Handwoven Himachali Traditional Shawl

A black-and-white checked base runs the length of this shawl, edged with a multicolour geometric border of traditional woven motifs and finished with tasselled fringes at both ends. It is handwoven in the Kullu handloom tradition of Himachal Pradesh, using soft wool or wool-blend yarns.

At 2.0 to 2.1 metres long and 1.0 to 1.1 metres wide, it is a full-size shawl that wraps comfortably around the body or drapes over the shoulders. The cloth is warm yet light enough for all-day wear through winter, and the unisex styling suits kurtas, suits, sarees and contemporary winterwear alike, on casual days as much as festive and cultural occasions.

As each piece is woven by hand, slight variations in size are to be expected.