A long, rectangular textile fragment with a red ground and animal figures woven in yellow with black, green, blue, and pink details.
after treatment Photo © President and Fellows of Harvard College
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after treatment Photo © President and Fellows of Harvard College

The tapestry-woven woolen textile is rectangular, with the central band largely intact. Two narrow stripes that border the top and bottom are largely missing with only the warp structure is present. The remaining weft depicts a multicolored geometric pattern. The central band has a red ground decorated with various animal figures worked mostly in yellow, with black, blue and green details. Small yellow roundels across the top, bottom, and middle of the red stripe are connected with a vine pattern to create diamonds that frame the figures.

Identification and Creation

Object Number
1931.36
Title
Band with Animal Motifs
Classification
Textile Arts
Work Type
textile
Period
Byzantine period
Culture
Byzantine
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/215280

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Linen and wool, tapestry woven
Technique
Woven, tapestry weave
Dimensions
71.76 x 13.97 cm (28 1/4 x 5 1/2 in.)

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of Charles Bain Hoyt
Accession Year
1931
Object Number
1931.36
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Description
A large tapestry-woven band filled with abstract and colorful animal motifs and possibly also several human figures. The composition of the band is divided into diamond and triangle shaped spaces by a trellis pattern; these spaces are filled with animals. Where the diamonds and triangles join are small yellow medallions containing white flowers. At the top and bottom of the diamonds are half medallions with half flowers. The trellis is defined by rows of trumpet-shaped flowers. The triangular spaces between each diamond contain the same figures in mirror image symmetry.
Along the sides of the inhabited area are borders consisting of connected lozenges; these lozenges are divided into colored segments and resemble jewels. Pairs of lozenges share the same design. Yellow, green, white, pink, red, and blue are the main colors used in the textile.
Undyed warps.

Exhibition History

  • 32Q: 3740 Egyptian, Harvard Art Museums, Cambridge, 06/01/2022 - 11/28/2022

Verification Level

This record was created from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator; it may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu