North India

Pashmina wool very finely worked. Scattered small repaired holes throughout; small pin holes. Now all sewn to a fabric back with velcro band sewn to reverse of one end. Respectable condition for age.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The moon-shawl, or chand-dār, which is characterized by a central medallion with quarter medallions at each corner, is a type of design that became popular in Kashmir shawl production beginning in 1815. The buta, or the small flowers within the stripes, changed throughout the nineteenth century. In the eighteenth century and into the early nineteenth century, buta are often naturalistic, rooted flowers, but they also appear as formalized vases of flowers and scroll-like abstractions throughout the nineteenth century. The buta in this shawl are rooted and semi-naturalistic but also display a later European, specifically French, influence. The complex border and the large square shape also date it to the middle of the nineteenth century. For a similar moon-shawl see John Irwin, The Kashmir Shawl, 1974, pl. 15, from the Victoria & Albert Museum, IS.5-1968.