Textile Fragment

Art Historical Context

This delicate textile fragment from the 5th–6th century offers a tantalizing glimpse into the artistry of late antiquity, likely originating from the Near East or Egypt—regions pivotal to the emerging Islamic world. Crafted from wool and linen, it showcases two complementary weaving techniques: plain weave for a sturdy, foundational tabby structure, and tapestry weave, where colored wefts completely cover the warps to create vibrant, durable patterns. At just 19½ by 9¼ inches, such fragments often survive from garments, furnishings, or burial wrappings, preserved in arid sands or ancient refus...