Sleeve decoration with highly stylised and bright figures

Inventory number: FT 206
Photo Michel Lechien, Musée royal de Mariemont
Photo Michel Lechien, Musée royal de Mariemont
Photo Michel Lechien, Musée royal de Mariemont

This decorative band was probably for the cuff of a tunic. Four abstract motifs (birds, imaginary creatures, stylised plants, four-legged creatures?) are designed in bright pink, orange, yellow, green and blue on a violet ground. A red stripe and a frieze of yellow, green and black semi-circles edge each side.

Origin:

Egypt

Date:

6th - 8th century

Material:

Wool

Dimensions:

Warp: 12.5 cm; weft: 30.5 cm

Comparisons:

Israel Museum, inv. 205/73.
RMO, Leiden, inv. F1928/10.3.

Provenance:

Collection Coptic textiles Fill-Trevisiol: donation

Location:

Musée royal de Mariemont

Woollen tapestry

I. Ground weave

Warp:

natural-coloured wool S: 9/cm

Weft:

natural-coloured wool S: 36/cm

Weave:

weft-faced tabby

II. Tapestry areas

Warp:

natural-coloured wool S: 9/cm

Weft:

natural-coloured, blue, yellow, green, red, purple, pink and orange wool S: +/- 36/cm

Weave:

weft-faced tabby

Special techniques:

slit tapestry, eccentric weft; dovetailing; selvedges: 2 units of 4 warp yarns each

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