Fragment of orbiculus (?) with flowers and small birds

Inventory number: FT 199
Photo Michel Lechien, Musée royal de Mariemont
Photo Michel Lechien, Musée royal de Mariemont

The central medallion, ringed in ecru, contains a stylised flower with four petals. On the horizontal axis are two birds. On the vertical axis are two stylised flowers, one with green and beige petals, the other with blue and beige petals. A frieze of wave scrolls surrounds the orbiculus.

Origin:

Egypt

Date:

5th - 7th century

Material:

Linen and wool

Dimensions:

Warp: 8 cm; weft: 7.8 cm

Comparisons:

MFA, Boston, inv. 92.2777.

Provenance:

Collection Coptic textiles Fill-Trevisiol: donation

Location:

Musée royal de Mariemont

Inwoven woollen tapestry in a linen cloth

I. Ground weave

Warp:

natural-coloured linen S: 14/cm

Weft:

natural-coloured linen S: 8/cm

Weave:

warp-faced tabby

II. Tapestry areas

Warp:

linen S

Weft:

red, yellow, green and nuances of blue wool S: 50/cm; natural-coloured linen S

Weave:

extended tabby 2/2

Ribs per cm:

7

Special techniques:

slit tapestry, eccentric weft, vertical weft brocading; 3-1 twining with 3 yarns 2S linen

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