Central medallion with an allegorical (Gaia?) or Apotropaic - protector bust. In the field interlacing with stylised floral motifs and central rosettes.
Origin:
Egypt
Date:
7th - 9th century
Material:
Linen and wool
Dimensions:
Warp: 14 cm, weft: 14.5 cm
Comparisons:
Kunstsammlungen Chemnitz, inv. Ko 333.
MFA, Boston, inv. 10.139: field motifs.
A finely-executed equivalent to these interlaces can be seen in numerous frescos: those in the 4th century Santa Costanza mausoleum in Rome even have a medallion with a bust in the centre.
Provenance:
Collection Coptic textiles Fill-Trevisiol: donation
Location:
Musée royal de Mariemont
Inwoven (?) linen and woollen tapestry
II. Tapestry weave
Warp:
natural-coloured linen S2Z: 10/cm
Weft:
red, blue, green and yellow, S: 52/cm; natural-coloured linen S
Weave:
weft-faced tabby
Special techniques:
slit tapestry, eccentric weft, soumak-wrapped outlines