Textile Fragment
Unknown Artist
3rd–4th century
Medium
Wool, linen; plain weave, tapestry weave
Dimensions
Max. H. 15 11/16 in. (39.8 cm) Max. W. 13/16 in. (2.1 cm)
Classification
Textiles
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase by subscription, 1889
Accession Number
89.18.199
Art Historical Context
This delicate textile fragment, dating to the 3rd–4th century, offers a glimpse into the sophisticated weaving traditions of the late antique world. Crafted from wool and linen plain weave for the foundation and tapestry weave for decorative elements, it measures a slender 15 11/16 inches high by just 13/16 inches wide. Acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 9 through a subscriber purchase, it resides in the museum's Islamic Art department, textiles from regions that would later flourish under Islamic influence. The combination of plain and tapestry weaves reflects advanced technical s...