A COPTIC TEXTILE PANEL

CIRCA 4TH-5TH CENTURY A.D.

Details

A COPTIC TEXTILE PANEL
CIRCA 4TH-5TH CENTURY A.D.
The rectangular polychrome panel with a fringed border, centered by four roundels each containing a running warrior, nude but for a mantle draped over the shoulder, the upper left warrior holding a bow and arrow, the other warriors carrying shields and attributes, framed by scrolling vines, enclosing various flora and fauna including a bird, a goat and a pomegranate
22¼ in. (56.5 cm.) long

Provenance

Patti Cadby Birch and Everett B. Birch, acquired in the 1970s.

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Lot Essay

Panels of this kind are often identified as tunic decoration or cushion covers. However, as Rutschowscaya notes (Coptic Fabrics, p. 144), it is more likely that "they are parts of large 'blankets' decorated with several tapestry squares, imitating shawls and curtains."

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