Patchwork of pieces with plant motifs on a blue ground and polychrome border

Inventory number: FT 183
Photo Michel Lechien, Musée royal de Mariemont
Photo Michel Lechien, Musée royal de Mariemont

This textile comprises several fragments that have been cut out and sewn together on an ecru linen cloth. Small, stylised twigs form a network of lozenges on a bright blue ground in the central segment. Among these are motifs including baskets and bouquets. Others come from different parts of the textile, breaking up the rhythm. The yellow edges, from another fabric, are partially joined in different warp directions.

Origin:

Egypt

Date:

6th - 8th century

Material:

Linen and wool

Dimensions:

49 x 23 cm

Comparisons:

Cf. 126.
Musée des Tissus, Lyon, inv. 891.III.6 (Louvre watercolour, inv. E 29222): layout.
Similar to numerous other examples, it was silk textiles that weavers wished to imitate.

Provenance:

Collection Coptic textiles Fill-Trevisiol: donation

Location:

Musée royal de Mariemont

Woollen tapestry

II. Blue weave

Warp:

natural-coloured linen, S2Z: 7/cm

Weft:

blue, orange, red, green and yellow wool S: 42/cm; natural-coloured linen

Special techniques:

slit tapestry, eccentric weft

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