Textile Fragment
Unknown Artist
4th century
Medium
Wool, linen; plain weave, tapestry weave, weft loop weave
Dimensions
Max. H. 29 3/4 in. (75.6 cm) Max. W. 21 5/8 in. (55 cm)
Classification
Textiles
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of George F. Baker, 1890
Accession Number
90.5.704
Art Historical Context
This exquisite Textile Fragment, dating to the 4th, offers a glimpse into the sophisticated textile traditions of the early Islamic world—or more precisely, the regions that would shape it. Crafted from wool and linen using plain weave, tapestry weave, weft loop weave, measures an impressive 29 3/4 by 21 5/8 inches. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum Art's Department of Islamic Art, it was generously gifted by George F. Baker in1890. The combination of weaving techniques highlights the technical mastery of ancient artisans. Plain weave provided a sturdy foundation, while tapestry weave allowed...