Border
Greco–Roman period (30 BCE– 641 CE), 4th/5th century
Medium
Wool and linen, tapestry weave
Dimensions
48.3 × 3.8 cm (19 × 1 1/2 in.)
Classification
textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
1834
Art Historical Context
This slender textile fragment, titled *Border*, hails from Egypt during the late Greco-Roman period, specifically the 4th or 5th century CE. Measuring just 48.3 × 3.8 cm, it exemplifies the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient weavers who adorned everyday garments, tunics, and ceremonial cloths with narrow decorative bands like this one. Preserved at the Art Institute of Chicago in the Textiles Department, it offers a rare glimpse into the daily artistry of a cosmopolitan era blending Greek, Roman, and emerging Christian influences. Woven in tapestry technique using wool and linen—durable fiber...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...