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Tapestry

Egyptian (Coptic)
Early Islamic
7th–9th century A.D.

Medium/Technique Wool; tapestry
Dimensions Height x width: 66.3 x 37 cm (26 1/8 x 14 9/16 in.)
Credit Line Denman Waldo Ross Collection
Accession Number09.126
NOT ON VIEW
ClassificationsTextiles

DescriptionWhite woolen warp; deep violet woolen ground; design consists of three rectangular areas of which the central one is narrower than the two on the sides; the composition is framed by a broad border that contains geometric and conventional floral motifs. Each of the two rectangular areas on the sides contains a pair of figures with raised arms framed by a circular motif (floating shawl ?); three figures, each holding up a circular object with both hands are above the two figures, and three animals (two panthers and a lion (?)) are in the lower part of the composition. The group of figures is framed by a crenelated arch. The central area shows a single female with raised arms framed by a pointed arch; woven with orange, yellow, red, dark and light blue, and green wool. The borders on three sides were woven on to the piece. The fourth border was put on by the dealer. The rectangular shape of the weaving suggests that it was probably used as a covering.