Textile Fragment
Unknown Artist
3rd–4th century
Medium
Wool, linen; tapestry weave
Dimensions
Max. H. 2 3/8 in. (6.1 cm) Max. W. 2 3/16 in. (5.5 cm)
Classification
Textiles
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of George F. Baker, 1890
Accession Number
90.5.621
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Textile Fragment*, dating to the 3rd–4th century, offers a glimpse into the sophisticated textile traditions of the early Islamic world. Crafted wool and linen using tapestry weave—a labor-intensive technique where colored weft threads are woven back and forth to form intricate patterns without floats—this small piece (just 2⅜ × 2⅙ inches) likely originated from garments, furnishings, or ceremonial objects in regions like Egypt or the Near East. Such fragments are rare survivors, preserved by the arid climates of these areas, and highlight the era's mastery of weaving as both a...