Textile Fragment
Unknown Artist
5th–6th century
Medium
Wool, linen; plain weave, tapestry weave
Dimensions
Max. H. 18 15/16 in. (48.1 cm) Max. W. 9 13/16 in. (25 cm)
Classification
Textiles
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of George F. Baker, 1890
Accession Number
90.5.719
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Textile Fragment* from the 5th–6th century offers a rare glimpse into the early world of Islamic art. Crafted from wool and linen using plain weave for the foundation and tapestry weave for decorative elements, it measures a modest 18 15/16 inches high by 9 13/16 inches wide. Such techniques highlight the sophisticated textile production of the era, where weavers combined durability with intricate patterning, likely for garments, furnishings, or ceremonial use. Dating to a pivotal transitional period—late antiquity into the dawn of Islam—this fragment reflects the vibrant craf...