2258

(SOLD)

Antique Coptic Textile. Egyption Coptic. Tunic border textile fragment.
300-200 A.D.

Size 8" x 7"
Size 20 x 18cm

This textile was on display in the Chelsea Art Museum in the exhibition Italian Arabia from Dec 9 2008 until Feb.. 25 2009 It is published in the exhibition catalogue pg, 84. 25 2009 It is published in the exhibition catalogue pg, 82

Description Below

Origin: Egypt, Alexandria, Type: border fragment, Period: 4th-5th Centuries
Warp: Wool pattern wefts on natural woolen warps slit tapestry technique with curved wefts and twined outlines. 13 warps/cm. Design: Square tunic panel with a main border of quater foils within lappets and lozenge corner elements; inner plain border. Two-tone field with a vigorous vine scroll and rabbits and lions(?), centering a roundel of two mounted warriors and two running foot soldiers. Remains on top are balanced with a plain weave finish and loop decoration. The active riding and running figures are still recognisably Hellenistic in origin and have not yet degenerated into gnomic munchkins of later examples. The inhabited vinescroll also still displays a classical character; hence a date within the 4th or 5th Century is likely Colors: Beige, purple-red.