Two assembled tabulae with four-legged animals

Inventory number: FT 180
Photo Michel Lechien, Musée royal de Mariemont
Photo Michel Lechien, Musée royal de Mariemont
Photo Michel Lechien, Musée royal de Mariemont

These two fragments have identical borders and no doubt come from the same textile. The central square on the left frames a wildcat with mottled fur; the right square has a hare or canine wearing a collar and plant motifs. The surrounding rows of medallions are decorated with geometric motifs.

Origin:

Egypt

Date:

4th - 6th century

Material:

Linen and wool

Dimensions:

1) Warp: 13 cm, weft: 9.7 cm;
2) Warp: 13.6 cm, weft: 9.4 cm; general dimensions: 12x19 cm

Comparisons:

California Academy of Sciences, inv. 389-2586.
Louvre, inv. X 4312.
British Museum, inv. EA 18221.

Provenance:

Collection Coptic textiles Fill-Trevisiol: donation

Location:

Musée royal de Mariemont

Inwoven woollen tapestry in linen cloth

I. Ground weave

Warp:

natural-coloured linen S: 33/cm

Weft:

natural-coloured linen S: 17/cm

Weave:

warp-faced tabby

II. Tapestry areas

Warp:

linen S

Weft:

purple wool Z: +/- 55/cm; natural-coloured linen S: +/- 60/cm

Weave:

extended tabby: alternating units of 3, 2 and 2 warp yarns

Ribs per cm:

12

Special techniques:

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

Dyes analysed:

weft thread: purple Z wool: madder, indigo/woad

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