Only the upper left part of this very patchy tabula has been preserved. The centre shows aquatic motifs in a square that frames a medallion with a nude putto (or Nereid) astride a sea creature. The ensemble is surrounded by a wide border in which red ribbons form lozenges. In the midst of each lozenge is a rosette.
Origin:
Egypt
Date:
6th - 9th century
Material:
Linen and wool
Dimensions:
1) chaîne; 9.5 cm, weft: 23 cm;
2) Warp: 13.5 cm, weft: 21;
3) Warp: 4 cm, weft: 8 cm;
4) Warp: 1.7 cm, weft: 5.5 cm;
5) Warp: 1.7 cm, weft: 3 cm
Comparisons:
Louvre, inv. X 4250: lattice with rosettes.
Provenance:
Collection Coptic textiles Fill-Trevisiol: donation
Location:
Musée royal de Mariemont
Woollen tapestry woven separately and appliquéd on a linen cloth
I. Ground weave
Warp:
natural-coloured linen S: 14/cm
Weft:
natural-coloured linen S: 10/cm
Weave:
warp-faced tabby weave
II. Tapestry areas
Warp:
natural-coloured linen S
Weft:
red, green, purple and yellow wool S: 40-46/cm; natural-coloured linen S
Weave:
extended tabby 2/2
Ribs per cm:
8
Sewing Yarn:
2S
Special techniques:
slit tapestry, eccentric weft, vertical weft brocading