Textile Fragment
Unknown Artist
3rd–4th century
Medium
Linen, wool; plain weave, tapestry weave
Dimensions
Max. H. 9 3/4 in. (24.7 cm) Max. W. 3 7/8 in. (9.8 cm)
Classification
Textiles
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of George F. Baker, 1890
Accession Number
90.5.404
Art Historical Context
This delicate textile fragment, dating to the 3rd–4th century, offers a rare glimpse into the artistry of early Late Antique weaving traditions. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's of Islamic Art, it just 9 3/4 by 3 7/8 inches and was generously gifted by George F. Baker in1890. Though created by an unknown artist, survival speaks volumes about the durability of ancient fabrics and the ingenuity of their makers. Crafted from linen and wool plain weave for the foundation and tapestry weave for decorative elements, the piece showcases sophisticated techniques. Plain weave provided a stur...