Morris Blue Fruit Silk Habotai Scarf

DESIGNER'S NOTES

This colourful Fox & Chave silk habotai scarf features pomegranates hanging from the branches of an overflowing tree amongst flora and fauna, printed over fine branches, and a blue ground

One of the earliest wallpaper designs by the Morris Company in 1864, the Fruit pattern showcases pomegranates as both botanical subjects and symbolic motifs, arranged within a complex network of curling stems and stylised leaves.

Unlike his later, denser compositions, Fruit demonstrates a careful balance between individual fruits and the surrounding foliage, allowing each element to be appreciated for form and colour.

The pomegranate, with its jewel-like seeds, is depicted in rich reds and ochres, contrasting with deep green leaves that twist in rhythmic arcs.

Morris was inspired by a combination of medieval manuscripts, Italian Renaissance ornament, and Persian textiles, integrating these influences into a distinctly English decorative vocabulary. The design conveys vitality through movement while retaining the ordered elegance characteristic of his early work.

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.