Ancient Egyptian Coptic textile fragment. Framed. - 73 mm

Coptic textile with a male figure – Egypt, Coptic period, 7th century CE.

Fragment of a Coptic textile dating to the 7th century CE, made in tapestry weave with dyed wool threads on a linen ground, characteristic of the textile workshops of late Christian Egypt.

The scene depicts a full-length male figure, shown in a dynamic profile pose with one leg advanced, suggesting movement or action. The figure is framed within a circular medallion, a motif very characteristic of Coptic textiles from the sixth to the seventh centuries.

The face, schematized yet expressive, features large almond-shaped eyes, a straight nose, and curly or wavy hair, outlined in dark tones. It wears a short tunic, with the body defined by dark outlines, following an iconography inherited from late-Roman and Hellenistic traditions, reinterpreted in the Coptic Christian context.

In one hand, an elongated object—possibly a staff, rod, or symbolic element—is held, while the overall gesture recalls representations of allegorical figures, civilian characters, symbolic warriors, or scenes of a decorative nature, rather than a specific hagiographic identification. The absence of clearly Christological attributes suggests an ornamental or allegorical scene, very common in textiles intended for clothing or domestic decoration.

The area outside the medallion is decorated with schematic secondary motifs, probably of a vegetal or symbolic nature, arranged in the corners.

Condition of preservation

Authentic and ancient fragment, with wear, losses and erosions commensurate with its age and historical use. The textile has been properly mounted onto linen for its conservation and is presented framed, allowing its immediate exhibition.

Measures

Textile fragment: 73 × 75 mm

Overall dimensions with frame: 22.5 × 16.7 cm

Provenance: United Kingdom auction house, April 2005


Legal and export note

Historical object over 100 years old.
According to current Spanish legislation, any international shipment from Spain may require an export permit from the Ministry of Culture.
The seller offers full management of the administrative process, including the preparation and submission of the necessary documentation.
The official fees and administrative costs arising from said permit will be borne by the buyer.
The estimated timeline for the granting of the permit is approximately 6-8 weeks.
The work may not be sent outside Spain until the relevant permit is obtained.

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Coptic Textile with Male Figure – Egypt, Coptic Period, 7th Century AD

Fragment of a Coptic textile dated to the 7th century AD, woven using the tapestry weave technique, with dyed wool threads on a linen ground, characteristic of the textile workshops of Christian Egypt in Late Antiquity.

The scene depicts a full-length male figure, shown in profile and in a dynamic posture, with one leg advanced, suggesting movement or action. The figure is enclosed within a circular medallion, a highly characteristic compositional feature of Coptic textiles from the 6th–7th centuries AD.

The face, schematically rendered yet expressive, features large almond-shaped eyes, a straight nose, and curly or wavy hair outlined in dark tones. The figure wears a short tunic, with the body defined by dark contours, reflecting an iconographic tradition rooted in Late Roman and Hellenistic models, reinterpreted within the Coptic cultural context.

In one hand, the figure holds an elongated object, possibly a staff, rod, or symbolic attribute. The overall pose recalls representations of allegorical figures, civil characters, symbolic warriors, or decorative scenes, rather than a specific hagiographic or Christian identification. The absence of explicit Christian attributes suggests an ornamental or allegorical composition, commonly found in textiles intended for garments or domestic decoration.

The area surrounding the medallion is decorated with schematic secondary motifs, likely vegetal or symbolic in nature, arranged in the corners.

Condition

An authentic ancient fragment, showing wear, losses, and abrasions consistent with its age and historical use. The textile has been professionally mounted on linen for conservation purposes and is presented framed, allowing for immediate display.

Measurements

Textile fragment: 73 × 75 mm

Overall framed dimensions: 22.5 × 16.7 cm

Provenance

Bonhams, auction of 21 April 2005

Legal and Export Notice

Historic object more than 100 years old.
In accordance with current Spanish legislation, any international shipment from Spain may require an export permit issued by the Ministry of Culture.
The seller offers full management of the administrative process, including the preparation and submission of the required documentation.
Official fees and administrative costs arising from this permit shall be borne by the buyer.
The estimated time frame for the granting of the export permit is approximately 6–8 weeks.
The object cannot be shipped outside Spain until the corresponding permit has been obtained.