Oriental Crane Blue Silk Habotai Scarf

DESIGNER'S NOTES

A large Fox & Chave silk habotai scarf featuring a pattern of red-crowned cranes (Grus japonensis), and stylised Japanese Chrysanthemums over a deep blue ground.

In Japanese culture chrysanthemums are symbolic in various ways, being a mark of the Imperial Royal Family, a Buddhist offering and a signifier of autumn. It also appears on Japanese passports. The flowers are traditionally displayed in ornate ways, including as dolls, a tradition that began in the Edo period (1603–1868).

The crane is considered an auspicious bird and a signifier of happiness. An ancient Japanese legend promises that when you fold a thousand origami cranes, you will be granted a wish by the sacred crane.

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.