Tunic Fragment with Applied Bands

Unknown

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

The red gossamer fabric of this lightweight tunic fragment is accented with stitching and undyed linen self-bands (ornamental bands of multiple, undyed weft threads). The decorative clavi in gold, brown, and blue tones were woven separately and applied to the garment. Each combines the figure of a female, possibly a saint, with panels of gold palmettes on a blue ground; a gold pendant decorated with a leaf dangles from each. Textual and visual sources attest to the existence of tunics of different weights, which could be layered, but those of light, open weave such as this example are less often preserved.

Artist

Unknown

Date

6th–9th century

Medium

Wool, linen; plain weave, tapestry weave

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of George F. Baker, 1890