Textile Fragment

Dated to either the thirteenth or fourteenth century, this plain-woven, block-printed, cotton textile fragment was once part of a much larger piece. This fragment exhibits the unique characteristics of technique and decoration associated with textile production in Western India, in the province of Gujarat, during the Middle Ages. The fragment’s design creates an interlinking chevron pattern which was a design specifically produced for an Egyptian market. Many fragments with this design have been found in Egypt, a fact indicating that such block-printed vibrant fabrics with this design were highly in demand.


Found near the site of Fustat, Egypt, these textiles have been preserved largely due to the arid and dry climate of the region. This fragment serves as evidence of the Red Sea maritime trade and travel relations between both these areas and highlights their transregional and cross-cultural connections during medieval times.