CIRCA 5TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.

Details

A COPTIC FRAGMENTARY FINE LINEN TUNIC WITH FISHERMAN ROUNDELS
CIRCA 5TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
With clavi over the shoulders, twin decorative bands above the wrist and four orbiculi (roundels) above the lower hem, another remaining on one shoulder, the roundels showing a fisherman on a pier casting a net, with Pharos lighthouse, fish and squid in the scene, the clavi and arm bands with squid and fish, remains of red decorative bands at neck opening and sleeve ends with circular motifs, the linen tunic ground with undyed woven stripes, 37 x 39 3/8 in. (94 x 100 cm.) approx.; a pair of Coptic linen trousers with belt loops, open vent on lower leg seam with ties at ankle, 33 in. (84 cm.) high, 5th-7th Century A.D.; and a pair of Coptic leather sandals, the soles perforated with stitching holes, with fragmentary remains of the straps, circa 5th-7th Century A.D., 8 5/8 in. (22 cm.) long (4)

Provenance

From a collection formed since 1984.

Special notice

VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price and at 15% on the buyer's premium Please note that the lots of Iranian origin are subject to U.S. trade restrictions which currently prohibit the import into the United States. Similar restrictions may apply in other countries.

Lot Essay

The tunic's roundels each depict a fisherman wearing a 'boater', standing on a platform, catching fish and squid. The lighthouse with large statue atop might be a representation of the Pharos of Alexandria, built by Sostratos of Cnidus. It was dedicated to the two 'Saviour Gods', Ptolemy I Soter and Berenice I in 285 B.C., and had a statue of either Poseidon or 'Zeus the Saviour' surmounting the tower.

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