Textile Fragment

Unknown

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

This square-shaped silk textile fragment contains a central floral motif surrounded by white interlacing bands on a red ground. Geometric patterns such as these 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 repeating wall patterns in the Alhambra palace in Granada. In both the plaster and the tile work of the buildings in this palace, interlacery designs are closely related to this weaving. The metal-wrapped threads, now tarnished, originally would have created a glistening, shimmering effect- highlighting the sumptuous nature of this luxury item.

Artist

Unknown

Date

14th century

Medium

Silk, metal wrapped thread; lampas

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of R. Meyer-Riefstahl, 1915