Fragment of a Tunic
Unknown Artist
4th–5th century
Medium
Wool, linen; plain weave, tapestry weave
Dimensions
Max. H. 10 5/8 in. (27 cm) Max. W. 9 5/16 in. (23.7 cm)
Classification
Textiles
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of George F. Baker, 1890
Accession Number
90.5.296
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Fragment of a Tunic from the 4th–5th century invites us into the world of Late Antique daily life, where clothing blended functionality with artistry. Woven from wool and linen, the piece employs a plain weave for its sturdy base—ideal for everyday wear—and tapestry weave to create colorful, pictorial patterns directly in the fabric. Measuring just 10⅝ by 9⅜ inches, this surviving remnant hints at a once-vibrant garment, likely part of a tunic worn across diverse communities in the ancient Near East or eastern Mediterranean. Tapestry weave, a sophisticated technique, allowed w...