Fragment
4th/5th century (made)
| Place of origin |
Red woollen cloth, tapestry-woven throughout, with ornament in purple wool and undyed linen threads. Two star-shaped panels, and a looped cross (ankh) between them, connected by a narrow wvy foliated stem, which is also extended at trhe sides to form a continuous horizontal band across the cloth. Above this is a narrow purple stripe and a wider mottled purple and white stripe. There is a thick red woollen cord all round.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | |
| Brief description | tapestry woven, Egyptian; Egyptian, Byzantine period. Wool warp |
| Physical description | Red woollen cloth, tapestry-woven throughout, with ornament in purple wool and undyed linen threads. Two star-shaped panels, and a looped cross (ankh) between them, connected by a narrow wvy foliated stem, which is also extended at trhe sides to form a continuous horizontal band across the cloth. Above this is a narrow purple stripe and a wider mottled purple and white stripe. There is a thick red woollen cord all round. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Gallery label | Cover
300-400 AD
Egypt
This cloth features a hieroglyphic ankh, or looped cross, that is unique to Egyptian art. The ankh represents the symbol of life and was of Christian significance from the 4th Century onwards. It also has earlier associations with Pharaonic burial practices.
Tapestry woven wool and linen
Museum No. 450-1887(2010) |
| Object history | Purchased from Henry Wallis |
| Association | |
| Summary | Red woollen cloth, tapestry-woven throughout, with ornament in purple wool and undyed linen threads. Two star-shaped panels, and a looped cross (ankh) between them, connected by a narrow wvy foliated stem, which is also extended at trhe sides to form a continuous horizontal band across the cloth. Above this is a narrow purple stripe and a wider mottled purple and white stripe. There is a thick red woollen cord all round. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 450-1887 |
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| Record created | June 24, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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