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Details
LOT 0484
Egyptian Coptic Textile Fragment Group
CIRCA 7TH CENTURY A.D.
12 1/8 - 13 1/8 in. (207 grams total including package, 31-33.5 cm).
Comprising: a large fragment of a tunic with double segmenta in dark purple wool over linen, S torsion, formed by two parallel stripes, embroidered with kantharos and floral patterns, inscribed in tondos within bands with crenellated borders; a thin clavus connected to an orbiculus ending in an arrow shape, red purple and brown wool over linen, S torsion, embroidered with S shaped and lanceolate patterns. [2, No Reserve]
Provenance
Acquired 1970s-1996.
Property of a North American collector.
London collection, 2016.
Literature
Cf. Pritchard, F., Clothing culture, Dress in Egypt in the collection of The Whitworth Art Gallery, The University of Manchester, Manchester, 2006, figs.3.5, for similar textiles.
Footnotes
This type of embroideries were typical of tunics and garments characterised by full-length clavi, and segmenta, decorated with either intricate geometric patterns or floral and vegetal motifs. In Christian symbology, the kantharos was an ancient Greek wine cup that symbolised resurrection and eternal life through Christ.
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