Textile Fragment
Unknown Artist
5th–6th century
Medium
Wool, linen; tapestry weave
Dimensions
Max. H. 17 1/8 in. (43.5 cm) Max. W. 4 15/16 in. (12.5 cm)
Classification
Textiles
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of George F. Baker, 1890
Accession Number
90.5.706
Art Historical Context
This delicate textile fragment, dating to the 5th–6th, offers a glimpse into the sophisticated weaving traditions of the early Islamic world. Crafted from wool and linen using tapestry weave—a labor-intensive technique where colored weft threads are woven discontinuously to form intricate patterns small piece (measuring just 17⅛ × 4⅞ inches) exemplifies the durability and artistry of ancient textiles. Such fragments often survived as remnants of garments, furnishings, or ceremonial objects, their vibrant dyes and precise motifs preserved against the ravages of time. Housed in the Metropolitan...