A circular tapestry-woven textile fragment in dark violet with an off-white motif showing a square double-knot with a four-petaled flower at the center and a circular vine border near the edge.
after-treatment (2013) Photo © President and Fellows of Harvard College
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after-treatment (2013) Photo © President and Fellows of Harvard College

The circular textile fragment is worked in a deep, bluish-purple color with an off-white, though heavily yellowed, design. A small part of the piece is damaged, revealing exposed warp yarn. The pattern consists of a large, square double-knot pattern in the middle of a circular border depicting a simple vine and grape motif positioned about halfway between the knot and the edge of the fragment. In the center of the knot is a small, four-petaled flower.

Identification and Creation

Object Number
1975.41.12
Title
Textile Round: Knotted Motif
Classification
Textile Arts
Work Type
tapestry
Date
3rd-4th century CE
Places
Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World, Africa, Egypt (Ancient)
Period
Byzantine period, Early
Culture
Byzantine
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/288700

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Wool and linen
Technique
Woven, mixed technique
Dimensions
23 x 22.5 cm (9 1/16 x 8 7/8 in.)

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of The Hagop Kevorkian Foundation in memory of Hagop Kevorkian
Accession Year
1975
Object Number
1975.41.12
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Description
Round textile fragment containing a pattern of knotted interlace surrounded by a border with a pattern that is likely a simplified version of a vine and grape motif. In the very center of the roundel is a four-petalled flower. The interlace consists of a pair of continuous parallel bands that coils and knots itself into four overhand knots. The effect is similar to a double Solomon’s knot. Where the two bands touch is decorated by a row of tiny dots.

The majority of this roundel is composed of weft-faced weave of densely packed dark blue wefts. Small areas of undyed linen are introduced into the border design in slit tapestry. Almost all of the decoration on the roundel is created in the flying shuttle technique of supplementary weft wrapping. Undyed linen warps run throughout.
Commentary
The geometric knotwork at its center is reminiscent of the intricate interlace patterns commonly found on floor and wall mosaics during the Roman and early Byzantine periods. Interlace and knot designs were likely apotropaic and averted the evil eye.

Publication History

  • The H. Kevorkian Collection Part Two: Assembled During Many Years of Travel and Excavation, auct. cat. (January 8-9, 1926), pp. 16-17, no. 91

Exhibition History

  • 32Q: 3740 Egyptian, Harvard Art Museums, Cambridge, 11/17/2015 - 06/01/2016

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