Both heavily embroidered throughout, the first depicts a peacock set against an orange background; the second one has allover floral designs. The pair is presented in a gilt and lacquer wooden box (13 x 10 x 5 in.). Both 57 x 57 in. with additional 4 in. fringe.

Included is a bill of sale from Sing Fat Co., Inc. of San Francisco, importers of Chinese goods. This receipt, dated March 19, 1908, lists the shawls for $50 each and is made out to "Mrs. B.N. Duke." The buyer was Sarah P. Duke, wife of Durham industrialist and Duke University co-founder Benjamin Newton Duke. Also included is an 1852 one page manuscript invitation to Sarah Duke's father, Malbourne Addison Angier. Private Estate Collection, Raleigh, North Carolina

Additional lots of related family interest are 204 through 213.

The peacock shawl has moderate damp stains that are faintly visible on the front, however are noticeable on the light green lining. The floral shawl, originally white, is now aged to a light cream color; a few trivial stains. Both are intact and supple.

$400 - 600