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