570 - Egyptian Coptic Tunic Textile Fragment of an Orbiculus with Facing Military Horsemen. Circa 7th century A.D. Featuring a large central floral motif, divided into sections containing rhomboid patterns and bordered by meander designs, executed in a tapestry weave using raw wool in reddish-purple, yellow, and dark brown, with an S-twist. Cf. Del Francia Barocas, L., Museo dell'Alto Medioevo, Roma, I materiali Copti, pp.194-195, no.50, for a similar textile. 4.15 grams, 10.7 cm (4 1/4 in.). [No Reserve]

Egyptian Coptic Tunic Textile Fragment of an Orbiculus with Facing Military Horsemen. Circa 7th century A.D. Featuring a large central floral motif, divided into sections containing rhomboid patterns and bordered by meander designs, executed in a tapestry weave using raw wool in reddish-purple, yellow, and dark brown, with an S-twist. Cf. Del Francia Barocas, L., Museo dell'Alto Medioevo, Roma, I materiali Copti, pp.194-195, no.50, for a similar textile. 4.15 grams, 10.7 cm (4 1/4 in.). [No Reserve] Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016. In the Late Roman Period, round orbiculi decorated the shoulders and the lower part of tunics and inner tunics. These fabrics were of great decorative finesse, displaying an unusual and extremely well-preserved colour palette. When the tunic came to the end of its life, these embroideries could be recycled and patched onto another garment. The motif of the opposed horsemen could be related to a military tunic. 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.