Textile ArtsByzantine6th-7th century

Roundel with Hunters and Plants

6th-7th century

Description

Tapestry woven roundel on undyed warps. Many wefts missing. Border of blue, green, pink and white rinceaux with small flower buds on a purple background. Purple border has band of gold on each side. Innermost medallion has blue, pink, and white symmetrical arrangement of flowers and palmettes against a gold background. Shading effect on these flowers created with different shades of blue and pink yarn. Around the innermost medallion, four male figures in short pink tunics and fluttering blue cloaks charge forward with spears, suggesting a hunting scene. The uppermost pair of men face one another on either side of a detailed candelabra plant. At bottom the men face away from each other. Dark blue and green birds and other plant forms fill remaining spaces against a light background. There is a ring of red around the exterior of the roundel. The roundel sits on a plain woven linen backing. There is staining visible on the left of the roundel.

Classification

Textile Arts

Technique

Woven, tapestry weave

Medium

Linen and wool

Culture

Byzantine

Period

Byzantine period, Early

Century

6th-7th century