This wide tapestry band in violet-brown wool is separated in two parts, each bordered by two ecru linen wave scrolls and separated by a continuous line.
Origin:
Egypt
Date:
4th - 6th century
Material:
Linen and wool
Dimensions:
Warp: 18.5 cm, weft: 23.5 cm
Comparisons:
Pushkin Museum, inv. 625.
Musée des Antiquités, Rouen, inv. 2002.0.17.
Badisches landesmuseum, inv. T 71.
The dyes used for such bands tried to imitate, at lower cost, luxurious Roman fabrics, the wearing of which was considered a symbol of citizenship and wealth.
Provenance:
Collection Coptic textiles Fill-Trevisiol: donation
Location:
Musée royal de Mariemont
Separately-woven tapestry appliquéd on linen cloth
I. Ground weave
Warp:
natural-coloured linen S: 26/cm
Weft:
natural-coloured linen S: 16/cm
Weave:
warp-faced tabby
II. Flying thread brocading
Warp:
linen S
Weft:
brown wool S: +/- 38/cm
Weave:
extended tabby 4/4
Ribs per cm:
6-7
Special techniques:
waves: mixed technique: soumak and flying thread brocading