Fragment
Late Fatimite (969–1171 CE)/ Ayyubid period (1171–1250), 11th/13th century
Medium
Linen and wool, slit tapestry weave
Dimensions
61 × 39.4 cm (24 × 15 1/2 in.)
Classification
textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
57137
Art Historical Context
This exquisite textile fragment, dating to the late Fatimid (969–1171 CE) or Ayyubid (1171–1250) period in 11th- or 13th-century Egypt, offers a glimpse into the opulent world of medieval Islamic craftsmanship. The Fatimids, a Shia Ismaili dynasty, ruled from Cairo, fostering a golden age of arts and sciences, while the succeeding Ayyubids, under leaders like Saladin, continued this legacy amid Crusader conflicts. Such fragments, often surviving from larger garments or furnishings, highlight Egypt's role as a textile powerhouse, exporting luxurious fabrics across the Islamic world and beyond. ...
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...