Tunic Fragment with Button Closure
This lovely tunic fragment features an intact neck flap with a button closure; both the button and the loop are made of undyed linen. The fine linen ground is embellished with alternating clusters of thick and thin self-bands (ornamental bands of multiple, undyed weft threads). The delicate clavi feature brilliant red pomegranates and blossom sprays bordered by leaves on a red ground. Red dyes, frequently found in textiles from Egypt, were derived from a variety of sources, including safflower, wild and cultivated madder, and scale insects including kermes, cochineals, and several species that produce a scarlet resinous secretion called lac. These dyestuffs were dried for use and were thus easily stored and transported.
Artwork Details
- Title: Tunic Fragment with Button Closure
- Date: 5th–8th century
- Geography: Attributed to Egypt
- Medium: Linen, wool; tapestry weave
- Dimensions: H. 17 in. (43.2 cm)
W. 10 1/2 in. (26.7 cm) - Classification: Textiles
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1909
- Object Number: 09.50.1431
- Curatorial Department: Islamic Art
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11th century
probably 5th century
ca. 1500
660–870 (radiocarbon date, 95% probability)
7th century
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