Fragments of a band of stylised busts

Inventory number: FT 82
Photo Michel Lechien, Musée royal de Mariemont

Fragments of the same textile, with friezes of filled half-circles edging figures in busts alternating with rosettes (?) in identical succession, designed by flying thread.

Origin:

Egypt

Date:

5th - 6th century

Material:

Linen and wool

Dimensions:

1) warp: 5.7 cm, weft: 16 cm;
2) warp: 5 cm, weft: 15 cm;
3) warp: 4.5 cm, weft: 23.5 cm;
4) warp: 4.5 cm, weft: 14.5 cm;
5) warp: 4.5 cm, weft: 9 cm;
6) warp: 4.5 cm, weft: 6 cm; separate linen fragments;
7) warp: 1.5 cm, weft: 7 cm;
8) warp: 1.5 cm, weft: 3.5 cm;
9) warp: 1.5 cm, weft: 3 cm

Comparisons:

Cleveland Art Museum, inv. 1926.148
Whitworth Art Gallery, inv. T.1994.132.
Muséum de Colmar, inv. Ég. Cpt. 170.

Provenance:

Collection Coptic textiles Fill-Trevisiol: donation

Location:

Musée royal de Mariemont

Inwoven tapestry in linen cloth (visible on both fragments)

I. Ground weave

(small fragment)

Warp:

natural-coloured linen S: +/- 30/cm

Weft:

natural-coloured linen S: 22/cm

Weave:

warp-faced tabby

Other features:

self-bands: 3 x 3 yarns/pick

II. Tapestry areas

Warp:

linen S

Weft:

purple wool Z: +/- 56/cm; natural-coloured linen S: +/-60/cm

Weave:

extended tabby: irregular units of 2 and 3 warp yarns

Ribs per cm:

9-10

Special techniques:

slit tapestry, eccentric weft, flying thread brocading linen S

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