Orbiculus with a musician (or hunter?)

Inventory number: FT 30
Photo Michel Lechien, Musée royal de Mariemont
Photo Michel Lechien, Musée royal de Mariemont

In the border, a foliated scroll with vine leaves and grapes. In the centre, a character with raised head, carrying a lyre (or baldric?)

Origin:

Egypt

Date:

4th - 6th century

Material:

Linen and wool

Dimensions:

Warp: 18 cm, weft: 15 cm

Comparisons:

Musée Rodin Meudon, inv. CO.00075.

Provenance:

Collection Coptic textiles Fill-Trevisiol: donation

Location:

Musée royal de Mariemont

Inwoven tapestry on linen cloth

I. Ground weave

Warp:

natural-coloured linen S: 30/cm

Weft:

natural-coloured linen S: 16/cm

Weave:

warp-faced tabby, open structure

Other features:

2 selfbands: composition of each band: 5 yarns/pick +1 yarn + 5 yarns/pick + 1 yarn + 5 yarns/pick

II. Tapestry areas

Warp:

linen S

Weft:

brown wool Z: 60/cm; natural-coloured linen S, paired: 40/cm

Weave:

extended tabby alternating 2x2/2 and 2x3/3

Ribs per cm:

12

Special techniques:

slit tapestry, eccentric weft, flying thread brocading for details only, vertical weft brocading, soumak (2S) to outline the central figure

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