Wilbur Paisley Handkerchief

This lively Wilbur Paisley Handkerchief is reproduced from the collection of 

The multi-colored and intricate pattern of this cotton handkerchief is block printed, and dates from 1820 to 1840.  Consisting of madder and indigo tones, it also sports a beautiful yellow, most likely achieved with one of the more permanent yellows developed in the 19th century. Most likely printed and exported from Great Britain, it was purchased by the Wilber family of Swansea, Massachusetts in the early 19th century.

Beautiful prints such as these become more dominant as we move between the first & second quarters of the 19th century.  The block-printed employed both madder and an indigo dye vats, plus the application of yellow to achieve it's design, possibly making it a more costly accessory.

Our Wilbur Paisley Handkerchief:

• Measures approximately 38" x 34"
• 100% hand loomed cotton mull.
• Hand printed and hand finished hem.