Textile Fragment

Unknown

15th century · Silk; lampas · Islamic Art

This rectangular silk textile fragment displays a repetitive pattern of small flowers and plants in green, yellow, white, and blue in offset rows on a red ground. From the base of each plant spring small leaves and stems. Above each base, a lotus-like yellow flower with green buds and leaves rises from a palmette. Confronted long-necked birds with raised wings flank the stock. This textile fragment is ornamented with a pattern of confronting long-necked birds perched on flower stalks, facing a taller central lotus. This imagery suggests the principle of the tree of life. At the bottom of the trees, date clusters spring from both sides at the base of the three lotus stalks, suggesting fertility and abundance.

Artist

Unknown

Date

15th century

Medium

Silk; lampas

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of Clara Waldeck, in memory of her husband Hans Waldeck, 1980