Textile Fragment
Unknown Artist
3rd–4th century
Medium
Wool, linen; plain weave, tapestry weave
Dimensions
Max. H. 5 5/16 in. (13.5 cm) Max. W. 5 7/8 in. (15 cm)
Classification
Textiles
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase by subscription, 1889
Accession Number
89.18.98
Art Historical Context
This delicate **Textile Fragment**, dating to the 3rd–4th century, offers a tantalizing glimpse into ancient weaving traditions from the Near East or Egypt, now preserved in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's of Islamic Art. Craft from wool and linen—a practical combination for durability and comfort—this small piece (just 5 5/16 by 5 7/8 inches) survives as a rare testament to everyday artistry in the Late Antique period, acquired through a subscription purchase in 1889. The fragment showcases two key techniques: **plain weave**, a simple over-under interlacing of warp and weft threads that fo...