Textile Fragment
Unknown Artist
5th–6th century
Medium
Wool; tapestry-woven
Dimensions
L. 25 3/4 in. (65.4 cm) W. 10 1/2 in. (26.7 cm)
Classification
Textiles
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of George D. Pratt, 1930
Accession Number
30.16.11
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Textile Fragment*, dating to the 5th–6th century, a rare glimpse into the sophisticated textile arts of the late ancient Near East. Crafted wool using the tapestry-weave technique—a labor-intensive method where colored wefts are woven discontinuously to create vivid, pictorial designs—it measures 25 3/4 by 10 1/2 inches. The presence of human figures, as indicated by its tags, suggests narrative or decorative motifs typical of the era, showcasing the weavers' skill in rendering dynamic forms on a portable yet durable medium. In the Department of Islamic Art at the Metropolitan...