Textile Fragment
Unknown Artist
4th–5th century
Medium
Wool, linen; tapestry weave
Classification
Textiles
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of George F. Baker, 1890
Accession Number
90.5.495
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Textile Fragment* from the 4th–5th century offers a glimpse into the masterful textile traditions of Late Antiquity. Crafted from wool and linen using tapestry weave—a technique where colored weft yarns are woven discontinuously to form intricate patterns floating threads—this fragment exemplifies the technical sophistication of ancient weavers. Tapestry weave allowed for vibrant, detailed motifs that were both durable and visually striking, making it ideal for garments, furnishings, and trade goods across the Mediterranean and Near East. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum Art'...