Textile Fragment
Unknown Artist
3rd–4th century
Medium
Wool, linen; plain weave, tapestry weave
Dimensions
Max. H. 20 1/16 in. (51 cm) Max. W. 16 15/16 in. (43 cm)
Classification
Textiles
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase by subscription, 1889
Accession Number
89.18.83
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Textile Fragment* from 3rd–4th century offers a glimpse the sophisticated textile traditions of antiquity. Crafted from wool and linen—two of the most enduring fibers of the ancient world—it measures about 20 by 17 inches, preserving a portion of what was likely a larger garment, hanging, or furnishing. Acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art 1889 through public subscription, it resides in the Department of Islamic Art, highlighting the cultural continuities between pre-Islamic and later Islamic textile arts in regions like Egypt or the Near East. The fragment showcases mas...