Untitled (Textile Fragment, Coptic Period) - Fine Art Print

A reproduction of a Coptic textile fragment, featuring a dark, almond-shaped woollen element stitched onto a linen base.

This textile fragment originates from the Coptic period in Egypt, a time when the production of woven goods reached a high level of technical proficiency. The piece consists of a dark, woollen element shaped into an almond or vesica piscis form, which has been applied to a lighter linen backing. The edges show evidence of stitching, suggesting this was once part of a larger garment or decorative hanging.

The dark wool displays a dense, ribbed texture, characteristic of the weft-faced weaving techniques employed by artisans of the era. While the original colour has faded to a deep, near-black tone, the structural integrity of the weave remains visible under close inspection. The simple, geometric outline of the fragment reflects the aesthetic preferences of the period, where symbolic shapes were often used to adorn tunics and other domestic items.

Such fragments provide insight into the daily life and material culture of late antique Egypt. The preservation of this piece allows for an examination of the interaction between different fibre types and the methods used to secure decorative elements to base fabrics. The work is presented here as a high-resolution reproduction, capturing the physical texture of the original weave and the subtle variations in the thread density. It serves as an example of early textile craftsmanship, demonstrating the functional and decorative applications of weaving in the ancient world. The piece is currently held within the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is catalogued as part of their extensive holdings of Coptic textiles.