Swat Phulkari Shawl

This shawl was made in mid-20th century Pakistan, likely in the Swat Valley. The embroiderer used brightly colored silk to cover a dark blue ground fabric in geometric designs. She used an embroidery style called phulkari that is used in the Punjab region of Pakistan and India. Makers using this style make long silk stitches to create their desired design on the front of the fabric. These long stitches capture the light in a particularly beautiful way that gives these textiles a fantastical quality.