702 - Egyptian Coptic Textile Fragment of an Orbiculus from a Tunic. Circa 4th century A.D. In purple wool and coarse linen, on a brown linen background, S-torsion, embroidered with vegetal ornaments, and the borders decorated with meanders. Cf. Forrer, R., Die Graeber und Textilfunde von Achmim Panopolis, Strassburg, 1891, pl.V no.7, for a textile similar in style. 6.38 grams, 10 x 9.8 cm (4 x 4 in.). [No Reserve]

Egyptian Coptic Textile Fragment of an Orbiculus from a Tunic. Circa 4th century A.D. In purple wool and coarse linen, on a brown linen background, S-torsion, embroidered with vegetal ornaments, and the borders decorated with meanders. Cf. Forrer, R., Die Graeber und Textilfunde von Achmim Panopolis, Strassburg, 1891, pl.V no.7, for a textile similar in style. 6.38 grams, 10 x 9.8 cm (4 x 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 kamisia (inner tunics). These fabrics were of great decorative finesse, displaying an unusual and extremely well-preserved colour palette. When the tunic was removed from use, these embroideries could be recycled and patched onto another garment. 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.