Fragment of a Sleeve
Unknown Artist
4th–5th century
Medium
Wool, linen; plain weave, tapestry weave
Dimensions
Max. H. 13 3/4 in. (35 cm) Max. W. 6 3/4 in. (17.2 cm)
Classification
Textiles
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of George F. Baker, 1890
Accession Number
90.5.542
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Fragment of a Sleeve*, to the 4th–5th century, invites us to touch the everyday elegance of late antique life in the Near East or Egypt. Crafted from wool and linen by an unknown artist, it employs a combination of plain weave for sturdy structure and tapestry weave for potential—techniques that highlight the era's sophisticated textile traditions. Measuring just 13¾ by 6¾ inches at its maximum, this small survivor speaks volumes about garments worn by people long ago, preserved through the dry climates and burial practices of the region. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of A...