Tabula decorated with animal and plant motifs

Inventory number: FT 40
Photo Michel Lechien, Musée royal de Mariemont
Photo Michel Lechien, Musée royal de Mariemont

The central square is divided into five lozenges, outlined by green and red ribbons, decorated with yellow circles. The central lozenge frames a basket of red flowers and green leaves. The other four contain various species of birds.

Origin:

Egypt

Date:

6th - 9th century

Material:

Linen and wool

Dimensions:

Warp: 28.5 cm, weft: 24.5 cm

Comparisons:

Cleveland Art Museum, inv. 1982.87.
Treatment of the frame inspired by plant borders often seen in Graeco-Roman mosaics.

Provenance:

Collection Coptic textiles Fill-Trevisiol: donation

Location:

Musée royal de Mariemont

Inwoven tapestry: 2 distinct parts of the same textile stuck together

I. Ground weave

Warp:

natural-coloured linen S: 20-22/cm

Weft:

natural-coloured linen S: 13/cm

Weave:

warp-faced tabby

II. Tapestry areas

Remark: one corner of the tapestry is added during conservation to complete the figure; the added fragment is from a similar tapestry weave

Warp:

natural-coloured linen S

Weft:

black, purple, pink, yellow, green wool S: +/-50/cm; natural-coloured linen S fine: 50/cm; natural-coloured linen S coarse: 28/cm

Weave:

extended tabby 2/2

Ribs per cm:

10

Special techniques:

slit tapestry, eccentric weft, lazy lines to facilitate the construction of the weave

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