Textile Fragment
Unknown Artist
6th century
Medium
Silk
Dimensions
Max. H. 5 in. (12.7 cm) Max. W. 14 1/2 in. (36.8 cm)
Classification
Textiles-Woven
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of George F. Baker, 1890
Accession Number
90.5.29a
Art Historical Context
This exquisite silk textile fragment, dating to the 6th century, offers a glimpse into the opulent world of early woven luxury goods from the Islamic world. Measuring just 5 inches high by 14½ inches wide, it survives as a precious remnant, likely part of a larger garment, banner, or furnishing. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art Department of Islamic Art, it entered the collection in 1890 as a gift from George F. Baker, the era's fascination with ancient Eastern treasures. Crafted from silk—a material synonymous with wealth and the Silk Road trade—this woven piece exemplifies advanced ...