Brightly coloured leaf and flower design arranged alternately on a scattering of short coloured lines. This type of textile was often re-used as a shroud, which explains how so many pieces have survived.
Origin:
Egypt
Date:
4th - 6th century
Material:
Linen and wool
Dimensions:
Warp: 22 cm, weft: 28.5 cm
Comparisons:
Louvre, inv. X 4793.
Provenance:
Collection Coptic textiles Fill-Trevisiol: donation
Location:
Musée royal de Mariemont
Ecru linen and woollen tapestry
I. Ground weave
Warp:
natural-coloured linen S: 9-12/cm
Weft:
natural-coloured linen S: 8-9/cm
Weave:
tabby
II. Tapestry areas
Warp:
linen S
Weft:
red, pink, green, yellow and nuances of blue wool S: 25-30/cm; natural-coloured linen S: 12-25/cm
Weave:
extended tabby 2/2
Ribs per cm:
5-6
Special techniques:
slit tapestry, eccentric weft; embroidered spots? or supplementary weft (broché)? in green, blue and red wool