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Ruth Garrido Vila

Textil Copto con motivo vegetal estilizado – Egipto, periodo copto, siglos VI–VII d.C.

Fragmento de textil copto fechado entre los siglos VI–VII d.C., realizado en técnica de tapicería (tapestry weave) con hilos de lana teñida sobre soporte de lino, característico de la producción textil del Egipto cristiano tardío.

La decoración representa un motivo vegetal altamente estilizado, dispuesto de manera simétrica y frontal, que puede interpretarse como un árbol de la vida, una palmeta floral o un motivo vegetal simbólico, tipología ampliamente difundida en los textiles coptos de época tardoantigua.

El diseño se compone de un tronco central vertical en tonos verdes, que se abre en la parte superior formando una estructura semicircular con lóbulos o pétalos radiales en rojo intenso, cada uno de ellos marcado por un elemento circular interior en verde, posiblemente representando frutos, semillas o motivos oculares de carácter simbólico. En la base se aprecia una franja horizontal roja que refuerza la composición.

La paleta cromática —dominada por rojos, verdes y ocres— es característica de los tintes naturales empleados en los talleres coptos, y la composición refleja una iconografía heredera de tradiciones tardo-romanas y orientales, reinterpretadas dentro del lenguaje decorativo cristiano egipcio. Este tipo de motivos vegetales se asocia frecuentemente con ideas de fertilidad, regeneración, vida eterna y abundancia, muy presentes en el simbolismo copto.

Por su forma y tamaño, el fragmento debió pertenecer originalmente a un elemento decorativo de vestimenta (clavus u orbeus) o a un textil doméstico.

Estado de conservación

Fragmento auténtico y antiguo, con desgaste, pérdidas y pequeñas lagunas propias de su antigüedad y uso histórico. El textil ha sido correctamente entelado sobre lino para su conservación y se presenta enmarcado, permitiendo su exhibición inmediata.

Medidas

Fragmento textil: 11,5 × 6,5 cm

Medidas totales con marco: 21,5 × 16 cm

Procedencia

Casa de Subastas Reino Unido, Abril 2005

Nota legal y de exportación

Objeto histórico con más de 100 años de antigüedad.
De acuerdo con la legislación española vigente, cualquier envío internacional desde España puede requerir un permiso de exportación del Ministerio de Cultura.
El vendedor ofrece la gestión completa del trámite administrativo, incluyendo la preparación y presentación de la documentación necesaria.
Las tasas oficiales y gastos administrativos derivados de dicho permiso serán asumidos por el comprador.
El plazo orientativo para la concesión del permiso es de 6-8 semanas aproximadamente.

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Coptic Textile with Stylised Vegetal Motif – Egypt, Coptic Period, 6th–7th Century AD

Fragment of a Coptic textile dated to the 6th–7th century AD, woven using the tapestry weave technique, with dyed wool threads on a linen ground, characteristic of the textile production of Christian Egypt in Late Antiquity.

The decoration depicts a highly stylised vegetal motif, arranged in a symmetrical and frontal composition, which may be interpreted as a Tree of Life, a palmette, or a symbolic floral motif, a type widely attested in Coptic textiles of the Late Antique period.

The design consists of a central vertical trunk in green tones, expanding at the upper part into a semi-circular structure with radiating lobes or petals rendered in deep red, each containing a small circular green element, possibly representing fruits, seeds, or symbolic “eye” motifs. A horizontal red band at the base reinforces the overall composition.

The colour palette—dominated by reds, greens, and ochre tones—is characteristic of the natural dyes used in Coptic workshops. The composition reflects an iconographic vocabulary rooted in Late Roman and Eastern traditions, reinterpreted within the decorative language of Christian Egypt. Such vegetal motifs are often associated with fertility, regeneration, eternal life, and abundance, concepts deeply embedded in Coptic symbolic imagery.

Based on its shape and dimensions, the fragment originally formed part of a decorative garment element (clavus or orbiculus) or a domestic textile.

Condition

An authentic ancient fragment, showing wear, losses, and minor lacunae 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: 11.5 × 6.5 cm

Overall framed dimensions: 21.5 × 16 cm

Provenance

UK AUCTION HOUSE 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.

7th century AD

Ancient Egyptian textile Coptic textile fragment - 11.5 cm

Archaeology

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Cretaceous, Lower (145 - 100.5 million years)

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Paleogene, Eocene (56 - 33.9 million years)

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Non-CITES species

CITES Appendix II - Annex B in the EU

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Ancient Egyptian textile Coptic textile fragment - 11.5 cm

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