Textile Fragment
Unknown Artist
3rd–4th century
Medium
Wool, linen; plain weave, tapestry weave
Dimensions
Max. H. 6 in. (15.2 cm) Max. W. 23 1/2 in.(59.7 cm)
Classification
Textiles
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase by subscription, 1889
Accession Number
89.18.170
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Textile Fragment* from the 3rd–4th offers a glimpse into the daily artistry of late antiquity. Crafted from wool and linen using plain weave for the ground and tapestry weave for motifs, it measures just 6 inches high by 23½ inches wide—likely a surviving piece from a larger garment, curtain, or furnishing. Acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art 1889 through public subscription, it resides in the Islamic Art department highlighting textiles from regions that bridged ancient and emerging Islamic cultures, such as Egypt or the Near East. The weaving techniques showcase remar...