Fragment of a Tunic
Unknown Artist
3rd–4th century
Medium
Wool, linen; plain weave, tapestry weave
Dimensions
Max. H. 15 3/8 in. (39 cm) Max. W. 1 15/16 in. (5 cm)
Classification
Textiles
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of George F. Baker, 1890
Accession Number
90.5.312
Art Historical Context
This delicate fragment of a tunic, to the 3rd–4th, offers a glimpse into the vibrant textile traditions of Late Antique Egypt. Crafted from wool and linen using plain weave for the sturdy ground fabric and tapestry weave for decorative elements, it exemplifies the sophisticated techniques of ancient weavers. At just 15⅜ inches high and under 2 inches wide, this narrow strip likely came from the garment's border or sleeve, where colorful patterns would have caught the eye. Preserved in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Department of Islamic Art—thanks to a 1890 gift from George F. Baker—the pie...