Textile Fragment
Unknown Artist
4th–5th century
Medium
Wool, linen; plain weave, tapestry weave, weft loop weave
Dimensions
H.24 5/8 in. (62.6 cm) W. 17 7/16 in. (44.3 cm)
Classification
Textiles
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase by subscription, 1889
Accession Number
89.18.44
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Textile Fragment* from the 4th–5th century offers a glimpse into the sophisticated textile traditions of the Late Antique world, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Department of Islamic Art. Measuring about 25 by 17 inches, this wool and linen piece survives as a testament to everyday artistry in regions like Egypt or the Near East, where such fabrics adorned clothing, furnishings, or burial wrappings. Acquired through public subscription in 1889, it reflects early museum efforts to preserve these fragile cultural treasures. The fragment showcases a masterful blend of ...