Artwork Page for Nude Female Dancers from a Tunic

Details / Information for Nude Female Dancers from a Tunic

Nude Female Dancers from a Tunic

700s

Egypt or Syria, Umayyad period (661–750) or Abbasid period

(750–1258)
Medium
Silk; complementary weft-faced twill weave with inner warps (samite)
Measurements
Overall: 15.5 x 14 cm (6 1/8 x 5 1/2 in.); Mounted: 21.6 x 14 cm (8 1/2 x 5 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1953.332
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

Four or six squares of this luxurious two-color silk were originally sewn on a linen tunic, two positioned above the hemline in the front and two in the back, and possibly two more at the shoulder. The folded edges are still visible, including a silk sewing thread on the right side. The brittle condition is evident in the numerous crisp breaks.

Description

Voluptuous females in sheer attire were not only depicted in contemporary wall paintings but also woven in lengths of silk fabric that were cut into squares to decorate linen tunics. These symmetrical female dancers, with anklets and long scarves draped around their shoulders, hold branches and pomegranates.
A rectangular silk textile fragment depicts two stylized, nude women with light skin tones dancing. Facing us side-by-side, they hold leafy stems in raised hands within a large oval border of wavy lines. The figures are rendered in tan against a muted reddish-brown background, featuring large, dark eyes and wavy hair. Stylized floral motifs occupy the corners. The fragment exhibits frayed edges and a prominent weave texture throughout.

Nude Female Dancers from a Tunic

700s

Egypt or Syria, Umayyad period (661–750) or Abbasid period (750–1258)

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