Silk with Dogs and Arabic Script in Swaying Bands
Unknown Artist
1370–1400
Medium
silk and silver thread; a combination of two weaves, 2/1 twill and 1/5 twill (lampas)
Dimensions
30.2 × 31.1 cm · mounted: 46.4 × 69.2 cm
Classification
Textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Dudley P. Allen Fund
Accession Number
1919.17.a
About this artwork
Arabic script was included in many Italian silk patterns during the 1300s and early 1400s. Usually a few unintelligible but decorative Arabic letters were repeated in the design, but here, the pseudo-Arabic script is prominently displayed in the scalloped bands that support trefoil palmettes. Dogs and birds are incorporated into the pattern in an Italian fashion. During the 1300s and 1400s, Arabic script was featured in luxurious silks woven in Islamic territories, where it symbolized royal powe...