Roundel from a Blanket or Cover
300–499
- Medium
- tapestry weave with supplementary weft wrapping; undyed linen and dyed wool
- Dimensions
- Overall: 49.5 x 55.3 cm (19 1/2 x 21 3/4 in.); Mounted: 59.7 x 65.4 cm (23 1/2 x 25 3/4 in.)
- Genre
- Textile
- Museum
- Cleveland Museum of Art
Styles
Tags
Egypt, Byzantine period
About
Since pharaohs ruled ancient Egypt, linen cloth was woven with woolen loops for increased warmth and used as blankets and covers. Monochrome or single-color decoration as seen here dates this piece to the AD 300s. Polychrome or multicolor designs came later. Formed with deep purple wool and natural linen, the design consists of an outer circle with a knotted square inside.