Fragment
Nasrid dynasty (1230–1492), late 15th century
- Medium
- Silk, lampas technique; warp-float faced 4:1 satin weave with plain interlacings of secondary binding warps and patterning and self-patterning wefts;
- Classification
- Textile
- Dimensions
- 60.8 × 30.5 cm (23 7/8 × 12 in.)
- Culture
- Spain
- Museum
- Art Institute of Chicago, Textiles
- Credit line
- Purchased with funds provided by the Textile Society; Mrs. Julian Armstrong Jr.; Barbara E. and Richard J. Franke Fund, and the Nicole Williams Contemporary Textile Fund
- Rights
- Public domain (CC0), as the museum states it.
- Who can see it
- Little Ones profiles and older: it shows gentle subjects for the very young. How works are placed
View at the Art Institute of Chicago
About this work
Highly sought after in Islamic Spain, silk textiles such as this one are remarkable for their wide variety of designs and vivid color combinations. The design of this fragment is vibrant and sophisticated, setting an intricate geometric pattern against a lustrous satin-weave ground. The pattern joins white trilobed arches with a repeat design of green hop blossoms, stylized vegetal motifs, and yellow scrolling ornaments that recall the lush interior settings of the Alhambra, an extensive royal complex overlooking the city of Granada. These elements are closely connected to architectural decoration—especially stuccowork and wall tiles—and they were shared by potters, stucco carvers, and weavers. In impressive condition, this textile presents a clear sense of the luxury and splendor of Nasrid palace interiors. Indeed, weaving establishments were often attached to palaces and formed an important part of royal households.
Description © Art Institute of Chicago, CC BY 4.0
