17th Century Carpet Silk Habotai Scarf

DESIGNER'S NOTES

A Fox & Chave silk habotai scarf with a floral pattern after a carpet design from the 17th century.

Carpet design in the 1800s reflected a blend of cultural exchange, regional identity, and intricate craftsmanship. Persian carpets reached a height of artistic achievement, featuring elaborate floral arabesques, medallions, and garden motifs, often woven with silk and precious dyes. Ottoman and Mughal carpets developed parallel aesthetics, combining geometric borders with naturalistic elements like animals, birds, and cypress trees.

In Europe, imported Eastern carpets became prized status symbols, often depicted in still life and portraiture, draped over tables or beneath thrones. Meanwhile, European manufacturers in places like Aubusson and Savonnerie in France began producing their own luxurious designs, incorporating scrollwork, cartouches, and classical themes.

These carpets served both functional and decorative roles, signalling wealth, taste, and global reach.

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.