A Fox & Chave silk habotai scarf in shades of pink from a study in watercolours by Charles Rennie Mackintosh (1868-1928) entitled simply Peonies (1920).

Mackintosh was living in London at the time of its painting, from 1914 to 1923, a challenging and transitional period in his life, he had left Glasgow due to declining commissions and professional setbacks, and sought new opportunities in the capital. During this time, he shifted his focus from architecture to textile design and watercolours, creating patterns for companies like Foxton's and William Foxton Ltd.

At this time he made a speculative foray into designing modernist buildings, which he hoped would revitalize his career. Unfortunately, these projects remained unrealized, as his innovative style was seen as out of step with contemporary trends.

Financial struggles and poor health plagued him, but his London watercolours—evocative and experimental—revealed his enduring artistic creativity. These years marked the end of his major design work before his retreat to the south of France.