Tabula with a huntsman appliquéd on a tunic (?)

Inventory number: FT 47
Photo Michel Lechien, Musée royal de Mariemont
Photo Michel Lechien, Musée royal de Mariemont

In the central square, surrounded by a wavy grapevine scroll, a medallion frames a horseman alertly turning on his mount, beneath which runs a hare taken in the hunt. Same clothe (?) as FT 48.

Origin:

Egypt

Date:

4th - 6th century

Material:

Linen and wool

Dimensions:

Warp: 25.5 cm, weft: 37.5 cm

Comparisons:

V&A, London, inv. 1260-1888 (archer on horseback chasing a hare).
Hunting for hares, according to the teaching of the Greek Cynics, was a symbol of courage and guaranteed the hunters’ immortality.

Provenance:

Collection Coptic textiles Fill-Trevisiol: donation

Location:

Musée royal de Mariemont

Woollen tapestry sewn onto a linen cloth

I. Ground weave

Warp:

natural-coloured linen S: 23/cm

Weft:

natural-coloured linen S: 11/cm

Weave:

warp-faced tabby

II. Tapestry areas

Warp:

natural-coloured wool 9/cm

Weft:

black wool S: +/- 60/cm; natural-coloured linen S: 55/cm

Weave:

weft-faced tabby

Sewing Yarn:

black wool S2Z and linen 2S

Special techniques:

slit tapestry, eccentric weft, flying thread brocading for details only, vertical weft; brocading

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