Antique French Shawl Scarf Silk best with glass beads Chantilly Breton

best This stunning scarf /shawl is finished with tiny glass beads making a dot and dash pattern on all 4 sides. It measures 27 x 36 inches and dates from about 1880. It is very fine silk chiffon. Black lace and fine silk scarves and head coverings for church were a usual part of Breton life. Breton costume was worn until as recently as 1960. It is now worn for festivals or fetes. Usually black, with stiffened white lace head dresses, different for each part of Brittany. Traditional Breton wedding dresses in early 1900 were also black but with masses of beautiful coloured embroidery.

Cat no 2643