Loading, please wait...
LOT 0584
Egyptian Coptic Textile Fragment Group
CIRCA 4TH-6TH CENTURY A.D.
3 - 8 in. (66 grams total including package, 7.8-20.5 cm).
Comprising: fragment of a segmentum in red and coarse linen, S torsion, embroidered with geometric motifs; fragment of another segmentum in red, yellow, blue and green wool, with representations of buds within a red frame; a small tabula in purple wool over linen background, embroidered with a stylised image of Pegasus; a double segmenta, in purple over linen, embroidered with wave motif. [5, 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.190, for similar textiles.
FootnotesThese are pieces of extraordinary finesse in both material and design. They all probably were once applied as a decoration of various garments, such as tunics, cloaks, and shawls.
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 Coptic Textile Fragment Group
Circa 4th-5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Comprising: an orbiculus in coarse linen and brown wool, S torsion, embroidered with the image of a stylised bird, surrounded by tondos ornamented with geometric embroidery, borders meander decorated; a similar fragment of double segmenta, embroidered with hares alternated to fishes. 9 grams total including package, 60-64 mm
Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.
The iconography of this fragment is called "Nilotic," as it depicts plant and human elements linked to life on the Nile River. These images are very recurrent on Coptic textiles. Weavers created patterns that allowed them to reproduce these motifs on any type of fabric (curtains, tassels, clothing). -
Romano-Egytian Bead and Amulet Collection
Late 1st millennium B.C.-early 1st millennium A.D. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £65
Including annular, tubular, tabular and other beads, and other items. 28 grams total, 0.6-12 cm
From an old deceased estate. Property of an East London lady collector, acquired at auction before 1995. -
Egyptian Coptic Textile Fragment Group
Circa 5th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Comprising: a decorative tunic stripe (clavus) in purple wool over coarse linen, S-twist tapestry, embroidered with floral medallions and stylised plants, borders decorated with meanders; fragment of a segmentum, in yellow, red green and brown wool, S-twist tapestry, divided in two sections, embroidered with a stylised human figure and geometric interlacing. 41 grams total including package, 15.5-22 cm
Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.
