Textile Fragment

Unknown

14th–15th century · Silk, metal wrapped thread; lampas · Islamic Art

This silk textile fragment is divided into horizontal bands, decorated with interlaced knots, alternating blue-gray and red pyramidal merlons, horizontal stripes and an Arabic inscription in black Kufic lettering. Geometric patterns such as the ones in this fragment are found ornamenting a wide variety of media produced in Nasrid period (1232–1492) Spain, including tile work, woodwork, book binding, and painted stucco. Such colorful geometric designs also recall the famous wall patterns in the Alhambra palace in Granada. In both the plaster and tile work of the buildings in the palace, interlacery designs are closely related to this weaving. The inscription in Kufic reads: "wa al-i'zz a'-Qa'im" which is translated as "Glory to our Lord."

Artist

Unknown

Date

14th–15th century

Medium

Silk, metal wrapped thread; lampas

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1912