Tunic with Dionysian Ornament

Unknown

probably 5th century · Undyed linen with tapestry woven wool decorations · Islamic Art

Tunics were typically made of undyed linen with decorative patterns worked in colored wool threads. The medallions and ornamented bands, called clavi, were decorated with images from nature, the classical world, or Christian themes. Here Dionysos, the Greek god of wine, is depicted in the underwater realm of fishtailed Nereus and his daughters.

Artist

Unknown

Date

probably 5th century

Medium

Undyed linen with tapestry woven wool decorations

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of Edward S. Harkness, 1926