Two fragments of a band decorated with putti

Inventory number: FT 83
Photo Michel Lechien, Musée royal de Mariemont
Photo Michel Lechien, Musée royal de Mariemont

Three nude putti on a crimson background, each with a mantle on the shoulders and holding a duck, swim along a foliated scroll. Two wave scroll friezes frame the composition.

Origin:

Egypt

Date:

5th - 8th century

Material:

Linen and wool

Dimensions:

1) Warp: 3.2 cm, weft: 7.2 cm;
2) Warp: 6 cm, weft: 13.2 cm

Comparisons:

Cleveland Art Museum inv. 1982.378.
Abegg-Stiftung, inv. 2375.
MAK, Vienna, inv. T 376-1883: swimmers and lions.
The origin of this iconography lies in Nilotic scenes where putti were traditionally shown swimming or playing amidst acquatic animals.

Provenance:

Collection Coptic textiles Fill-Trevisiol: donation

Location:

Musée royal de Mariemont

Linen and woollen tapestry

I. Ground weave

(2) folded border of the band

Warp:

(2) natural-coloured linen S: +/-40/cm

Weft:

(2) weft-faced tabby

Weave:

extended tabby

(2) folded border of the band

Warp:

(1) natural-coloured linen S: 13/cm
(2) coloured linen S: 10-12/cm: single warp

Weft:

(1) red wool Z: 44/cm; brown wool Z; natural-coloured wool S: 21/cm; brown lines between legs of figure: linen S
(2) red wool Z: 48/cm; brown wool Z; blue wool Z; natural-coloured linen S: 21/cm; brown lines between legs of figure: linen S

Weave:

(1) extended tabby: irregular units of 2 and 3 warp yarns

Special techniques:

(1) slit tapestry, eccentric weft
(2) slit tapestry, eccentric weft

Dyes analysed:

Dyes analysed from the biggest fragment:
Weft thread: red Z wool: kermes

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