Roundel Fragment: Mounted Hunters and Animals
6th century
Description
Fragment of a Sasanian-style roundel depicting a pair of hunters on horseback. This textile is an example of weft-faced compound weave (samite) with silk warps and wefts. The front side of a samite weave is distinguishable by its greater shine/luster. The stepped lines forming the curved borders of the roundel that do not correspond to the textile's threadcount indicate that this design has been scaled up from a smaller pattern. The figural design is created in blue and buff colored threads with red details against a red ground. Most of the rider on the left has been cut away by a modern hand. The pair of riders may represent Amazons. Below the riders are two roaring lions who turn their heads to look at the hunters. The lions have blue heads and legs and buff colored bodies. Below the lions are a pair of smaller, adorsed blue quadrupeds. The border of the roundel is buff and contains red heart-shaped flowers and blue leaves and stems. A larger blue flower with lobed petals and a red center sits within the border at the top of the roundel. An additional vegetal design is visible at the upper right corner.
Dimensions
24.13 x 17.78 cm (9 1/2 x 7 in.)
Provenance
This fragment is of Alexandrian or Syrian provenance but was found in Egypt.
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