Textile Fragment
Unknown Artist
3rd–4th century
Medium
Wool, linen; plain weave, tapestry weave
Dimensions
Max. H. 4 5/16 in. (11 cm) Max. W. 3 15/16 in. (10 cm)
Classification
Textiles
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase by subscription, 1889
Accession Number
89.18.226
Art Historical Context
This delicate textile fragment, to the 3rd–4th century, offers a glimpse into the sophisticated weaving traditions of the ancient Near East or Egypt, regions central to the early development of Islamic art. Crafted from wool and linen plain weave for the ground and tapestry weave for decorative elements, it exemplifies the technical mastery of pre-Islamic artisans. At just 4 5/16 inches high and 3 15/16 inches wide, small survivals highlight how arid climates preserved these fragile artifacts for centuries. Tapestry weave, a labor-intensive technique where colored wefts completely cover the w...