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Fragment of a Mat Fan or Fly Whisk with Quadrupeds

10th century

Not on view

Animals generally appear on secular works in the Islamic era. These textile fragments picture animals displayed in profile against sharply contrasting backgrounds. The stylized, geometricized forms of the animals and plants are framed by bands of linear and geometric ornament. Animals like these were often combined with inscriptions.
This fragmentary weaving, crafted from strips of date palm, is probably from a fan or a fly whisk. Two lions accompanied by smaller creatures resembling dogs drink from a footed vessel.

Fragment of a Mat Fan or Fly Whisk with Quadrupeds, Strips of date palm, woven — Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: Fragment of a Mat Fan or Fly Whisk with Quadrupeds

Date: 10th century

Geography: Made in Probably Egypt

Medium: Strips of date palm, woven

Dimensions: 3 3/4 x 10 1/4 in. (9.5 x 26 cm)

Classification: Textiles

Credit Line: Benaki Museum, Athens (14744)

Accession Number: isl1607

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Medieval Art and The Cloisters at The Met

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