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Richly Decorated Tunic

660–870 (radiocarbon date, 95% probability)
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 302
Tunics decorated with red background motifs were popular at the end of the Byzantine era in Egypt and during the first centuries of Islamic rule. The bright colors, bold schematic figures, and contrasting vegetal tracery of the ornamental insets give this fine woolen tunic a strong visual appeal. The designs are derived from classical motifs. Separately woven geometrically patterned woolen bands are attached to the hem and cuffs.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Richly Decorated Tunic
  • Date: 660–870 (radiocarbon date, 95% probability)
  • Geography: Said to be from Egypt, Tuna al-Gebel
  • Medium: Wool; tapestry weave
  • Dimensions: Textile (including sleeves): H. 79 1/8 in. (201 cm)
    W. 46 7/8 in. (119.1 cm)
  • Classification: Textiles-Costumes
  • Credit Line: Gift of Maurice Nahman, 1912
  • Object Number: 12.185.2
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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