A 135 × 135 cm square shawl in 40 momme 真丝宋锦 — Song dynasty silk brocade — woven with a dense chrysanthemum and botanical composition in silver-grey and pale gold across a deep navy ground, with a dark charcoal reverse, across 100% mulberry silk. Every edge is finished by hand in wound gold thread. Slight variations of ±3 cm may occur due to the handcrafted nature of each piece.
DESIGN
星絮辰薇 — Starlight Wisps and Morning Roses — holds two qualities in tension: the density of a night sky and the particular softness of early morning. The name draws from 星絮, which carries associations of fine threads of starlight caught in silk, and 辰薇, the wild rose in its dawn state — before the day has fully begun, when colour is still gathering itself.
The composition covers the entire field. Chrysanthemums and botanical elements move across a deep navy ground in the manner of a classical Song brocade — not printed, but woven, so the design is structural rather than surface. Silver-grey and pale gold threads form the blooms; the navy ground deepens around them. At the fold, a dark charcoal reverse is revealed: the same quality of cloth, the same weight, a different register entirely. The gold thread edge, wound by hand, draws the boundary of each face with the finest possible line.
THE CRAFT — 40 Momme 真丝宋锦 Song Brocade
宋锦 — Song brocade — takes its name from the Song dynasty, during which it reached its highest development. It is today recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, alongside the more widely known Yunjin and Shu brocades. Song brocade is distinguished by its particular structure: warp and weft threads are arranged so that the design is woven into the fabric itself rather than applied to its surface. The result is a cloth in which the pattern and the ground are inseparable — the design does not sit on top; it is the cloth.
At 40 momme, this shawl occupies the heaviest weight in the Herbert Accessory collection. The cloth has presence and drape in equal measure; it falls in clean, substantial folds and holds its shape across the shoulders without pinning. It also provides warmth — this is a piece for autumn and winter as well as a transitional garment, and in turn a piece that serves beyond a single season. The hand-wound gold thread edge is applied individually to each piece: the thread is wound tightly by hand around the folded edge of the silk, producing a fine, even border that catches light as the shawl moves.
GUIDE
At 135 cm the shawl drapes fully across both shoulders, folds into a wide triangular stole, or wraps as a generous neck covering. The navy face and charcoal reverse offer two distinct presentations.
- The navy face — against ivory, cream, and white for maximum contrast; also against grey and camel
- The charcoal reverse — quieter, with black, grey, and deep green grounds
- Both faces read well against formal and evening dress — the brocade structure and gold thread edge carry naturally in that context
- A gift of particular formality and weight — appropriate for significant occasions
CARE
Song brocade at 40 momme deserves the care of an experienced silk specialist. Entrust this piece to a dry cleaner with knowledge of heavy woven silks. Do not bleach, machine wash, wring, or tumble dry. Do not iron above 110°C. Dry flat in shade, away from direct sunlight. Store folded in a breathable bag; avoid hanging, which may distort the weave over time. See our Silk Care Guide for full instructions.
DELIVERY & RETURNS
See our Delivery Policy and Refund Policy.
GIFTING
Each shawl arrives in luxury gift packaging with a coordinating bag and complimentary greeting card. Song brocade is among the most culturally weighted of China’s silk traditions — a gift that carries genuine heritage significance. Gift recipients may exchange within the standard return period.
