Horseman chasing a lioness (?), against a background of vegetation, which is continued into the exuberant foliated scrolls of the border and echoed in the crenelated frieze surrounding the composition.
Origin:
Egypt
Date:
4th - 6th century
Material:
Linen and wool
Dimensions:
Warp: 14.5 cm, weft: 15 cm
Comparisons:
Náprstek Museum, inv. 9.101: horseman.
Katoen Natie, inv. DM 53: horseman turning round.
Cleveland Art Museum, inv. 1926.147: border.
Provenance:
Collection Coptic textiles Fill-Trevisiol: donation
Location:
Musée royal de Mariemont
Tapestry inserted on a linen tunic, richly detailed by flying shuttle
I. Ground weave
Warp:
natural-coloured linen S: 36-40/cm
Weft:
natural-coloured linen S: 18/cm
Weave:
tabby weave
II. Tapestry areas
Warp:
natural-coloured linen S
Weft:
purple wool Z: 70/cm; natural-coloured linen S: 62/cm
Weave:
extended tabby 2/3
Ribs per cm:
12-14
Sewing Yarn:
S2Z
Special techniques:
slit tapestry, eccentric weft, flying thread brocading for details only
Dyes analysed:
purple Z wool: madder, indigo/woad