Ancient Egyptian textile Coptic textile fragment - 11.5 cm

Coptic textile with a stylized vegetal motif – Egypt, Coptic period, 6th–7th centuries CE.

Fragment of a Coptic textile, dated to the 6th–7th centuries CE, made in tapestry weave with dyed wool threads on a linen ground, characteristic of textile production in late Christian Egypt.

The decoration represents a highly stylized vegetal motif, arranged symmetrically and frontally, which can be interpreted as a Tree of Life, a floral palmette, or a symbolic vegetal motif—a typology widely disseminated in Coptic textiles from the late antique period.

The design consists of a central vertical trunk in green tones, which opens at the top to form a semicircular structure with lobes or radial petals in deep red, each marked by an inner green circular element, possibly representing fruits, seeds, or eye motifs of symbolic significance. At the base, a red horizontal band reinforces the composition.

The color palette, dominated by reds, greens, and ochres, is characteristic of the natural dyes used in Coptic workshops, and the composition reflects an iconography inherited from late-Roman and Eastern traditions, reinterpreted within the decorative language of Egyptian Christian art. These botanical motifs are frequently associated with ideas of fertility, regeneration, eternal life, and abundance, very present in Coptic symbolism.

Due to its shape and size, the fragment probably originated as part of a decorative element of clothing (clavus or orbeus) or of a household textile.

Condition of preservation

Authentic old fragment, with wear, losses and small gaps typical of its age and historical use. The textile has been properly mounted on linen for conservation and is presented framed, allowing immediate display.

Measures

Textile fragment: 11.5 × 6.5 cm

Total dimensions with frame: 21.5 × 16 cm

Origin

Auction House United Kingdom, 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.

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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.