Wool shawl, 'Ruby Night'

Dazzling on a black wool background, lavish paisley and floral motifs illuminate this lovely shawl. Sheikh Rafi and his family present the wrap, which is hand-woven, embroidered by hand and edged with fringe. Resembling a fine chain stitch, the embroidery technique is known as aari. A needle with a hooked end is used to push strands of cotton or silk through the fabric from behind. Each time the needle is pulled up it brings a loop of thread, and the loops are linked consecutively.