3rd-4th century CE
Purple circles and diamonds are connected in the upper portion of this band by a vine and berry motif. Between the circles and diamonds run stems with three berries on each side. Details of the circles and diamonds are created in the ‘flying shuttle’ technique in a buff colored supplementary weft. Below this pattern is a purple rectangle containing a buff colored dolphin with a curling tail and open mouth. Below the dolphin, the beginning of a vine scroll with acanthus leaves is visible. On either side of the tapestry woven band are several rows of plain woven linen. In the area of tapestry, the warps are linen and the wefts are dyed and undyed wool.
3.49 x 19.37 cm (1 3/8 x 7 5/8 in.)
Lampas with metallic brocading (silver filé and lamé)
17th centuryItalianSilk on cotton
20th centuryAfghanCompound weave silk with supplementary polychrome wefts
19th centuryJapaneseSilk, metallic yarns (filé. lamé and frisé) and sequins
18th-19th centuryItalianRoyal blue silk gauze with embroidered decoration
19th centuryChinesePurple and buff wool on undyed linen, tapestry woven
3rd-4th century CEByzantine