Jan 22, 2010

Roundel from a Curtain

Roundel from a Curtain

AD 300s

Plain weave ground with tapestry weave and supplementary weft wrapping; undyed linen and dyed wool

Overall: 45.2 x 47.7 cm (17 13/16 x 18 3/4 in.); Mounted: 64.1 x 64.1 x 2.5 cm (25 1/4 x 25 1/4 x 1 in.)

Gift of Henry Hunt Clark 1946.412

Location

Did you know?

The purple color was achieved with kermes, a dye derived from the dried bodies of insects of the same name.

Description

This circular element called a roundel that originally decorated a curtain displays a perfectly interlaced knot, a design believed to provide protection from harm. Curtains were often used as modular walls in houses, theaters, and Christian churches during the late Roman and early Christian periods.

See also

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