Textile Fragment
Unknown Artist
5th–6th century
Medium
Wool, linen; plain weave, tapestry weave
Dimensions
Max. H. 8 1/4 in. (21 cm) Max. W. 4 3/8 in. (11.1 cm)
Classification
Textiles
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of George F. Baker, 1890
Accession Number
90.5.732
Art Historical Context
This delicate textile fragment, dating to the 5th–6th century, offers a glimpse into the sophisticated weaving traditions of the early Islamic world. Crafted wool and linen using plain weave for the ground and tapestry weave for decorative elements, it exemplifies the technical mastery of ancient artisans. At just 8¼ inches high and 4⅜ inches wide, its modest size belies its cultural weight, likely originating from garments, furnishings, or ceremonial objects in regions bridging Late Antiquity and the dawn of Islam. The combination of plain weave—a sturdy, foundational technique—and tapestry ...