Textile Fragment

Unknown

late 15th–16th century · Silk · Islamic Art

Geometric designs such as the ones in this fragment are found ornamenting a wide variety of media produced in Nasrid period (1232–1492) Spain, including tile work, woodwork, book binding, and painted stucco. The basic principles of this design include geometric and floral motifs, as well as the classic eight-pointed star, here enclosing a rosette, both of which are nested inside a scalloped medallion. Such bold designs recall the famous wall patterns in the Alhambra palace in Granada. In both the plaster and tile work of the buildings in the palace, interlacery designs are closely related to the star-forms in this weaving.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 15th–16th century

Medium

Silk

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of Nanette B. Kelekian, in honor of Olga Raggio, 2002