Textile Fragment
Unknown Artist
3rd–4th century
Medium
Wool, linen; plain weave, tapestry weave
Dimensions
H. 26 3/16 in. (66.5 cm) W. 15 3/4 in. (40 cm)
Classification
Textiles
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase by subscription, 1889
Accession Number
89.18.55
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Textile Fragment*, dating to the 3rd–4th century, a rare glimpse into the sophisticated textile arts of the Late Antique world. Crafted from wool and linen using plain weave for the foundation and tapestry weave for decorative elements, it measures an impressive 26 316 x 15 3/4 inches (66.5 x 40 cm). Tapestry weave, where colored weft threads are woven directly into the fabric to create patterns, was a labor-intensive technique prized for its durability and vivid designs, often used for garments, hangings, or liturgical cloths in regions like Egypt or the Near East. Housed in ...