The Hunt Silk Habotai Scarf

DESIGNER'S NOTES

A distinct Fox & Chave silk habotai scarf featuring details from the work The Hunt (c. 1926) by the Scottish artist Robert Burns (1869–1941).

Burns was a pivotal figure in Scottish art, though he is often overshadowed by his famous poet namesake. Born in Edinburgh, he studied at the Glasgow School of Art alongside Charles Rennie Mackintosh, and later in Paris, where he was deeply influenced by Japanese prints and Art Nouveau.

This vibrant panel, executed in oil, tempera, and gold leaf on canvas, depicts the Roman goddess Diana and her nymphs in a stylised, exotic jungle setting. The detail highlights leopards or cheetahs, which, along with other wild animals, allude to Diana's role as the goddess of hunting. The piece is celebrated for its exuberant rhythm and energy, serving as a prime example of the transition between Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles in Scotland. 

It was originally commissioned as part of a lavish decorative scheme for Crawford’s Tea Rooms at 70 Princes Street, Edinburgh where Burns was responsible for the entire design, creating everything from large-scale murals down to the cake stands and menu cards.

The Hunt was specifically located at the top of the staircase leading to the Ladies’ Dining Room, which was furnished to resemble a private drawing room. The panels are considered a masterpiece of commercial decorative art, bringing a luxurious, almost tropical atmosphere to the Edinburgh high street.

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.