Q: I have a fringed embroidered shawl that was either my great aunt’s or my great-grandmother’s. It’s 48 by 50 inches and the fringes are 17 inches long. I think it was made in China. Where would I go to find out more about it?

 

A: Large shawls like this are called piano shawls or Spanish shawls. Although some people use them to decorate the tops of pianos, they are meant to be used by Spanish dancers. Dancers call them “manton” or “manton de Manila.” They were originally made in China and exported to the Philippines, which was a Spanish colony. From there they were exported to Spain and Mexico. The best shawls are made of silk and are hand embroidered. The embroidery should be tight and even on both sides, with no knots showing. Long, hand-knotted fringe with intricate knots adds value. New silk Spanish shawls can sell for hundreds of dollars or more. A vintage shawl, in good enough condition to wear, can sell for $500-$800.