Regency Shawl with Prince of Wales’s Feathers Embroidery, ca. 1805

Rare shawl, circa 1805, crafted from fine yellow silk and richly hand-embroidered in one corner with the iconic Prince of Wales's feathers - a prominent Regency-era motif. The embroidery features three white ostrich feathers surrounded by floral sprays, including heart’s ease, worked in colored silks and accented with touches of chenille in shades of white, pink, green, and yellow. Beneath the feathers lies a delicate floral and foliate garland, adding depth and elegance to the design.

The shawl’s shortest sides are fringed, with some areas showing fraying and minor dust-soiling, consistent with its age.

Embroidery size: approx. 32.5 x 38 cm (12.5 x 14.75 inches) 
Overall shawl size: approx. 154 x 159 cm (60.5 x 62.5 inches)

During the early 19th century, the Prince of Wales's feathers were widely used in fashion, furnishings, and decorative arts as a tribute to George Augustus Frederick, later Prince Regent (1811–1820) and King George IV (1820–1830). This shawl is a rare survivor of that era’s textile artistry, ideal for collectors of historic costume, Regency fashion, or embroidery.