Shoulder cloth c. 20th century

This shoulder cloth was made anonymously, using some kind of weaving technique to produce intricate patterns. The whole thing feels like a process, building up these complex designs from simple repeated motifs. The material has this wonderful texture, a kind of red and gold shimmer that catches the light. It's almost like looking at a painting, but instead of brushstrokes, you have these tiny woven threads creating the image. If you look closely, you can see the way the gold threads catch the light, giving a sense of depth and movement to the pattern. There is something incredibly satisfying about the overall design – it makes you want to see more. This piece is like a textile version of Gustav Klimt, with its ornate patterns and shimmering metallic surfaces. The way the artist has built up the image, through repetition and variation, creates a sense of endless possibility. Art is all about this exchange, taking ideas and transforming them into something new.