Fragment of a Shawl
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.Tiraz (pl. Turuz) are textiles usually inscribed with the name of the ruler, the state workshop in which they were woven, and the date they were produced. During the early Islamic period, they were often presented as honorific gifts. Similar works inscribed in Greek, Coptic, and Arabic were also made in private workshops.
The inscription is a Christian prayer in a Fayyumi-Sahidic dialect of Coptic, "Oh Lord, Jesus Christ! Help Father Toter. Amen! So be it! Oh Lord! This mercy on me, I shall not want. Amen." The crosses in the design confirm that the owner was Christian.
The inscription is a Christian prayer in a Fayyumi-Sahidic dialect of Coptic, "Oh Lord, Jesus Christ! Help Father Toter. Amen! So be it! Oh Lord! This mercy on me, I shall not want. Amen." The crosses in the design confirm that the owner was Christian.
Artwork Details
- Title: Fragment of a Shawl
- Date: 9th–10th century
- Geography: Made in Egypt, the Fayyum, probably Tutun
- Medium: Plain weave in polychrome wool with embroidered inscription in dark blue wool and a row of floral designs in dark blue and purplish wool; fringe along one edge
- Dimensions: 16 1/8 x 28 1/8 in. (41 x 71.5 cm)
- Classification: Textiles
- Credit Line: Benaki Museum, Athens (15343)
- Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters