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Textile Fragment

ca. 1021–36
Not on view
The two opposing lines of kufic inscription repeat the Shi’i Shahada (Muslim profession of faith) which includes a mention of ‘Ali, son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, as Wali-ullah (Friend of God). The inscription also includes the name of the Fatimid caliph al-Zahir (r. A.D. 1021–36) allowing us to date the fabric to the early 11th century. The red kufic is enlivened by occasional tendrils in black embroidery between letters. The two lines of inscription are separated by a figural decorative border depicting alternating birds and quadrapeds in roundels of blue and red ground. The cartouches are repeated in a separate border above the inscription.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Textile Fragment
  • Date: ca. 1021–36
  • Geography: Attributed to Egypt
  • Medium: Linen, silk; plain weave, tapestry weave
  • Dimensions: Textile: L. 10 3/4 in. (27.3 cm)
    W. 25 in. (63.5 cm)
    Mount: H. 17 5/8 in. (44.8 cm)
    W. 29 13/16 in. (75.7 cm)
  • Classification: Textiles-Woven
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1929
  • Object Number: 29.136.1
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

More Artwork

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Textile Featuring Arabic Inscriptions, Linen, silk; plain weave, tapestry weave
Textile Featuring Arabic Inscriptions
12th century
Portion of a Garment with Geometric Patterns, Linen, silk, metal wrapped thread; plain weave, tapestry weave
Portion of a Garment with Geometric Patterns
12th century
Tiraz Textile Fragment, Linen, silk; plain weave, tapestry weave
Tiraz Textile Fragment
late 10th century
Five Medallion Carpet, Wool (warp, weft, and pile); asymmetrically knotted pile
Five Medallion Carpet
ca. 1500
Tiraz Fragment, Silk; tapestry weave
Tiraz Fragment
11th century

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