Sleeve Fragment with Floral Motives

Unknown

6th–9th century · Wool, linen; plain weave, tapestry weave · Islamic Art

This lavishly decorated sleeve fragment demonstrates many of the characteristics of textiles dating from the end of Byzantine rule in Egypt and the years following the Arab conquest: bright colors, heavy outlines, and abstracted natural elements. Brightly colored roundels, flowers, and small florets are symmetrically arranged in a diamond grid of jewel-like leaflets; a border of linked chevrons completes the design. The sleeve is finished with a dark weft-pattern band decorated with rosettes.

Artist

Unknown

Date

6th–9th century

Medium

Wool, linen; plain weave, tapestry weave

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of George F. Baker, 1890