Textile ArtsByzantine4th-5th century CE

Fragment: Braid Motif

4th-5th century

Description

This wide tapestry band in polychrome wool and linen is probably a fragment from a large hanging. It possibly represented a decorated column, which were common devices for dividing up scenes and motifs and evoking architecture on large-scale wall hangings. These columns were elaborately and colorfully decorated, with braid motifs especially favored. This fragment’s design consists of a simple double-filleted border (green and buff) on either side of a four-strand braid against a dark background. Buff dots fill the interstices in the braid. Each strand of the braid is composed of three different colors (either red, light buff, and dark buff or light yellow, dark yellow, and dark buff), the lightest of which is always in the middle—creating an effect of shading and variety. Each strand has a dark outline that blends into the braid’s background. The linen warps run perpendicularly to the length of the braid design, further supporting the suggestion that this piece belonged to a long curtain. A strip of plain-woven linen survives on one side of the tapestry band.

Classification

Textile Arts

Technique

Woven, mixed technique

Medium

Wool and linen, tapestry and plain weave

Culture

Byzantine

Period

Byzantine period, Early

Century

4th-5th century CE