Textile Fragment
Unknown Artist
5th century
Medium
Wool, linen; plain weave, tapestry weave
Dimensions
Max. H. 17 15/16 in. (45.5 cm) Max. W. 11 5/8 in. (29.5 cm)
Classification
Textiles
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase by subscription, 1889
Accession Number
89.18.177
Art Historical Context
This exquisite textile fragment, dating to the 5th, offers a rare glimpse into late antique weaving traditions preserved in the Metropolitan Museum of's Islamic Art Department.ed from wool and linendurable fibers ideal for everyday and ceremonial use in the ancient Near East or Mediterranean world—its modest dimensions (about 18 by 12 inches) suggest it once formed part of a larger garment, hanging, or furnishing. Acquired through a subscription purchase in 1889 it stands as a testament to early collecting efforts that enriched our understanding of pre-Islamic textile arts. The fragment showc...