Textile Fragment
Unknown Artist
16th century
Medium
Silk, metal thread
Dimensions
H. 12 5/8 in. (32.1 cm) W. 15 in. (38.1 cm)
Classification
Textiles
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Nanette B. Kelekian, in honor of Olga Raggio, 2002
Accession Number
2002.494.684
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Textile Fragment* from 16th century offers a glimpse into the opulent world of Islamic art. Crafted from luxurious silk woven with shimmering metal threads—likely gold or silver lamé—this rectangular piece measures 12⅝ by 15 inches (32.1 by 38.1 cm). As a survivor from a larger textile, it exemplifies the technical mastery of weavers in the Islamic realms during the height of empires like the Ottoman, Safavid, or, where such fabrics adorned elite garments, turbans, or ceremonial hangings. The use of silk and metal thread highlights advanced weaving techniques, such as lampas o...