Textile Fragment with Double-Headed Eagles and Facing Lions

Unknown

13th century · Silk, gilded animal substrate around a silk core; plain and twill weave (lampas) · Islamic Art

The design on this fragmentary textile consists of two rows of roundels: the upper roundels contain double-headed eagles, and the lower ones, confronted lions. The roundels are situated against a dense vegetal background. The luxurious medium, together with the combination of these two creatures, would have carried regal significance in the Seljuq period and beyond.

Artist

Unknown

Date

13th century

Medium

Silk, gilded animal substrate around a silk core; plain and twill weave (lampas)

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of George Hecksher, 2011