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Order for Veils or Handkerchiefs

8th century

Not on view

Ostraka (pottery or stone fragments with writing) and papyri aid in understanding aspects of textile production in Egypt. Kalim, a weaver, writes to his client ‘Abd Allah ibn As‘ad, a merchant, regarding the progress on his order for veils. The text is in Arabic and the prices are given in dinars, evidence of the increasing control over commerce by the new Muslim rulers of the region.

Order for Veils or Handkerchiefs, Black ink on papyrus — Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: Order for Veils or Handkerchiefs

Date: 8th century

Geography: Made in Egypt

Medium: Black ink on papyrus

Dimensions: 9 1/2 x 7 11/16 in. (24.2 x 19.5 cm)

Classification: Papyrus

Credit Line: Papyrus Collection, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (P.Mich.inv. 5621)

Accession Number: isl568

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Medieval Art and The Cloisters at The Met

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