Tapestry

Unknown

ca. 1036–94 · Linen, silk, metal wrapped thread; plain weave, tapestry weave · Islamic Art

This is an exceptional example of textile art. Gold metal threads are woven into undyed linen and embroidered with red arabesques and a kufic inscription naming the Fatimd caliph al-Mustansir billah. Such gold-woven garments were usually given by the caliph to dignitaries. The fragment is here visible only from its back and inscription is thus mirror shaped.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1036–94

Medium

Linen, silk, metal wrapped thread; plain weave, tapestry weave

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Fletcher Fund, 1946