Textile Fragment
Unknown Artist
5th century
Medium
Wool, linen; plain weave, tapestry weave
Dimensions
Max. H. 14 1/16 in. (37.5 cm) Max. W. 20 1/2 in. (52 cm)
Classification
Textiles
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of George F. Baker, 1890
Accession Number
90.5.247
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Textile Fragment* from the 5th century offers a glimpse into the sophisticated textile traditions of the early medieval Near East or Egypt, regions central to the later development of Islamic art. Craft from wool and linen during a time of cultural exchange between Byzantine, Sasanian, and pre-Islamic societies, it survives as a modest yet precious remnant—measuring just 14 1/16 inches high by 20 1/2 inches wide—of what may have been a garment,, or wall hanging. Acquired as a gift from George F. Baker in 1890, it now graces the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Department of Islamic...