Coptic Egypt, 7th–8th Centuries – Two Fragments Of Ancient Textiles With Geometric Patterns

Two fragmentary strips of fabric from Coptic garments, woven and decorated with polychrome geometric patterns. Based on their style, composition, and color palette, these pieces can be dated to the 7th–8th centuries CE.

-First fragment (18 cm): black geometric motifs on a red background.

-Second fragment (15 cm): blue and white geometric motifs on a red background.

These pieces originally belonged to garments from Christian Egypt, serving as their decorative bands. They were found in large numbers in ancient Egyptian necropolises, where the particularly dry desert conditions allowed for the remarkable preservation of the textiles and their colors.

Beginning in the second half of the 19th century, and more specifically between 1880 and 1930, numerous archaeological discoveries supplied the European market with fragments of Coptic textiles. Among the main sites of discovery are Antinoe (Antinoopolis), famous for the excavations led by Albert Gayet, Akhmim (ancient Panopolis), as well as the Fayoum region and Hawara. These necropolises yielded large quantities of garments, tunics, and funerary textiles.

At that time, these fragments were highly sought after by European travelers and collectors. They were frequently acquired as travel souvenirs, testifying to the antiquity and refinement of Egyptian textile arts. Their distinctive aesthetic—particularly their color combinations and geometric compositions—also sparked keen interest among artists and decorative art enthusiasts in the early 20th century.

Provenance: former Normandy collection, acquired at auction.

Two charming examples of Coptic Egyptian textile art, presented in their original fragmentary state.

Price does not include shipping costs

Police Registry Ref.: A271

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