The Collection
The American Wing Ancient Near Eastern Art Arms and Armor The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing Asian Art The Cloisters The Costume Institute Drawings and Prints Egyptian Art European Paintings European Sculpture and Decorative Arts Greek and Roman Art Islamic Art Robert Lehman Collection The Libraries Medieval Art Musical Instruments Photographs Antonio Ratti Textile Center Modern and Contemporary Art

Textile Fragment with Inscription

ca. 934–40

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 452

This textile fragment of uneven shape is decorated with tapestry-woven inscriptions and floral patterns on an undyed linen ground. An Arabic inscription in kufic script that includes the name of the caliph, Al-Radi (r. 934–40), runs across the piece at the center with a mirror image of the same inscription directly below it. This fragment is likely from the same textile as fragment 29.179.5a. They were either produced in private workshops or in workshops belonging to the caliph where fabrics were woven exclusively as gifts or for the royal household and members of the court.

Textile Fragment with Inscription, Linen, silk; plain weave, tapestry weave — Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Textile Fragment with Inscription, Linen, silk; plain weave, tapestry weave

Textile Fragment with Inscription, Linen, silk; plain weave, tapestry weave

Textile Fragment with Inscription, Linen, silk; plain weave, tapestry weave

Textile Fragment with Inscription, Linen, silk; plain weave, tapestry weave

Textile Fragment with Inscription, Linen, silk; plain weave, tapestry weave

Textile Fragment with Inscription, Linen, silk; plain weave, tapestry weave

Textile Fragment with Inscription, Linen, silk; plain weave, tapestry weave

Textile Fragment with Inscription, Linen, silk; plain weave, tapestry weave

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.

Title: Textile Fragment with Inscription

Date: ca. 934–40

Geography: Attributed to Egypt

Medium: Linen, silk; plain weave, tapestry weave

Dimensions: Textile: L. 18 3/8 in. (46.7 cm)
W. 20 3/4 in. (52.7 cm)
Mount:: H. 21 3/4 in. (55.2 cm)
W. 24 in. (61 cm)
D. 1 in. (2.5 cm)

Classification: Textiles-Woven

Credit Line: Gift of George D. Pratt, 1929

Accession Number: 29.179.5b

Chronology

Egypt, 500-1000 A.D.

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.

The Met

Islamic Art at The Met

The Met's collection of Islamic art is one of the most comprehensive in the world and ranges in date from the seventh to the twenty-first century. Its more than 15,000 objects reflect the great diversity and range of the cultural traditions from Spain to Indonesia.