Textile Fragment
Unknown Artist
3rd–4th century
Medium
Wool, linen; tapestry weave
Dimensions
Max. H. 4 13/16 in. (12.2 cm) Max. W. 1 11/16 in. (4.3 cm)
Classification
Textiles
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase by subscription, 1889
Accession Number
89.18.310
Tags
Art Historical Context
This delicate textile fragment, dating to the 3rd–4th century, offers a glimpse into the vibrant world of Late Antique weaving traditions. Crafted from wool and linen using the tapestry weave technique, it measures just 4 13/16 inches and 1 11/16 inches wide—small enough to have adorned a garment or furnishing. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Art Department (purchased by subscription in 1889), it the exquisite craftsmanship of early textiles from regions like Egypt or the Near East, where such fragments survive from ancient burials or domestic use. The tapestry weave, a labor-inten...