Textile Fragment
Unknown Artist
3rd–4th century
Medium
Wool, linen; plain weave, tapestry weave
Classification
Textiles
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase by subscription, 1889
Accession Number
89.18.1
Art Historical Context
This delicate *Textile Fragment* from the rd–4th century a glimpse into the sophisticated textile traditions of the ancient Near East or Egypt, regions that would later flourish under Islamic influence. Crafted from wool and linen—staple fibers of the era—it showcases a masterful blend of plain weave for the ground fabric and tapestry weave for decorative motifs. Acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art through a subscription purchase in 188, this piece now resides in the Islamic Art department underscoring its enduring cultural resonance. Tapestry weave, where colored weft threads are wove...