Textile Fragment
Unknown Artist
5th century
Medium
Wool, linen; plain weave, tapestry weave
Dimensions
Max. H. 3 1/8 in. (8 cm) Max. W. 3 1/8 in. (8 cm)
Classification
Textiles
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of George F. Baker, 1890
Accession Number
90.5.418
Art Historical Context
This delicate textile fragment, dating to the 5th, offers a rare glimpse into the sophisticated weaving traditions of the early Islamic world. Craft from wool and linen using weave for the foundation and tapestry weave for decorative elements, it measures just 3⅛ inches square—small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Department of Islamic Art, it was generously gifted by George F. Baker in 1890. The combination of plain weave, a sturdy and versatile technique for everyday fabrics, with tapestry weave highlights the advanced skill of anonymous ar...