The design of 杏花雨 — Apricot Blossom Rain — is drawn from the tradition of Chinese ink painting. Across the cloth, slender branches carry delicate white apricot blossoms in full drift, rendered with the restraint and precision of a painter working in a single session. In the distance, soft mountains dissolve into cloud. The composition is still, yet full of movement — the quality that makes ink-wash painting so enduring.
A Fabric Woven in Heritage
The cloth is 非遗花罗 — UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage floral luo gauze — woven at 20 momme from 100% mulberry silk. Luo gauze is among the oldest weave traditions in China, and also one of the most technically demanding. The defining technique is 绞经 — twisted warp — in which pairs of warp threads cross one another at intervals as the cloth is woven. So the structure itself opens: a fine lattice of small apertures forms across the surface, giving the fabric a natural breathability and a floating, luminous quality in light that plain weaves cannot produce. At 20 momme, the cloth has genuine weight and body, so it drapes with presence rather than slipping.
Double-Sided Design
杏花雨 is woven in two colourways, each carried on one face of the cloth. On one side, the ground is a serene, deep blue — the colour of a clear sky at altitude or of still water at dusk. On the other, warm earth tones: the muted browns and ochres of autumn ground. The two palettes share the same apricot blossom composition, so the scarf reads differently depending on which face is worn outward. In turn, this gives you two scarves — and two distinct moods — in a single piece.
Finish and Dimensions
The edges are finished by hand-rolling — each side turned and stitched by a single artisan. This is also the most labour-intensive edge finish in the collection, and the one that allows the cloth to move most freely. The finished size is 106 × 106 cm, with a tolerance of ± 3 cm — a format large enough to drape fully across the shoulders or to fold and tie at the neck.
- 100% mulberry silk — 20 momme UNESCO heritage floral luo gauze (非遗花罗)
- Double-sided — blue ground / warm earth ground, apricot blossom design on both faces
- 106 × 106 cm (± 3 cm slight size measure variations)
- Hand-rolled edges
- Arrives in luxury gift packaging with coordinating bag and greeting card
How to Wear
At 106 cm square, 杏花雨 is most naturally worn draped across both shoulders, letting the full composition fall. Alternatively, fold it on the diagonal into a wide triangle and wear it as a stole. At the neck, a loose fold rather than a tight tie suits the weight of 20 momme luo gauze best. The double-sided construction means the reverse colourway can be brought forward simply by flipping a fold — so you can change the mood of a look without changing the piece.
Care
Hand wash in cool water with a small amount of delicate detergent, or dry clean. Lay flat to dry away from direct heat or sunlight. Do not wring. Iron on the silk setting with a pressing cloth if needed. Full guidance is available in our Silk Care Guide.
Delivery
Standard delivery is free on orders over £99. Express delivery is available at checkout. Full details at our Delivery Policy. Returns accepted within 14 days in original condition — see our Refund Policy.
Gift Packaging
Every piece in the Herbert Accessory collection arrives in luxury gift packaging — a rigid gift box with coordinating bag and greeting card, ready to give without further wrapping.
