6th-7th century A.D. A large decorated square-shaped appliqué (tablion, tabula) fragment from a tunic or other garment, woven in linen and wool, embroidered with polygonal patterns and foliage, the tabula showing a central flower, its petals alternating with foliage, all the pattern inscribed in a circular panel, edged by arabesques and a triple squared border of meanders; linen background, mounted on a backing board with glass cover. See Del Francia Barocas, L., Museo dell'Alto Medioevo, Roma, I materiali copti (The Coptic Materials, in Italian), Roma, 1994, no.49, for similar style of fabric. 1.59 kg, 38.5 x 38.5 cm (15 1/8 x 15 1/8 in.) Private Swiss collection. Acquired at Hotel Des Ventes, Geneva, Switzerland, c. 2010. Property of a London gentleman. Accompanied by a copy of the Hotel Des Ventes invoice. The fragments, made with tapestry technique (white linen warp with left twist, weft in raw, green, purple blue, red and natural wool), was probably once part of a large tunic or garment, richly embroidered according the Late Roman style, with squared application (tabulae) and vertical (clavi) bands. [No Reserve]

Fair condition, corner of glass chipped.