Textile Fragment
Unknown Artist
4th century
Medium
Wool, linen; plain weave, tapestry weave
Dimensions
Max. H. 12 in. (30.5 cm) Max. W. 7 3/16 in. (18.3 cm)
Classification
Textiles
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of George F. Baker, 1890
Accession Number
90.5.472
Art Historical Context
This delicate textile fragment from the 4th century offers a glimpse into the sophisticated weaving traditions of the Late Antique world, preserved in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Islamic Art. Crafted from wool and linen using a combination of plain weave for the ground fabric and tapestry weave for colorful motifs, it exemplifies early techniques that allowed artisans to create intricate designs by interweaving dyed threads. At just 12 inches high and 7 3/16 inches wide, surviving piece hints at larger garments, furnishings, or ceremonial textiles that once adorned daily life. In the 4th...