Fragment: Braid Motif
4th-5th century
Description
This wide tapestry band in polychrome wool and linen is probably a fragment from a large hanging. It possibly represented a decorated column, which were common devices for dividing up scenes and motifs and evoking architecture on large-scale wall hangings. These columns were elaborately and colorfully decorated, with braid motifs especially favored. This fragment’s design consists of a simple double-filleted border (green and buff) on either side of a four-strand braid against a dark background. Buff dots fill the interstices in the braid. Each strand of the braid is composed of three different colors (either red, light buff, and dark buff or light yellow, dark yellow, and dark buff), the lightest of which is always in the middle—creating an effect of shading and variety. Each strand has a dark outline that blends into the braid’s background. The linen warps run perpendicularly to the length of the braid design, further supporting the suggestion that this piece belonged to a long curtain. A strip of plain-woven linen survives on one side of the tapestry band.
Dimensions
actual: 44.5 x 17.58 cm (17 1/2 x 6 15/16 in.)
Related Artworks
View MoreWool and linen
7th-8th centuryByzantineWool and linen, tapestry woven
4th-5th century CEByzantineSatin with designs in slit tapestry weave (“kesi”)
19th centuryChineseLinen and wool, tapestry woven
8th centuryCopticWool and linen, tapestry weave set into fabric of linen loops
5th-6th centuryByzantineSilk lampas
17th centurySpanishResist-dyed silk, satin-stitch embroidery in silk and gold-foil-wrapped threads, and with selected details painted in dark green and black pigments
19th centuryJapanese