Textile Fragment
Unknown Artist
3rd–4th century
Medium
Linen, wool; tapestry weave, looped embroidery
Dimensions
H. 8 1/2 in. (21.6 cm) W. 9 1/2 in. (24.1 cm)
Classification
Textiles
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1909
Accession Number
09.50.1406
Art Historical Context
This delicate *Textile Fragment* from the rd–4th century a glimpse into the sophisticated textile arts of the ancient Near East or Egypt, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art Islamic Art department. Measuring just 8½ by 9½ inches, it was crafted from linen and wool using tapestry weave—a technique where colorful discontinuous wefts create intricate patterns without floating threads—and looped embroidery, which forms textured, looped motifs for added depth and decoration. Acquired through the Rogers Fund in 1909, it exemplifies the durability of these materials, surviving centuries as a...