Textile Fragment
Unknown Artist
5th–6th century
Medium
Wool, linen; plain weave, tapestry weave
Dimensions
Max. H. 12 3/16 in. (31 cm) Max. W. 6 1/2 in. (16.5 cm)
Classification
Textiles
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of George F. Baker, 1890
Accession Number
90.5.587
Art Historical Context
This delicate *Textile Fragment* from the 5th–6th offers a glimpse into the sophisticated weaving traditions of the late antique world. Craft from wool and linen using plain weave for the foundation and tapestry weave for decorative elements, it exemplifies early textile techniques that bridged ancient and emerging Islamic cultures. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum Art's Department of Islamic Art, this piece—measuring just 12 3/16 inches high by 6 1/2 inches wide—survives as a testament to the fragility and artistry of perishable materials from over 1,500 years ago. Tapestry weave, where col...