Textile Fragment
Unknown Artist
3rd–4th century
Medium
Wool, linen; plain weave, tapestry weave
Dimensions
Max. H. 2 15/16 in. (7.5 cm) Max. W. 2 3/4 in. (7 cm)
Classification
Textiles
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase by subscription, 1889
Accession Number
89.18.97
Art Historical Context
This delicate Textile Fragment, dating to the 3rd–4th century, offers a glimpse into the sophisticated textile traditions of the early Islamic world—or its cultural precursors in regions like Egypt or the Near East. Acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art through a subscription purchase in 188, this tiny piece (just under 3 inches in both height and width) survives as a testament to ancient craftsmanship preserved in arid environments. Crafted from wool and linen using plain weave for the foundation and tapestry weave for decorative elements, it exemplifies techniques that allowed for vibr...