Loading, please wait...
LOT 0431
Egyptian Coptic Textile Fragment Group
CIRCA 5TH-6TH CENTURY A.D.
2 7/8 - 6 1/8 in. (40 grams total including package, 7.2-15.7 cm).
Comprising a fragment of a clavus in white and purple linen and wool, S torsion, the central scene representing a dancer; a small fragment of a double segmenta, ornamented with vegetal embroidery; two orbiculi, one embroidered with a flower inside a rondo and with a cross in the centre, the other with a simple vegetal ornament. [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, p.100-101, for similar textiles.
FootnotesThe segmentum with the dancer was probably part of the vertical clavus of a tunic; it is highly probable that the embroidery refers to the Dionysian cycle, with dancers, animals and probably, in the missing parts, hunters.
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Egyptian Amulet Bead Collection
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
Group of amuletic beads and pendants including a wedjat-eye, Horus in falcon form, a seated Bastet, Bes playing a tambourine, and other types. 3.3 grams total, 8-19.5 mm
with Archaeologia, Switzerland, before 1983. Ex private North American collection. London private collection, 2016. -
Egyptian Green Glass Pharaonic Face Inlay
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Formed as the profile of a youthful face with shallow socket to accept an eye-insert. 1.21 grams, 17 mm
Ex French collection, early 20th century. From the collection of a late Japanese gentleman, 1970s onwards. -
Egyptian Coptic Textile Fragment Group
Circa 4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Comprising: an orbiculus in purple wool and coarse linen, on brown linen background, S torsion, embroidered with two stylised lions, the borders crenellated; a tabula in purple wool and coarse linen, on brown linen background, S torsion, embroidered with a central cross, the borders decorated with meanders. 36 grams total including package, 8.7-13 cm
Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.
The tabula, or tablion, was a squared embroidery decorating tunics or mantles. The Christian elements, like the cross at the centre of our tabula, began to decorate the garments from the 4th century onwards.
