Large orbiculus with a dancer (?)

Inventory number: FT 175
Photo Michel Lechien, Musée royal de Mariemont

The central medallion encloses a nude character, with a mantle on his shoulders, one arm raised and a slightly inclined head, probably in a dance posture. Snippets of fabric have regrettably been glued to the face and neck in modern times. In the outer border, eight medallions frame hares or filled baskets.

Origin:

Egypt

Date:

5th - 6th century

Material:

Linen and wool

Dimensions:

1) Warp: 30 cm, weft: 35 cm;
2) Warp: 21 cm, weft: 27 cm

Comparisons:

Pushkin Museum, inv. 5385.

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:

red, green, orange and brown wool S: 28/cm; natural-coloured linen S: 28/cm

Weave:

extended tabby: irregular units of 2 and 3 warp yarns

Ribs per cm:

7

Special techniques:

slit tapestry, eccentric weft, flying thread brocading for details; False hatching: paired wefts: 1 linen and 1 brown wool yarn/pick

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