I acquired this beauty today for a mere $1 at an estate sale. It's by no means in perfect condition, but I think well worth the price ;) I know it is hard to date shawls, but could someone help me pinpoint an approximate date/era? Is it more modern, as in post WWII? It's definitely not new, but the lack of detail in the tassels makes me think it probably isn't 1920s or older (although I'm pretty clueless to be honest lol). It measures 50x50 with 17 inch tassels, making it 67x67. It's a beautiful silk. Thanks for any help
I'm afraid I don't know how to date these shawls but there are manton or Manila shawls that are used for Flamenco dancing that look like piano shawls but are a bit smaller. They position them so the triangular portion covers their back and then they swing them around when as they dance.
From what I have read and been told (I am not professing to be an expert, only having some experience at seeing and handling a lot of them), They were being made primarily in Canton, from the turn of the century into the 1930s. The earliest ones are usually all white, or black. The coloured ones are more common between the wars, and they get smaller in the 1930s. Rayon is often used by the late 1920s, but they are still usually made of silk. Generally made in Canton and environs, they stopped being made and exported because of WWII. The ones that date after WWII are much smaller or made of nylon/rayon, and usually satin, not crepe. They look markedly different from the prewar shawls. I would guess yours is late 20s - early 30s, but that is only a guess based on the smaller size and fuchsia/vert d'eau green colour combo.
My Nana had one of these from the 1930's (UK) and she told me a great story to go along with it - she went to a dance and two men wanted to dance with her , one got hold of each arm and tried to pull her towards him but she stepped away and they tore the shawl in two! My Nana was such a flamboyant character that I can easily believe this story was true! One thing that I love about vintage clothes is that they all have a story to tell.