This fragment of a silk doublecloth was found in Rayy, a town near Tehran. Its original function is unknown. The design features large human-headed birds confronting each other in octagonal compartments. These in turn are placed on a complex diapered background which includes foliate crosses and hares. It is interesting that the designer has inverted the pattern partway along the length of the fabric.

The paired birds with female heads resemble the vicious harpies of classical mythology. Islamic ‘harpies’, however, have a more positive, protective function. The Arabic inscription that surrounds them confirms this with its good wishes for the owner.