Textile Fragment

Geometric compositions predominate silk textiles of Nasrid Spain (1232–1492) and the contemporaneous Marinid Dynasty (1269–1465) of North Africa; they are often based on intricate patterns that repeat into infinity. The design of this fragment is centered on rows of eight-pointed stars where each compartment is filled with motifs reminiscent of fleurs-de-lis. While the stars are identical, outlined in red, the color of the fill alternates from blue to yellow. Inscriptions also play a central role here, be they the cartouches formed by interlaces bearing "Eternal Glory," or the two horizontal bands with abstract kufic writing that repeat the word "happiness" in mirror image. A variety of smaller motifs, from the narrow bands of reciprocal blue and white stepped crenellation to palmettes and arabesques, complete this assemblage that echos architectural decoration.