Van Kessel Forget Me Nots Silk Habotai Scarf

DESIGNER'S NOTES

A distinct Fox & Chave silk habotai scarf featuring elements from a still life study of flowers, leaves and insects entitled Insects with Common Hawthorn and Forget-Me-Not by Jan Van Kessel the Elder (1626-1679).

The work is a meticulous observation of Insects, flowers and berries painted with painstaking precision on a plain creamy white background, each element distinct and clearly identifiable.

At first glance, the work resembles a scientific illustration, yet the creatures appear vividly alive: the casual positioning, subtle play of light and delicate shadows give each specimen a sense of movement.

A black-veined white butterfly perches on a hawthorn leaf, while a caterpillar and an earwig explore its woody sprig. A common blue butterfly rests on another leaf, and a second settles atop a bright red berry. Additional insects, a hornet, a yellow-pied hoverfly, a garden tiger moth, two earwigs, a dung beetle and a fire bug,  line the top and bottom edges, contrasting with the more naturalistic arrangement at the centre.

COLOURS

STYLING

A Fox & Chave habotai silk scarf can be worn with the classic knot style or a pussycat bow. You can even create a shawl effect by knotting two scarves together behind your neck and allowing them to drape over your shoulders. More scarf styling ideas are available in this wonderful How to Tie a Scarf book.