544 - Egyptian Mounted Coptic Tunic Textile Fragment of a Tablion with Animals. Circa 4th-7th century A.D. In purple wool and coarse linen, S-torsion, embroidered with an image of a horse and a flying putto, the borders decorated with meanders; mounted on linen backing. Cf. Forrer, R., Die Graeber und Textilfunde von Achmim Panopolis, Strassburg, 1891, pl.V no.7, for a tabula in similar style. 54 grams total, 14 cm (5 1/2 in.). [No Reserve]

Egyptian Mounted Coptic Tunic Textile Fragment of a Tablion with Animals. Circa 4th-7th century A.D. In purple wool and coarse linen, S-torsion, embroidered with an image of a horse and a flying putto, the borders decorated with meanders; mounted on linen backing. Cf. Forrer, R., Die Graeber und Textilfunde von Achmim Panopolis, Strassburg, 1891, pl.V no.7, for a tabula in similar style. 54 grams total, 14 cm (5 1/2 in.). [No Reserve] Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016. The tabula, or tablion, was a square embroidery decorating tunics and mantles. These fabrics were of great decorative finesse, displaying an unusual and extremely well-preserved colour palette. The animal design recalls Iranian motifs, while the flying putto combines Dionysiac and Christian figurative elements. TimeLine Auctions follows a rigorous vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists. See our website for more information.