Textile Fragment
Unknown Artist
3rd–4th century
Medium
Wool, linen; plain weave, tapestry weave
Dimensions
Max. H. 18 7/8 in. (48 cm) Max. W. 7 5/8 in. (19.4 cm)
Classification
Textiles
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of George F. Baker, 1890
Accession Number
90.5.593
Art Historical Context
This delicate *Textile Fragment* from the 3rd–4th century a glimpse into the sophisticated weaving traditions of the ancient world. Crafted from wool and linen, it just 18⅞ by 7⅝ inches, a modest survivor of time preserved in the Metropolitan Museum of's Islamic Art department. Donated in 1890 by George. Baker, it exemplifies collecting efforts that brought ancient treasures to public view. The fragment showcases a masterful blend of techniques: a plain weave forms the sturdy foundation, while tapestry weave introduces areas of denser, pictorial patterning—a method prized in antiquity for cre...