Origin: Egypt
Circa: 4 th Century AD to 7 th Century AD
Collection: Egyptian
Style: Coptic
Medium: Textile
For centuries, the native weavers of Egypt were famous for the richness of their work. Using intricate patterns and vivid colors, Coptic weavers created masterpieces of textile art. Coptic textiles, used for rugs, wall hangings and clothing appliques, were exported throughout the Roman and Byzantine empires. However, the finest surviving examples come from Egypt itself, where a dry climate has preserved the delicate fabric. Intimate in scale yet monumental in vision, these woven pictures speak of a world alive with color and movement. This abstract clothing applique, with a green field boldly outlined in black, depicts the tree of life, age-old symbol of joy and happiness. This vigorous motif has recurred in art since earliest antiquity. We assume that the individual who wore it long ago shared our joy in life's simple pleasures. - (PF.2110)

Antiquities
Ancient Egyptian