This tapestry band is decorated with two large medallions formed by an acanthus-foliated scroll, in which a feline is chasing a hare. On either side, foliated scrolls form medallions, each decorated with a rosette. Similar decoration on the edges of the tabula, with a four-legged animal in the centre. The central medallion contains an eight-pointed star with its surface covered with interlacing spirals in flying thread.
Origin:
Egypt
Date:
4th - 6th century
Material:
Linen and wool
Dimensions:
Warp: 65 cm, weft: 85 cm
Comparisons:
British Museum, inv. EA 21795.
Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, inv. 9111.
Provenance:
Collection Coptic textiles Fill-Trevisiol: donation
Location:
Musée royal de Mariemont
Weft-looped linen cloth with woollen and linen inwoven tapestry
I. Ground weave
Warp:
natural-coloured linen S: 25/cm
Weft:
natural-coloured linen S: 12/cm
II. Tapestry areas
Warp:
linen S
Weft:
purple, red and green wool S: +/- 50/cm; natural-coloured linen S: 50/cm
Weave:
tapestry band: extended tabby 4/2
Ribs per cm:
6
Special techniques:
slit tapestry, eccentric weft, flying thread brocading for details in linen and yellow wool, vertical weft brocading; false hatching: 1 wool and 1 linen yarn/pick
III. Pile areas
Special techniques:
slip loops: length of loops: 4cm; 5 to 9 picks between the loop rows