Tunic orbiculus

Inventory number: FT 38
Photo Michel Lechien, Musée royal de Mariemont
Photo Michel Lechien, Musée royal de Mariemont

Meandering geometric decorations in flying thread, surrounded by a triple border.

Origin:

Egypt

Date:

3rd - 5th century

Material:

Linen and wool

Dimensions:

Warp: 34 cm, weft: 38 cm

Comparisons:

Cf. FT 36.
MET, New York, inv. 90.5.899.
Louvre, inv. X 4392.
Musée des Antiquités, Rouen, inv. 2002.0.18.
Recurrent motifs in Graeco-Roman mosaics.

Provenance:

Collection Coptic textiles Fill-Trevisiol: donation

Location:

Musée royal de Mariemont

Inwoven woollen tapestry on linen

I. Ground weave

Warp:

natural-coloured linen S: 26/cm

Weft:

natural-coloured linen S: 12/cm

Weave:

warp-faced tabby

II. Tapestry areas

Warp:

natural-coloured linen S

Weft:

black-purple wool S: +/-50/cm; natural-coloured linen S

Weave:

extended tabby irregular units of 2, 3 and 4 warp yarns

Ribs per cm:

7-8

Special techniques:

flying thread technique with natural-coloured linen S; tapestry weave in outer circle; ‘lazy lines’ to facilitate the construction of the decorated weave

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