How to tell a hand-loomed Kullu shawl

Turn it over. On a pit loom the border is picked in by hand, so the back of the pattern is as clean as the front and the floats are short and irregular. A power loom leaves long, regular floats and a border that is slightly too perfect. Then feel the selvedge: a hand-woven edge is firm and a little uneven, because the weaver beat it. The price is the third tell, but you knew that.

Written from the verandah, with a cup of chai going cold.