Tapestry-Woven Fragment

Unknown

8th century · Wool; slit-tapestry weave with eccentric wefts · Islamic Art

Though only a fragment, this textile still contains portions of the field, as well as two decorative bands, providing a sense of what the complete textile may have looked like. The field pattern consists of half a roundel enclosing the front part of a horse equipped with harness and saddle cover or bags. Although probably found in Egypt, the absence of linen and S-spun yarns indicate an eastern origin for this textile, possibly in the mountainous regions of Iran, Iraq or even the Caucasus.

Artist

Unknown

Date

8th century

Medium

Wool; slit-tapestry weave with eccentric wefts

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Purchase, Mariana Herrmann Fund, The Page and Otto Marx Jr. Foundation and Rogers Fund, 2001