Coptic Roundel with Male Portrait

$344.06

A finely decorated Coptic roundel, featuring a dark red, brown and ochre coloured wool. The medallion is embroidered to the centre with the depiction of a male portrait, shown on profile. The ground depicts a beautiful flora decoration, creating a delicate motif. The outer frame is in a dark brown simple line. This roundel was very likely part of a tunic, the most common garment in Coptic culture.

Date: Circa 4th-6th century AD
Condition: Fine. Part of the wool missing.

In stock

SKU: VB-47 Category: Tags: , , ,

Coptic textiles, whose production began in the 3rd and 4th centuries AD in Egypt, were hand woven with unbleached linen warps and dyed wool wefts. This beautiful Coptic textile managed to survive thanks to the dry and hot desert climate. During the Early Coptic period (3rd – 4th centuries AD), the primary decorative themes were taken from nature and Classical mythology. By the Middle Coptic period (5th – 7th centuries AD), depictions included abstract natural elements and Christian symbolism.

Weight 12.7 g
Dimensions L 11 x W 11 cm
Culture

Material

Region

You may also like…