Tunic thumbnail 1
Tunic thumbnail 2
Not currently on display at the V&A

Tunic

4th-5th century (made)
Place of origin

Linen tunic (incomplete), with tapestry-woven ornaments in purple wool and undyed linen thread. The long shoulder-bands are filled with foliage having hares and antelopes at intervals. On the cuff-bands are wavy stems with flowers and fruit. The neck-bands each consist of an arcade of four semi-circular arches with classical figures, some of whom are dancing. The neck-opening is edged with a narrow band containing vases separated by small panels of interlaced ornament. Two square panels on the shoulders contain circles of guilloche ornament enclosing foliage. The smaller squares, near the lower edge on both back and front, each contain a lion attacking an antelope. A small cross on the front neck-band is probably an indication of the religious faith of the wearer. About one third of the width of the tunic, including one sleeve, is missing. Arcades with a figure under each arch are a favourite decoration of sarcophagi in the fourth century.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Brief description
part, linen, Coptic Egyptian; Tapestry woven purple wool; figures in an arch
Physical description
Linen tunic (incomplete), with tapestry-woven ornaments in purple wool and undyed linen thread. The long shoulder-bands are filled with foliage having hares and antelopes at intervals. On the cuff-bands are wavy stems with flowers and fruit. The neck-bands each consist of an arcade of four semi-circular arches with classical figures, some of whom are dancing. The neck-opening is edged with a narrow band containing vases separated by small panels of interlaced ornament. Two square panels on the shoulders contain circles of guilloche ornament enclosing foliage. The smaller squares, near the lower edge on both back and front, each contain a lion attacking an antelope. A small cross on the front neck-band is probably an indication of the religious faith of the wearer. About one third of the width of the tunic, including one sleeve, is missing. Arcades with a figure under each arch are a favourite decoration of sarcophagi in the fourth century.
Dimensions
  • Length: 4' 1"ft
  • Including sleeves width: 5'11"ft
Object history
242-1887 to 297-1887 inclusive purchased for 9s 6d from Reverend Greville Chester.
Association
Summary
Linen tunic (incomplete), with tapestry-woven ornaments in purple wool and undyed linen thread. The long shoulder-bands are filled with foliage having hares and antelopes at intervals. On the cuff-bands are wavy stems with flowers and fruit. The neck-bands each consist of an arcade of four semi-circular arches with classical figures, some of whom are dancing. The neck-opening is edged with a narrow band containing vases separated by small panels of interlaced ornament. Two square panels on the shoulders contain circles of guilloche ornament enclosing foliage. The smaller squares, near the lower edge on both back and front, each contain a lion attacking an antelope. A small cross on the front neck-band is probably an indication of the religious faith of the wearer. About one third of the width of the tunic, including one sleeve, is missing. Arcades with a figure under each arch are a favourite decoration of sarcophagi in the fourth century.
Collection
Accession number
290-1887

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdJune 24, 2009
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest