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Hanging with Polychrome Columns

5th–6th century
Not on view
This grand hanging is part of a set of at least four that also included depictions of colorful columns topped by heads in medallions. The pieces were excavated from a grave where they had been used as shrouds, but several features indicate that they were originally employed as curtains. Their large scale precludes the function of clothing and the thinness of their material suggests they were meant to be seen from both sides. Depictions of architecture on contemporary mosaics often show curtains hanging between arches, suggesting that the pieces in this set may have been hung one after another in an arcade.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Hanging with Polychrome Columns
  • Date: 5th–6th century
  • Geography: Found Egypt, near Damietta
  • Medium: Linen, wool
  • Dimensions: Overall: H. 90 1/2 in. (229.9 cm)
    W. 61 1/2 in. (156.2 cm)
    Mount: H. 93 in. (236.2 cm)
    W. 63 in. (160 cm)
    D. 3 in. (7.6 cm)
    Wt. 220 lb. (99.8 kg)
  • Classification: Textiles
  • Credit Line: Gift of Arthur S. Vernay Inc., 1922
  • Object Number: 22.124.4
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

More Artwork

More Artwork
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Hanging with Polychrome Columns , Linen, wool; tapestry weave

Hanging with Polychrome Columns

5th–6th century
Five Medallion Carpet, Wool (warp, weft, and pile); asymmetrically knotted pile
Five Medallion Carpet
ca. 1500
Roundel Illustrating Episodes from the Biblical Story of Joseph, Linen, wool; tapestry weave
Roundel Illustrating Episodes from the Biblical Story of Joseph
7th century
Mamluk Carpet, Wool, (warp, weft and pile); asymmetrically knotted pile
Mamluk Carpet
early 16th century
Tunic with Dionysian Ornament, Undyed linen with tapestry woven wool decorations
Tunic with Dionysian Ornament
probably 5th century

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