A putto wearing a turban, a scarf and pantaloons, runs carrying a basket full of fruit, symbol of prosperity. In the medallions of the border, busts alternate with rosettes.
Origin:
Egypt
Date:
5th - 8th century
Material:
Linen and wool
Dimensions:
Warp: 29 cm, weft: 33 cm
Comparisons:
Martin van Wagner Museum, inv. H 376 (nude putto).
Musée d'Art et d'Histoire, Genève, inv. D 734 (idem).
Provenance:
Collection Coptic textiles Fill-Trevisiol: donation
Location:
Musée royal de Mariemont
Woollen tapestry inwoven on linen
I. Ground weave
Warp:
natural-coloured linen S: 20-22/cm
Weft:
natural-coloured linen S: 14/cm
Weave:
warp-faced tabby
Other features:
2 self-bands (2x4 yarns/pick ) running on both sides of the tabula. On the left, these self-bands are finishing in loose ends visible on the front side of the weave; selvedge on left side
II. Tapestry areas
Warp:
linen S
Weft:
black-brown and red wool S: 46/cm; natural-coloured linen S
Weave:
extended tabby 2/2
Ribs per cm:
10-12
Sewing Yarn:
linen S
Special techniques:
slit tapestry, dovetailing, vertical weft brocading, flying thread brocading for details only; horizontal lines: 2-1 countered twining with S2Z yarn