Fragment showing a man confronting a lion

Inventory number: FT 59
Photo Michel Lechien, Musée royal de Mariemont

A standing, nude male figure (hero, hunter?) with his left hand above an unidentifiable object (bludgeon?) that he is about to grasp. To his left, a lion stands on his hind legs, mouth open, ready to attack.

Origin:

Egypt

Date:

3rd - 6th century

Material:

Linen and wool

Dimensions:

Warp: 10.5 cm, weft: 10.3 cm

Comparisons:

Louvre, inv. AF 5854.
V&A, London, inv. 705-1886.
MFA, Boston, inv. 96.172.

Provenance:

Collection Coptic textiles Fill-Trevisiol: donation

Location:

Musée royal de Mariemont

Linen and woollen tapestry

I. No ground weave


II. Tapestry areas

Warp:

natural-coloured linen S

Weft:

brown-purple wool Z: +/-50/cm; natural-coloured linen S: +/- 40/cm, 2 yarns/pick

Weave:

extended tabby: irregular units of 2 and 3 warp yarns

Ribs per cm:

12

Special techniques:

slit tapestry, eccentric weft, flying thread brocading for details

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