3rd-4th century CE
Round textile fragment containing a pattern of knotted interlace surrounded by a border with a pattern that is likely a simplified version of a vine and grape motif. In the very center of the roundel is a four-petalled flower. The interlace consists of a pair of continuous parallel bands that coils and knots itself into four overhand knots. The effect is similar to a double Solomon’s knot. Where the two bands touch is decorated by a row of tiny dots. The majority of this roundel is composed of weft-faced weave of densely packed dark blue wefts. Small areas of undyed linen are introduced into the border design in slit tapestry. Almost all of the decoration on the roundel is created in the flying shuttle technique of supplementary weft wrapping. Undyed linen warps run throughout.
23 x 22.5 cm (9 1/16 x 8 7/8 in.)
Textile fibers
6th-7th centuryCopticWool pile on wool warps and wefts
19th centuryTurkishVelvet
19th-20th centuryEuropean?Woven silk velvet
19th centuryUzbekSilk embroidery on silk twill damask mounted on paper
16th-17th centuryKoreanSilk with gold metallic yarns
15th centuryEuropeanSilk and metallic (silver and gilt) yarns filé
15th centuryBohemianSilk lampas
17th centuryItalian?