The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of June 12, 2026

A roughly square fragment of woven silk and gold thread features a bird facing left among stylized floral motifs. The muted brown and tan fabric is textured with fine horizontal ribbing throughout, while glinting gold threads highlight the decorative forms. The edges are frayed and threadbare, with a small hole near the bottom left. The composition emphasizes the delicate woven patterns and the weathered, aged appearance of the ancient material.

Silk Fragment

1425–1450

Italy, second quarter of 15th century

lampas weave, silk and gold thread
Overall: 19.3 x 20.7 cm (7 5/8 x 8 1/8 in.)
Florence and Charles Abel Oriental Rug Collection by exchange 1971.69
Location: Not on view
  • Marienkirche, Danzig; (Loewi-Robertson, Inc., Los Angeles).
  • Year in Review: 1971. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (December 28, 1971-February 6, 1972).
  • {{cite web|title=Silk Fragment|url=false|author=|year=1425–1450|access-date=12 June 2026|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1971.69