Tiraz Textile Fragment

Unknown

dated A.H. 320/932–33 CE · Linen; plain weave, embroidered in silk · Islamic Art

Inscribed textiles are called tiraz, from the Persian word for "embroidery." Many were produced in royal workshops and presented by rulers to honor courtiers and officials at formal ceremonies. They bear inscriptions naming and blessing the current ruler or caliph – a reminder to the recipient that they owed their allegiance to that ruler. This textile’s embroidered inscription reads, "…Allah. Ja’far, the Imam (al-Maktadir billah, Commander of the faithful) May Allah prolong his days… Of what was made in the factory in the year three hundred and twenty (A.D. 932–33)" A smaller embroidered inscription reads, " 'Abdallah".

Artist

Unknown

Date

dated A.H. 320/932–33 CE

Medium

Linen; plain weave, embroidered in silk

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of George D. Pratt, 1931