Textile Fragment
Unknown Artist
5th–6th century
Medium
Wool, linen; plain weave, tapestry weave
Dimensions
Max. H. 18 7/8 in. (48 cm) Max. W. 8 11/16 in. (22 cm)
Classification
Textiles
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of George F. Baker, 1890
Accession Number
90.5.267
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Textile Fragment* from 5th–6th century offers a glimpse into the rich textile traditions of the late antique Near East, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Department of Islamic Art. Crafted from wool and linen, measures about 19 by 9 inches (48 x 22 cm) and as a precious remnant of what was likely a larger garment, furnishing, or ceremonial object. Donated in 1890 by George. Baker, it reflects the era's vibrant trade networks spanning Egypt, Syria, and Persia, where such fabrics symbolized wealth and cultural exchange just before the rise of Islam. The fragment sho...