This large tapestry square contains four roundels, each with an identical hybrid animal inside. These creatures appear to be half lion and half fish, or possibly hippocamps. Between the medallions are areas of decorative hatching composed of light and dark fibers. The tails and small fins on these creatures' tails are executed in yarn of a faded red color. Red bands also divide the front halves of the creatures from their fish tails and may indicate harnesses. Circles of this faded red color also appear in each area of hatching. Several small plant forms appear around the animals' legs and dark dots over their backs and heads.
27.9 x 29.2 cm (11 x 11 1/2 in.)
Silk and metallic (silver and gilt) yarns filé
15th centuryBohemianLinen and wool, tapestry woven
5th-6th centuryByzantineDark blue satin ground with brocaded decoration
17th-18th centuryChineseTextile fibers
20th centuryAmericanBrocade
18th centuryJapaneseSilk
ChineseSilk enhanced with silver thread
16th centuryOttomanWool
20th centuryKurdishWool
Near EasternPolychrome silk gauze with navy blue sash
20th centuryKoreanWarps: 3 Z spun S plied undyed white wool, some slightly darker; alternate warps slightly depressed. Weft: 1 ply Z spun undyed buff, or dyed red (Qashqai); 2 or 3 yarns per shoot. Pile: 2 S plied Z spun wool. Pile colors: dark indigo blue, blue green, medium blue, yellow, yellow green, white, dark brown/black. Knots: asymmetrical, open to the left. Knots per vertical decimeter: 49. Knots per horizontal decimeter: 48. Both selvedges: rewrapped. Top end: approz 1 cm. blue and white double cloth float weaved followed by double line countered soumak in red and white. Bottom end: stripped.
19th centuryPersianwool pile on a foundation of cotton warps and wefts
20th centuryPersian