Sleeve Fragment with a Band with Fish and Blossoms

Unknown

7th–10th century · Tapestry weave in polychrome wool and undyed linen on plain-weave ground of undyed linen; applied weft-pattern band in wool and undyed linen · Islamic Art

This sleeve fragment illustrates many of the characteristics associated with early Islamic textiles found in Egypt. Symmetrically arranged between two plain, dark bands, delicately colored fish, leaves, and buds form a lozenge pattern around a central rosette set within a gemmed roundel and a repeating pattern of stylized trees. The structured sprinkling of flora (generally buds and leaves) and fauna is referred to as a "scattered" motif. Like the weft-patterned, applied border, here with chevrons, the scattered motif became popular toward the end of the sixth and seventh centuries.

Artist

Unknown

Date

7th–10th century

Medium

Tapestry weave in polychrome wool and undyed linen on plain-weave ground of undyed linen; applied weft-pattern band in wool and undyed linen

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of George F. Baker, 1890