<Tiraz> Textile Fragment

Unknown

late 10th century · Cotton; plain weave, painted · Islamic Art

The painted decoration of this cotton fragment imitates more luxurious examples that are embroidered with silk. The inscription reads "perfect blessing" and the final letter of the word baraka (blessing) extends to punctuate another series of repetitions created in the zone above the main inscription. Unlike the silk-embroidered caliphal inscriptions that proclaim lofty political statements and benedictions, the painted versions bear inscriptions expressing simple blessings for the owner. Such textiles were probably produced in commercial workshops for markets in Baghdad and surrounding areas.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 10th century

Medium

Cotton; plain weave, painted

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of George D. Pratt, 1931