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Lattice-Patterned Silk

7th–9th century (?)

Not on view

Silks were woven in many designs. One widely popular type was a diaper pattern that used a latticelike organizational scheme with narrow intersecting diagonal bands to create rhomboid or square fields filled with various motifs.
This silk is brocaded with a lattice pattern composed of stepped, diagonal-shaped rhomboids delineated by strings of hexagons that frame smaller hexagons or stepped rhombi. The domestic production of this kind of cloth is suggested in a contemporary documentary papyrus.

Lattice-Patterned Silk, Plain-weave ground in undyed linen with pattern in brocading weft in polychrome silk — Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: Lattice-Patterned Silk

Date: 7th–9th century (?)

Geography: Made in Egypt

Medium: Plain-weave ground in undyed linen with pattern in brocading weft in polychrome silk

Dimensions: Two larger fragments: 4 1/2 x 6 1/2 in. (11.5 x 16.5 cm); 7 1/16 x 4 1/2 in. (18 x 11.5 cm)

Classification: Textiles

Credit Line: Benaki Museum, Athens (15043)

Accession Number: isl1627

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Medieval Art and The Cloisters at The Met

The Museum's collection of medieval and Byzantine art is among the most comprehensive in the world, encompassing the art of the Mediterranean and Europe from the fall of Rome to the beginning of the Renaissance.