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LOT 0435
Large Egyptian Coptic Textile Fragment
CIRCA 5TH-9TH CENTURY A.D.
14 1/8 in. (103 grams total including package, 36 cm).
A very large tunic fragment from the upper part of the garment, in purple and red wool over linen, S torsion, a horizontal band with geometric patterns alternating with zig-zag lines, and descending on the breast with two clavi, patterned in similar way; red border with cords in the upper part, dentilled border with floral and vegetal ornaments (plants, flowers and buds with cross) in the lower part.
ProvenanceAcquired 1970s-1996.
Property of a North American collector.
London collection, 2016.
Cf. Seagrott, M., Coptic Weaves, Merseyside County Museums, 1978, pl.18, for a fragment of a similar band.
FootnotesThese decorative bands had a ground weave in purple wool, with natural linen and red forming the inlaid design of formal sprigs and zig-zag patterns. The double woven selvedge of the tunic’s neck has been preserved in the upper part.
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 Coptic Textile Fragment Group
Circa 4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Comprising: fragment from a wide tunic segmentum in red granate and coarse linen, S torsion, embroidered with stylised birds and plants inscribed in tondos; fragment of another segmentum in red, blue and green wool, with representations of buds. 63 grams total including package, 19.5-25 cm
Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.
Similar figures are widely present in Coptic textiles, repeating a pattern in which flowers are usually paired with bird figures. This decoration is typical of tunics, but it was also used in large-scale textiles intended for domestic or funerary furnishings. -
Romano-Egyptian Glass Face Bead
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
Spherical with circumferential banding, preformed millefiori slices with human face around the centre band. 2.93 grams, 15 mm
From the private collection of the late Mr S.M., 1969-1999. -
Egyptian Amulet Collection
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Mainly heart-type amulets in various materials. 14.85 grams total, 20-26 mm
with Archaeologia, Switzerland, before 1983. Ex private North American collection. London private collection, 2016.
