These two fragments have identical borders and no doubt come from the same textile. The central square on the left frames a wildcat with mottled fur; the right square has a hare or canine wearing a collar and plant motifs. The surrounding rows of medallions are decorated with geometric motifs.
Origin:
Egypt
Date:
4th - 6th century
Material:
Linen and wool
Dimensions:
1) Warp: 13 cm, weft: 9.7 cm;
2) Warp: 13.6 cm, weft: 9.4 cm; general dimensions: 12x19 cm
Comparisons:
California Academy of Sciences, inv. 389-2586.
Louvre, inv. X 4312.
British Museum, inv. EA 18221.
Provenance:
Collection Coptic textiles Fill-Trevisiol: donation
Location:
Musée royal de Mariemont
Inwoven woollen tapestry in linen cloth
I. Ground weave
Warp:
natural-coloured linen S: 33/cm
Weft:
natural-coloured linen S: 17/cm
Weave:
warp-faced tabby
II. Tapestry areas
Warp:
linen S
Weft:
purple wool Z: +/- 55/cm; natural-coloured linen S: +/- 60/cm
Weave:
extended tabby: alternating units of 3, 2 and 2 warp yarns
Ribs per cm:
12
Special techniques:
slit tapestry, eccentric weft; false hatching: paired wefts: 1 wool and 1 linen yarn/pick; flying thread brocading for details and vertical weft brocading
Dyes analysed:
weft thread: purple Z wool: madder, indigo/woad