[MR] ISO Mistress Jessamyn

[Grace Morris]

Lady Alexandra,

First of all, I won't assert that paisley isn't period.  However, it is my
opinion that it's not a good fabric choice for clothing in our period.

Here's my understanding, after all these years.  First, a little
background--  In the old days (pre-internet) we were thrilled when we found
beautiful fabrics that were even close to appropriate for SCA use.  Some of
those fabrics were paisley, make that modern paisley, and thus began
the Great Paisley Debate.  To this day, I haven't seen any evidence
of WESTERN European clothing using the paisley motif.  Trust me, the person
that can do this will earn the everlasting gratitude of scores of
costumers.  Personally, I'll be just thrilled.  But, so far, I haven't seen
it.

Now to the eastern and middle eastern cultures.  Drawing on my limited
knowledge, it is my understanding is that paisley-like fabric exists there,
but that the actual motif (and the way it is used) is different than that
found in modern fabrics.  However, I don't pretend to be an expert here, so
others need to jump in with more information.

I would also offer one general word of caution.  Just because a motif was
carved, used as a background in a manuscript, or woven into a tapestry
doesn't necessarily mean that it was used in fabric for clothing.  Maybe so,
maybe not. My best advice is to look, look, look, look at depictions of
people and draw your conclusions.  There is no substitute for doing
research, tiresome as it may sometimes be.

Hope this helps,
In Service,

Jessamyn di Piemont
"At the end of the game, the king and the pawn go back in the same box."
Italian proverb



On Wed, May 4, 2011 at 12:13 AM, Lady Alexandra Scott <xndra_scott at yahoo.com
> wrote:

> Greetings ~
>
> I was recently told that "paisley" did not exist in our period.  Perhaps it
> was
> not known by that name and this is what is confusing.  Will someone please
> shed
> some light on this subject?
>
> "Paisley" or boteh in period - see link and scroll down to the end of the
> page
> for photo and information about carved columns.
> http://www.heritageinstitute.com/zoroastrianism/balkh/index.htm#firetemple
>
> Graciously,
> Alexandra
>
>
> _________________________________
>
>
> Alexandra Scott de Northumberland
>
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