Coptic Textile Fragment

Unknown

late 3rd–5th century · Linen, wool; plain weave, tapestry weave, brocaded · Islamic Art

Textiles like this one are thought to have been produced by Copts (Christian Egyptians) and other weavers throughout the Byzantine Empire. The designs and motifs of Coptic and Byzantine textiles influenced the visual repertoire of the early Islamic period. This fragment was probably part of the shoulder decoration of a tunic, the quintessential garment of the Late Antique world. The people of late antiquity were also buried in these garments, and most surviving examples have been found in cemeteries. This example contains a large eight-pointed star formed by overlaid squares filled with sprouting urns, vine scrolls, and geometric interlaces— motifs also seen in Byzantine floor mosaics.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 3rd–5th century

Medium

Linen, wool; plain weave, tapestry weave, brocaded

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Purchase by subscription, 1889