The central square is divided into five lozenges, outlined by green and red ribbons, decorated with yellow circles. The central lozenge frames a basket of red flowers and green leaves. The other four contain various species of birds.
Origin:
Egypt
Date:
6th - 9th century
Material:
Linen and wool
Dimensions:
Warp: 28.5 cm, weft: 24.5 cm
Comparisons:
Cleveland Art Museum, inv. 1982.87.
Treatment of the frame inspired by plant borders often seen in Graeco-Roman mosaics.
Provenance:
Collection Coptic textiles Fill-Trevisiol: donation
Location:
Musée royal de Mariemont
Inwoven tapestry: 2 distinct parts of the same textile stuck together
I. Ground weave
Warp:
natural-coloured linen S: 20-22/cm
Weft:
natural-coloured linen S: 13/cm
Weave:
warp-faced tabby
II. Tapestry areas
Remark: one corner of the tapestry is added during conservation to complete the figure; the added fragment is from a similar tapestry weave
Warp:
natural-coloured linen S
Weft:
black, purple, pink, yellow, green wool S: +/-50/cm; natural-coloured linen S fine: 50/cm; natural-coloured linen S coarse: 28/cm
Weave:
extended tabby 2/2
Ribs per cm:
10
Special techniques:
slit tapestry, eccentric weft, lazy lines to facilitate the construction of the weave