Textile Fragment
Unknown Artist
3rd–4th century
Medium
Wool, linen; plain weave, tapestry weave
Dimensions
H. 4 1/2 in. (11.4 cm) W. 4 1/4 in. (10.8 cm)
Classification
Textiles
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase by subscription, 1889
Accession Number
89.18.225
Art Historical Context
This delicate textile fragment, dating to the 3rd–4th century, offers a glimpse into the vibrant world of Late Antique craftsmanship. Crafted from wool and linen using plain weave for the sturdy ground fabric and tapestry weave for decorative elements, it measures just 4½ by 4¼ inches—small enough to have adorned a garment, furnishing, or ritual object. Acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art through subscription purchase in 188, it resides in the Islamic Art department highlighting the continuity of textile traditions from pre-Islamic eras into the early Islamic world. The use of tapestry...