Egyptian Coptic Tunic Textile Fragments of Orbiculi, Segementa and Tablia with Animals, Geometric and Cross Decoration

CIRCA 4TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.

2 - 7 1/4 in. (11 grams total, 5.2-18.5 cm).

Comprising: an orbiculus in purple wool and coarse linen, S-torsion; a tabula in purple wool and coarse linen, on a brown linen background, S-torsion, embroidered with a central cross, the borders decorated with meanders; a broad segmentum in purple wool and coarse linen, on a brown linen background, S-torsion; a small orbiculus with vegetal ornaments. [4, No Reserve]

Provenance

Acquired 1970s-1996.
Property of a North American collector.
London collection, 2016.

Literature

Cf. Del Francia Barocas, L., Museo dell'Alto Medioevo, Roma, I materiali Copti, p.98, for similar textiles.

Footnotes

The tabula, or tablion, was a square embroidery decorating tunics or mantles. The Christian elements, like the cross at the centre of our tabula, began to decorate garments from the 4th century onwards.

CONDITION

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LOT 0513