Looped linen cloth, decorated with an inwoven tapestry tabula. In the centre, a hunter or warrior leans on a spear and raises a shield (?) in the left hand. Foliated scrolls in the border with stylised rosettes in the corners.
Origin:
Egypt
Date:
4th - 6th century
Material:
Linen and wool
Dimensions:
Warp: 13.5 cm, weft: 16 cm
Comparisons:
V&A, London, inv. 691-1886.
Provenance:
Collection Coptic textiles Fill-Trevisiol: donation
Location:
Musée royal de Mariemont
Warp-looped linen cloth with inwoven woollen and linen tapestry
I. Ground weave
Warp:
natural-coloured linen S: 35/cm
Weft:
natural-coloured linen S: 20/cm
II. Tapestry areas
Warp:
linen S
Weft:
purple wool Z: +/- 32/cm; natural-coloured linen, paired S: +/- 35/cm
Weave:
extended tabby 2/2
Ribs per cm:
17
Special techniques:
slit tapestry, eccentric weft, flying thread brocading for details
Dyes analysed:
purple Z wool: madder, indigo/woad, Armenian cochineal
III. Pile areas
Special techniques:
pile made by warp yarns
Dyes analysed:
Weft thread: purple Z wool: madder, indigo/woad, Armenian cochineal