Inwoven tabula with a horseman

Inventory number: FT 46
Photo Michel Lechien, Musée royal de Mariemont
Photo Michel Lechien, Musée royal de Mariemont

Horseman chasing a lioness (?), against a background of vegetation, which is continued into the exuberant foliated scrolls of the border and echoed in the crenelated frieze surrounding the composition.

Origin:

Egypt

Date:

4th - 6th century

Material:

Linen and wool

Dimensions:

Warp: 14.5 cm, weft: 15 cm

Comparisons:

Náprstek Museum, inv. 9.101: horseman.
Katoen Natie, inv. DM 53: horseman turning round.
Cleveland Art Museum, inv. 1926.147: border.

Provenance:

Collection Coptic textiles Fill-Trevisiol: donation

Location:

Musée royal de Mariemont

Tapestry inserted on a linen tunic, richly detailed by flying shuttle

I. Ground weave

Warp:

natural-coloured linen S: 36-40/cm

Weft:

natural-coloured linen S: 18/cm

Weave:

tabby weave

II. Tapestry areas

Warp:

natural-coloured linen S

Weft:

purple wool Z: 70/cm; natural-coloured linen S: 62/cm

Weave:

extended tabby 2/3

Ribs per cm:

12-14

Sewing Yarn:

S2Z

Special techniques:

slit tapestry, eccentric weft, flying thread brocading for details only

Dyes analysed:

purple Z wool: madder, indigo/woad

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