Textile Fragment

Art Historical Context

This delicate textile fragment, dating to the 4th–5th century, offers a glimpse into the sophisticated craftsmanship of Late Antiquity. Woven from wool and linen in a technique, it measures just under 5 inches high and 3.5 inches wide—small enough to have adorned a garment, furnishing, or ritual object. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Art Department, it reflects the rich textile traditions of regions that would later flourish under Islamic rule, such as Egypt or the Near East. Tapestry weave, where colored weft threads are interlaced to form distinct motifs without a continuous gro...