Roundel with Winged Horse

Unknown

9th century · Wool, linen; tapestry weave · Islamic Art

The extended tongue and long tail of this winged creature suggest that it may be a griffin, a part-lion, part-eagle emblem of power and protection common to the Byzantine and islamic worlds. The ultimate inspiration for this fragment may have been Sasanian, as it also resembles a winged horse with beribboned feet. Traces of another medallion at the lower edge of this piece suggest that it may have come from a hanging or other textile decorated with a repeat pattern of such roundels.

Artist

Unknown

Date

9th century

Medium

Wool, linen; tapestry weave

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1974