Egypt, Coptic, ca. 4th to 7th century CE. A trio of fragments of woven textiles made of cotton threads. The panels are all woven with intricate patterns in dark red, brown, blue, green, and white that have darkened with time. The panels each consist of a solid ground with a bordering motif of intricate geometric shapes or stylized anthropomorphic and zoomorphic figures within rectangular and ovoid areas. Size of largest fragment: 12" L x 7" W (30.5 cm x 17.8 cm); smallest fragment: 8.75" L x 6.5" W (22.2 cm x 16.5 cm)
The Coptic culture included the Christian descendants of the ancient Egyptians. The emergence of Coptic art coincided with the decline of the Roman Empire and corresponded with the reemergence of native art in Egypt. Coptic weavers created masterpieces of textile art of intricate patterns and vivid colors. Coptic textiles were used for myriad purposes such as rugs, wall hangings, and clothing appliques and were exported throughout the empires of Rome and Byzantium. Coptic textiles are some of the only examples of ancient textiles to have survived, since they were preserved by the arid climate of the Egyptian deserts.
Provenance: private Ventura County, California, USA collection, acquired in the 1980s to 1990s; ex-private Estate collection, New York, USA
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#148426
Condition
Fragments of larger pieces as shown. Losses and holes as shown. Fraying around peripheries and holes. Active flaking of textile threads. Staining and discoloration as expected with age and exposure. Recommended to have these professionally framed to prevent further fraying or losses.