Two Continental Jacquard Woven Shawls, one with Near Eastern figures in elaborate architectural surrounds, and with boteh. The design of this example French and attributed to Jean Baptiste Amedee Couder (French 1797 - 1864) or Anthony Berrus, circa 1860. The other with off white center medallion, green field, and long, asymmetrical boteh to either side of center. Both woven with many colored threads. Circa 1860-1875.

{Approximate dimensions: 68 1/2" x 124", not including fringe, 65 1/2" x 182" the figural example.}.

Note: The textile designs for shawls by Jean Baptiste Amedee Couder and  Anthony Berrus represent the apogee of Jacquard woven textiles in the mid 19th Century, with their dense coloration, patterns, complex hues, and remarkable figural work. Each made designs for various international expositions, including the Paris Expositions Internationale of 1855. With the exotic Indian theme of caparisoned elephants and processions of Indian figures toward a central figure in sculptured surround, this example may have been made closer to 1862, the date of the London International Exhibition.

The first of the two shawls in this lot, would have required thousands of punch cards to execute.

Very good condition, minor loose threads, wear, losses to fringes.