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LOT 0576
Egyptian Coptic Textile Fragment Group
CIRCA 4TH-5TH CENTURY A.D.
2 3/4 - 9 5/8 in. (59 grams total including package, 7-24.5 cm).
Comprising: a fragment of a double segmenta from the sleeve of a tunic in purple wool on linen, embroidered with vegetal motifs; the fragment of a double segmenta from the hem of a cloak in brown wool on linen, embroidered with S pattern; a tablion with central geometric motif and border embroidered with meanders; a fragment of tapestry in yellow, green and red wool, S torsion, embroidered with floral patterns. [4, No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 1970s-1996.
Property of a North American collector.
London collection, 2016.
Cf. Del Francia Barocas, L., Antinoe, Cent’anni dopo, catalogo della mostra, Firenze, Palazzo Medici Riccardi, 10 Luglio – 1 novembre 1998, p.83, for similar textiles.
FootnotesThe fragments are decorative parts of tunics and cloaks. These are fabrics of great decorative finesse, with some elements displaying an unusual and extremely well-preserved color palette. The plant designs recall Iranian motifs.
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 Blue Glazed Amulet Collection
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Including a glazed composition plaque formed from four conjoined wedjat motifs, a pendant with pierced-work wedjat-eye, and a pendant with a double uraei motif. 14 grams total, 17.2-32 mm
with Archaeologia, Switzerland, before 1983. Ex private North American collection. London private collection, 2016. -
Egyptian Faience Hieroglyphic Scarab
Late-Ptolemaic Period, circa 664-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £176
Detailed carapace and legs, underside with hieroglyphs including opposing wedjat and djed pillar; pierced longitudinally. 6.64 grams, 24 mm
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s. -
Egyptian Coptic Textile Fragment Group
Circa 4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
Comprising: a segmentum in red, green and black wool upon coarse linen, S torsion, embroidered with two stylised human figures, standing with the arms along the body, inscribed within a square framed with red and black chevrons, black and yellow borders; a tabula in purple wool and coarse linen, on brown linen background, S torsion, embroidered with a central cross, the borders decorated with meanders. 41 grams total including package, 10.5-13.3 cm
Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.
The tabula, or tablion, was a square embroidery used to decorate 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.
