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LOT 0557
Egyptian Coptic Textile Fragment Group
CIRCA 7TH-8TH CENTURY A.D.
1 3/4 - 8 in. (44 grams total including package, 4.3-20.5 cm).
Comprising: a fragment of a segmentum in linen and red, brown, yellow and blue wool, S torsion, embroidered with a series of heads alternating with a flying putto holding a melograne; a fragment of another segmentum in linen and red, brown, yellow and blue wool, S torsion, embroidered with vegetal patterns, borders decorated with meanders; a fragment of a segmentum in linen and red, brown, white, yellow and blue wool, S torsion, embroidered with floral buds; a small fragment of a tablion with geometric decoration, purple wool on linen. [4, No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 1970s-1996.
Property of a North American collector.
London collection, 2016.
Cf. Del Francia Barocas, L., Museo dell'Alto Medioevo, Roma, I materiali Copti, pp.204-205, for similar textiles.
FootnotesSome of these pieces are fragments from a tunic decoration, usually belonging to bands on red background, decorated with a series of motifs related to the Dionysian cult: usually these depict cherubs, fish, heads, palmettes, vegetal and floral ornaments, as well as figures of dancing puttoes within the orbiculi. The decorative motifs on these tunics were usually arranged vertically and horizontally.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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Egyptian Amulet Pendant Collection
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
Including jackal, feline, and other types. 1.66 grams total, 10-15 mm
with Archaeologia, Switzerland, before 1983. Ex private North American collection. London private collection, 2016. -
Coptic Wooden Standing Figure
Circa 4th-5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
With drum-shaped head and incised eyes, slender neck, reserved breasts, right arm bent with hand extended, trim waist, full hips, seated on a rectangular throne(?); deep vertical slot to the left side. 214 grams, 25cm
Fair condition, usage wear.
From an important central London collection formed since the mid 1960s; thence by descent. From the private collection of John Meredith, acquired since the 1990s; thence by descent. -
Large Egyptian Coptic Textile Fragment
Circa 4th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Very large tunic fragment with a clavus connected by a thin band to the orbiculus, in red purple, brown and red granate wool over linen, S torsion, embroidered with three tondos decorated with stylised images of dancers with raised heads and curly hair; crenellated borders. 108 grams total including package, 30 cm
Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.
This type of embroidery was typical of tunics and garments characterised by full-length clavi, decorated with either intricate geometric patterns or with a multitude of small figures and animals, often edged with geometric borders and finished with thick, weft-loop fringes or cords.
