Fragments of a tabula with a putto or Nereid

Inventory number: FT 174
Photo Michel Lechien, Musée royal de Mariemont
Photo Michel Lechien, Musée royal de Mariemont

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

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