Band with Vine Scroll

Unknown

4th–6th century · Tapestry weave in purple wool (dyed with indigotin-containing dye and madder) and undyed linen on plain-weave ground of undyed linen; details in flying shuttle with undyed linen · Islamic Art

The vine scroll, beautifully executed on the textiles seen here, is ubiquitous in the art of the Mediterranean world. It appears throughout the art of the early Byzantine period as a decorative motif, evoking the abundance of nature and the good life. In certain contexts, such as funerary art or church interiors, the motif could take on more specific associations.

Artist

Unknown

Date

4th–6th century

Medium

Tapestry weave in purple wool (dyed with indigotin-containing dye and madder) and undyed linen on plain-weave ground of undyed linen; details in flying shuttle with undyed linen

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of George F. Baker, 1890