Appliquéd orbiculus with a double ‘Dionysus in the tree’

Inventory number: FT 34
Photo Michel Lechien, Musée royal de Mariemont
Photo Michel Lechien, Musée royal de Mariemont
Photo Michel Lechien, Musée royal de Mariemont

Mirror images of a figure (Dionysus?), a lion and bird on each side of a stylised tree, surrounded by foliated scrolls and geometric motifs.

Origin:

Egypt

Date:

7th - 10th century

Material:

Linen and wool

Dimensions:

Warp: 14 cm, weft: 13.5 cm

Comparisons:

MdK, Basel Basle, inv. III 575.
Leaning and facing motifs denote Sassanid influence.

Provenance:

Collection Coptic textiles Fill-Trevisiol: donation

Location:

Musée royal de Mariemont

Separately-woven linen and woollen tapestry

I. Ground weave

Not analysed, covered by the support fabric

II. Tapestry areas

Warp:

natural-coloured linen S2Z: 17/cm

Weft:

red, light and dark blue, green, S: 60/cm; natural-coloured linen S

Weave:

weft-faced tabby

Special techniques:

slit tapestry, eccentric weft, soumak-wrapped outlines and circles

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