Art

Item Description

This superb shawl is from the work of Carol Cassidy, internationally renown textile designer located  in Vientiene, Laos.   It is from Carol's " Bamboo" series and is meant to be used as a versatile and durably elegant wardrobe accessory.

The precise geometric pattern demonstrates the  great skill of a master weaver who can  complete about 3 to 5  inches per day on a hand loom.  The photo does not do justice to this piece. The precision weaving,  if held at arms length shows a nearly 3 dimensional visual effect.

Approximate dimensions:  90 inches long x 24 inches wide

                                           229 cm long    x 61 cm wide

Colors:  Soft Grey and egg shell white

Care Instructions:  Hand wash or machine wash gentle cycle in wash bag. Line dry. Medium steam iron.

This item is unused.

I  met Carol on my first trip to Laos in 1998. During the many  years I lived in Tokyo, our Gallery purchased Carol's  textiles for sale and fundraising for Kasumisou Foundation, using proceeds in the early 2000s to build and refurbish 2 schools in Vientiane, Laos. Over the years, our Gallery  purchased hundreds of Carol's pieces and  I became an avid personal collector of Carol's work as each new shipment of  superbly crafted shawls compelled me to select a few pieces for my ever growing private collection.

Carol Cassidy, an American weaver,  has lived in Laos since 1989 was inspired by traditional Lao weaving techniques and design motiffs and seved was a consultant for the United Nations Development Programs. Carol's studio, located in the heart of Vientiene, Laos,  has been  a catalyst for reviving the Laotion silk and  weaving traditions and industries.

Inspired by traditional Lao textiles, Carol created unique wall hangings and  a wonderful  range of useable  " wearable" art in her sumptous silk shawls. Carol created the best of both world by  using lao silk and patterns, executed with precision skill by master weavers and using color fast dyes that do not fade or bleed. 

Texitles from Carol Cassidy can be found in such noted venues as the Smithsonian gift stores, the Textile Museum in Washington  DC and the Asia Society in New York