NYPL Psalms Oblong Silk Scarf

This silk twill scarf takes its inspiration from a 17th century prayer book cover. The original English binding is embroidered with colored silks, gold and silver thread, sequins and seed pearls and features the figure of Faith on the front cover and Hope on the back cover, all of which is represented in this beautiful oblong scarf. The prayer book was most likely embroidered by the lady of the house and used for personal prayer. Carry an exquisite piece of history and craft for elegance and inspiration.

This scarf was inspired by the Spencer Collection of fine bindings and illustrated books, a division of The New York Public Library. The vast holdings of the collection survey all periods, countries and cultures, from medieval manuscripts, Japanese scrolls, and Indian miniatures to monuments in Renaissance printing, illustration, and binding to contemporary livres d'artistes.

William Augustus Spencer visited the Library's Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street building in 1910, while it was still under construction. He was so impressed that he vowed to bequeath his personal collection of fine illustrated books in fine bindings to the Library. Only two years later, Spencer booked passage on the maiden voyage of the RMS Titanic, and did not survive the terrible wreck. His will included not only the donation to NYPL of his own library, but also a fund for "the finest illustrated books that can be procured, of any country and in any language, and that these books be bound in handsome binding representing the work of the most noted book-binders of all countries, thus constituting a collection representative of the arts of illustration and bookbinding."

NYPL's exhibition Line & Thread showcases historical examples that illustrate overlaps between prints and textiles. The Whole Book of David's Psalms, which inspired this scarf, is on view as part of this remarkable survey of prints and textiles from the 1600s to the present.

Designed by Echo New York exclusively for The Library Shop.

Made in: India

Product: Scarf

Material: 100 % Silk Twill

Dimensions: 20" x 70"

Item Number: DN0767