Textile Fragment
Unknown Artist
5th–6th century
Medium
Wool, linen; plain weave, tapestry weave
Dimensions
Max. H. 13 7/16 in. (34.2 cm) Max. W. 9 13/16 in. (25 cm)
Classification
Textiles
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase by subscription, 1889
Accession Number
89.18.129
Art Historical Context
This exquisite Textile Fragment, dating to the 5th–6th century, offers a glimpse into the sophisticated textile traditions of the early Islamic world. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Islamic Art Department, this small yet remarkable piece—measuring just over 13 inches high and inches wide—was acquired through a subscription purchase in 1889 Crafted from wool and linen, it the durability and versatility of natural fibers used in everyday and ceremonial garments during late antiquity. The fragment showcases a masterful blend of techniques: plain weave for its sturdy ground fabric, i...