Textile Fragment
Unknown Artist
3rd–4th century
Medium
Wool, linen; plain weave, tapestry weave
Dimensions
Max. H. 4 3/16 in. (10.6 cm) Max. W. 2 15/16 in. (7.5 cm)
Classification
Textiles
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of George F. Baker, 1890
Accession Number
90.5.795
Art Historical Context
This delicate textile fragment, dating to the 3rd–4th century, offers a glimpse into the sophisticated weaving traditions of the Late Antique world. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Department of Islamic Art, it measures just 4 3/16 inches high by 2 15/16 inches wide—small enough to fit in the palm of your hand—yet it speaks volumes about everyday artistry in regions like Egypt or the Near East, where such pieces often adorned clothing, furnishings, or burial shrouds. A generous gift from George F. Baker in 1890, it survives as a testament to ancient craftsmanship preserved through t...