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Textile Fragment

early 16th century
Not on view
This fragment depicts a rare small-scale version of the design known as chintamani ("auspicious jewel"), which finds its etymology in Sanskrit and usually features three circles or closed crescent forms representing pearls. Also associated with the patterning on animal skins, the circular elements are alternately referenced as leopard spots, and often accompanied by wavy lines representing tiger stripes. In this fine example of seraser, the gold ground of the cloth is accomplished by weft threads comprised of thin strips of silver foil wrapped around a yellow silk core, giving the surface of the cloth its luster.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Textile Fragment
  • Date: early 16th century
  • Geography: Attributed to Turkey, probably Istanbul
  • Medium: Silk, metal wrapped thread; taqueté (seraser)
  • Dimensions: Textile: H. 14 1/2 in. (36.8 cm)
    W. 6 3/8 in. (16.2 cm)
    Mount: H. 21 1/4 in. (54 cm)
    W. 16 3/4 in. (42.5 cm)
    D. 1 3/16 in. (3 cm)
  • Classification: Textiles-Woven
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1915
  • Object Number: 15.125.7
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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