Textile Fragment

Unknown

16th century · Silk; plain weave, double cloth · Islamic Art

This silk double-cloth fragment depicts foxes sitting on a green ground amid peach-colored branches and roses, with the same design in opposite colors on the reverse. By alternating the orientations of the foxes and staggering the pattern, the naqshband (designer) of this textile gave a sense of movement to the repeating rows of seated foxes. Depictions of animals were popular in Safavid-era objects, as they often provided a connection to the princely pastimes of hunting and falconry.

Artist

Unknown

Date

16th century

Medium

Silk; plain weave, double cloth

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1931