A decorative pastiche of floral, Nilotic and geometric bands

Inventory number: FT 173
Photo Michel Lechien, Musée royal de Mariemont
Photo Michel Lechien, Musée royal de Mariemont

This textile is composed of fragments that have probably been put together in modern times. From top to bottom: a line of black waves; a frieze of green, red and brown motifs on a yellow ground; a band of putti and stylised sea creatures on a red ground; a frieze of ecru lozenges on a red ground; plant interlace on a dark blue ground and a wide red band with amorphous motifs.

Origin:

Egypt

Date:

6th - 8th century

Material:

Linen and wool

Dimensions:

62 x 19 cm

Provenance:

Collection Coptic textiles Fill-Trevisiol: donation

Location:

Musée royal de Mariemont

Assembled woollen tapestries

I. Ground weave

(1) Band 1: ground weave
(2) Band 2: Floral motifs on blue background
(3) Band 3: Animal and human figures on red background
(4) Band 4: Amorphous motifs on yellow-orange background

Warp:

(1) yellow wool S: 10/cm

Weft:

(1) green and red wool S: 38/cm

Weave:

(1) weft-faced tabby

II. Tapestry areas

(1) Band 1
(2) Band 2
(3) Band 3
(4) Band 4

Warp:

(1) yellow wool S: 10/cm
(2) yellow wool S: 7/cm
(3) natural-coloured wool S: 11/cm
(4) yellow wool S: 11/cm

Weft:

(1) yellow, green and red wool S: 38/cm
(2) blue, red, yellow, orange, pink and green wool S: +/- 40/cm
(3) blue, red, yellow and green wool S: +/- 40/cm; natural-coloured linen: +/- 55/cm
(4) yellow, orange, blue-black, red, green, purple and natural-coloured wool S: +/- 38/c

Weave:

(1-4) weft-faced tabby

Special techniques:

(1-4) slit tapestry, eccentric weft

Share