Band with Human Figure in Medallion
3rd-6th century
Description
Tapestry woven band with design in dark blue wool on undyed linen. The design is vertically oriented and may have come from a clavi. A simple bust of a human figure, perhaps a beneficent personification, is presented in a thick medallion. The figure appears to wear a tunic with two clavi. Acanthus or grape leaves connected to a vine are visible above and below the medallion, suggesting that the pattern within the band is an inhabited vine scroll. The borders of the band are created out of thick zigzagging vines. The outer empty spaces along this vine sprout acanthus or grape leaves. The inner sides of the vine border are filled with triangles that resemble simplified serrated leaves. The designs running along these two thick vines are created in a slightly darker thread than the other areas of undyed yarn. Details of the human figure and the outer vine borders are executed in flying shuttle using undyed thread. These borders are very similar to those on 1924.117 and 1924.124, also gifts from Denman W. Ross.
Dimensions
7.3 x 10.8 cm (2 7/8 x 4 1/4 in.)
Related Artworks
View MoreSilk brocade
JapaneseBook of swatches mounted on paper (56 sheets)
19th-20th centuryJapaneseRed silk velvet with a gold and paste pattern applied to the surface
17th-18th centuryIndianSilver and silver gilt threads; silk satin ground
18th-19th centuryOttomanTextile fibers
17th centuryFlemishPurple and buff wool, tapestry woven
5th-6th centuryByzantineBook of swatches mounted on paper (56 sheets)
19th-20th centuryJapaneseSilk embroidery on silk
18th centuryJapaneseEmbroidery cut down from a hanging-scroll mounting and framed: dyed silk satin-stitch embroidery on painted silk ground
14th centuryJapaneseSilk and linen
ItalianDouble weave cotton and plastic textile samples
20th centuryCroatian