Textile Fragment
Unknown Artist
4th century
Medium
Wool, linen; plain weave, tapestry weave
Dimensions
H. 6 1/8 in. (15.6 cm) W. 1 3/4 in. (4.5 cm)
Classification
Textiles
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase by subscription, 1889
Accession Number
89.18.200
Art Historical Context
This delicate textile fragment, dating to the 4th, offers a rare glimpse into the sophisticated weaving traditions of the ancient Near East or Egypt. Crafted from wool and linen using plain weave for the foundation and weave for ornamental details, it measures just 6 1/8 by 1 3/4 inches—small enough to have adorned a garment edge, belt, or furnishing. Acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1889 through a subscriber purchase, it resides in the Islamic Art department highlighting the continuity of textile arts across pre-Islamic and early Islamic eras. The dual weaving techniques showcas...