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Coptic Textile Fragment

late 3rd–5th century
Not on view
Textiles like this one are thought to have been produced by Copts (Christian Egyptians) and other weavers throughout the Byzantine Empire. The designs and motifs of Coptic and Byzantine textiles influenced the visual repertoire of the early Islamic period. This fragment was probably part of the shoulder decoration of a tunic, the quintessential garment of the Late Antique world. The people of late antiquity were also buried in these garments, and most surviving examples have been found in cemeteries. This example contains a large eight-pointed star formed by overlaid squares filled with sprouting urns, vine scrolls, and geometric interlaces— motifs also seen in Byzantine floor mosaics.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Coptic Textile Fragment
  • Date: late 3rd–5th century
  • Geography: Made in Egypt
  • Medium: Linen, wool; plain weave, tapestry weave, brocaded
  • Dimensions: Textile: H. 11 1/4 in. (28.6 cm)
    W. 20 7/8 in. (53 cm)
    Mount: H. 15 7/8 in. (40.3 cm)
    W. 25 3/8 in. (64.5 cm)
    D. 1 5/8 in. (4.1 cm)
  • Classification: Textiles
  • Credit Line: Purchase by subscription, 1889
  • Object Number: 89.18.95
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

More Artwork

More Artwork
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Tunic with Dionysian Ornament, Undyed linen with tapestry woven wool decorations
Tunic with Dionysian Ornament
probably 5th century
Textile Fragment, Wool, linen; plain weave, tapestry weave
Textile Fragment
4th–5th century
Textile Fragment, Wool, linen; plain weave, tapestry weave
Textile Fragment
3rd–4th century
Fragment of a Tunic, Linen; plain weave with loops<br/>Border: Wool; tapestry weave
Fragment of a Tunic
4th–5th century
Textile Fragment, Wool, linen; plain weave, tapestry weave, weft loop weave
Textile Fragment
4th–5th century

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