Textile with Birds and Horned Quadrupeds Flanking a Tree of Life

11th–12th century

Not on view

The motif of confronted animals on either side of a tree has a long history in Iran, but it became popular throughout the Byzantine empire and in the area around the Mediterranean Sea where Iranian textiles were traded. Because imitations were made in Europe, it is often quite difficult to determine where textiles of this design were made.

Artwork Details

Title: Textile with Birds and Horned Quadrupeds Flanking a Tree of Life
Date: 11th–12th century
Geography: Attributed to Iran
Medium: Silk; warp faced plain weave
Dimensions: Textile: L. 17 in. (43.2 cm)
W. 15 3/4 in. (40 cm)
Mount: L. 21 1/4 in. (54 cm)
W. 20 5/8 in. (52.4 cm)
D. 1 in. (2.5 cm)
Classification: Textiles-Woven
Credit Line: Purchase, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, 1952
Object Number: 52.20.10a, b
Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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