Textile Fragment
Unknown Artist
3rd–4th century
Medium
Wool, linen; plain weave, tapestry weave
Dimensions
Max. H. 8 13/16 in. (22.4 cm) Max. W. 2 5/8 in. (6.7 cm)
Classification
Textiles
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of George F. Baker, 1890
Accession Number
90.5.798
Art Historical Context
This exquisite textile fragment, dating to the 3rd–4th century, offers a rare glimpse into the sophisticated weaving traditions of the ancient Near East or Egypt during the Late Antique period. Crafted from wool and linen using plain weave for the ground and tapestry weave for decorative elements, it exemplifies the technical mastery of early textile artisans. Though small—measuring just 8⅞ inches high by 2⅝ inches wide—this fragment survives as a testament to perishable materials that rarely endure, highlighting the challenges of preserving ancient fabrics. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum ...