Inwoven orbiculus with miniature bust

Inventory number: FT 26
Photo Michel Lechien, Musée royal de Mariemont
Photo Michel Lechien, Musée royal de Mariemont

Central medallion with an allegorical (Gaia?) or Apotropaic - protector bust. In the field interlacing with stylised floral motifs and central rosettes.

Origin:

Egypt

Date:

7th - 9th century

Material:

Linen and wool

Dimensions:

Warp: 14 cm, weft: 14.5 cm

Comparisons:

Kunstsammlungen Chemnitz, inv. Ko 333.
MFA, Boston, inv. 10.139: field motifs.
A finely-executed equivalent to these interlaces can be seen in numerous frescos: those in the 4th century Santa Costanza mausoleum in Rome even have a medallion with a bust in the centre.

Provenance:

Collection Coptic textiles Fill-Trevisiol: donation

Location:

Musée royal de Mariemont

Inwoven (?) linen and woollen tapestry

II. Tapestry weave

Warp:

natural-coloured linen S2Z: 10/cm

Weft:

red, blue, green and yellow, S: 52/cm; natural-coloured linen S

Weave:

weft-faced tabby

Special techniques:

slit tapestry, eccentric weft, soumak-wrapped outlines

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