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Tapestry Band from a wall hanging (pair with 66.377)
Late Roman, Egyptian
Late Roman-Early Byzantine
late 3rd to 4th century AD
Object Place: Mediterranean (Eastern)
Medium/Technique
undyed linen and dyed wool tapestry
Technique: Horizontal tapestry strip of complete width and cut at top and bottom. Originally from the same textile as 66.377.
Warp: linen, S-spun, unplied, 2 or 3 strands together
Weft: wool, S-spun, unplied except for areas where two colors are plied together for mottled effect (e.g., duck at right)
Technique: Horizontal tapestry strip of complete width and cut at top and bottom. Originally from the same textile as 66.377.
Warp: linen, S-spun, unplied, 2 or 3 strands together
Weft: wool, S-spun, unplied except for areas where two colors are plied together for mottled effect (e.g., duck at right)
Dimensions
12.3 x 90.1 cm (4 13/16 x 35 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Charles Potter Kling Fund
Accession Number66.378
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsEurope, Fashion and Textiles
ClassificationsTextiles
DescriptionA fine tapestry band cut from the same wall hanging or cover as MFA 66.377 has the red ground with the laurel leaf garland and a similarly organized design. A large central unit shows a gathering of lotus buds and pods between two large waterfowls, two smaller side units pairs of smaller birds picking on grapes. Although the composition is very structured, extensive modelling, color and shade gradation and avoidance of contour give both the avian motifs and flora quite an organic appearance.
Provenance1966, sold by Antiken Heinz Herzer, Munich, to the MFA. (Accession Date: June 1, 1966)