Textile Fragment
Unknown Artist
5th century
Medium
Wool, linen; plain weave, tapestry weave
Dimensions
Max. H. 14 3/8 in. (36.5 cm) Max. W. 12 3/16 in. (31 cm)
Classification
Textiles
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase by subscription, 1889
Accession Number
89.18.356
Art Historical Context
This exquisite Textile Fragment, dating to the 5th, offers a rare glimpse into the masterful weaving traditions of the early Islamic world—or its cultural predecessors in the Near East. Crafted from wool and linen using plain weave for the foundation and tapestry weave for decorative motifs, it measures about 14 inches high and 12 inches wide. Acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art 1889 through public subscription, it resides in the Islamic Art department highlighting the continuity of textile arts across late antiquity and into Islamic times. The dual weaving techniques showcase sophisti...