Tabula with putto in a wide linen fragment

Inventory number: FT 69
Photo Michel Lechien, Musée royal de Mariemont
Photo Michel Lechien, Musée royal de Mariemont
Photo Michel Lechien, Musée royal de Mariemont

A putto wearing a turban, a scarf and pantaloons, runs carrying a basket full of fruit, symbol of prosperity. In the medallions of the border, busts alternate with rosettes.

Origin:

Egypt

Date:

5th - 8th century

Material:

Linen and wool

Dimensions:

Warp: 29 cm, weft: 33 cm

Comparisons:

Martin van Wagner Museum, inv. H 376 (nude putto).
Musée d'Art et d'Histoire, Genève, inv. D 734 (idem).

Provenance:

Collection Coptic textiles Fill-Trevisiol: donation

Location:

Musée royal de Mariemont

Woollen tapestry inwoven on linen

I. Ground weave

Warp:

natural-coloured linen S: 20-22/cm

Weft:

natural-coloured linen S: 14/cm

Weave:

warp-faced tabby

Other features:

2 self-bands (2x4 yarns/pick ) running on both sides of the tabula. On the left, these self-bands are finishing in loose ends visible on the front side of the weave; selvedge on left side

II. Tapestry areas

Warp:

linen S

Weft:

black-brown and red wool S: 46/cm; natural-coloured linen S

Weave:

extended tabby 2/2

Ribs per cm:

10-12

Sewing Yarn:

linen S

Special techniques:

slit tapestry, dovetailing, vertical weft brocading, flying thread brocading for details only; horizontal lines: 2-1 countered twining with S2Z yarn

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