Fragment
18th century
Medium
Silk, plain weave with plain interlacings of secondary binding warps
Dimensions
65.1 × 80.7 cm (25 5/8 × 31 3/4 in.)
Classification
textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
189599
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Fragment* from the th century offers a glimpse into the masterful textile arts of the period. Crafted from luxurious silk using a plain weave enhanced by plain interlacings of secondary bindingps, this technique allowed weavers to create subtle patterns and textures through supplementary threads that bind into the fabric without dominating the base structure. Measuring 65.1 × 80.7 cm (25 5/8 × 31 3/4 in.), its substantial size suggests it may have been part of a larger garment furnishing fabric, or ceremonial textile, preserving the opulence of silk production during an era of ...
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...