Textile Fragment
Unknown Artist
3rd–4th century
Medium
Wool, linen; plain weave, tapestry weave
Dimensions
H. 25 1/4 in. (64.1 cm) W. 6 in. (15.2 cm)
Classification
Textiles
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase by subscription, 1889
Accession Number
89.18.342
Art Historical Context
This delicate textile fragment, dating to the 3rd–4th century, offers a glimpse into the sophisticated weaving traditions of late antiquity. Crafted from wool and linen using plain weave for the foundation and tapestry weave for decorative elements, it measures a slender 25¼ inches high by 6 inches wide. by the Metropolitan Museum of Art through purchase in 1889, it resides in the Department of Islamic Art, highlighting enduring relevance to the region's cultural heritage. The combination of plain weave—a sturdy, everyday technique—and tapestry weave, which allows for intricate, pictorial des...